684A.85/2–1950: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
priority
123. At residence February 19 Shiloah with Kollek reported as follows:
At Israel-Transjordan meeting night February 17 agreed between Shiloah and Samir and King that now impossible make peace because [Page 752] neither side can now [make] necessary concessions. As King put it, “now is too near period of war.”
Towards end of meeting (Geneva for USTC and USPCC) King reappeared and proposed following:
- 1.
- Five year renewable non-aggression pact maintaining armistice lines.
- 2.
- Free intercourse between two countries with free zone at Haifa.
- 3.
- Setting up study committees to examine specific issues possible basis peace.
- 4.
- Mutual guarantees to UN re maintenance freedom access and protection holy places. Suggested some Israel concession to Arab property owners and said he reserves for future consideration his claim to sea outlet. Answering Israel representative question re access to Scopus, King indicated willingness to include provision providing access.
February 1 Shiloah consulted Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. His impression is Israel Cabinet will accept King’s proposals “as basis talks”. He hopes these will be “continuous until agreement reached”.
Comment: I have impression Israel is pleased, and hopes to secure agreement before TC acts on Jerusalem. End comment.
Sent Department 123, Department pass Cairo 38, Geneva 3, London 31, Moscow 5, Paris 18, pouched other Arab capitals.