Office of the Historian

867N.01/7–2349: Telegram

The Chargé in Jordan (Stabler) to the Secretary of State

secret
Amman, July 23, 1949—midnight.

291. During talk with King this morning, he made following comments:

1.
He had received no information from Fawzi Pasha re agreement Transjordan and Arab delegates that Transjordan should annex Arab Palestine (Depintel July 21, 1 a. m.1). However, believed annexation inevitable and desirable. During feast next week, delegation from Nablus would present to him formal request for annexation, having first held meeting in Nablus to accept partition principle. Delegation would include former followers of Mufti and he thought this action significant. HM felt such areas as might be returned to Arabs should also be annexed to Transjordan.
2.
Regardless what other Arab states wished Transjordan still desired settle with Israel on permanent basis. “This is my will.”
3.
He had sent memo to government suggesting new ministry for resettlement (refugees) be formed, under Ragheb Bey Nasha Shibir (former mayor Jerusalem and elder statesman) if latter would accept. Ministry would be charged with formulation plan to resettle refugees in Transjordan and Arab Palestine along lines Legtel 286, July 20.2 [Page 1248] In addition each Transjordan village would be requested take 10 percent refugees living in Hebron and Samaria districts where resettlement possibilities difficult. He again expressed hope Transjordan would receive US and international aid soonest. Promised would send me copy his memo to government.
4.
He doubted whether league political committee would hold meeting as planned since no agreement on site could be reached. If not held it would make no difference.
5.
King has received official invitation visit Spain and would do so following visit to England. (Re visits please see Legtel 274, July 5.3)

Pouched Madrid, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Arab capitals, London.

Department summarize USDel PCC.

Stabler
  1. Not printed.↩
  2. Not printed; it reported information from King Abdullah that “He had given orders to his government begin resettlement in Jordan and Arab Palestine and had in mind scheme to be directed by Musa Alami for use his private and state domain lands on both sides Jordan valley.” (501.BB Palestine/7–2040)↩
  3. Not printed, but see footnote 1 to telegram 117, p. 1284.↩