Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

684A.85/2–2050: Telegram

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

secret

Amman, February 20, 1950—1 p. m.

28. Night February 17 Shiloah and Dayan at their request visited King Abdullah and Samir at Shuneh order reopen discussions general Jordan-Israel settlement. Legation informed by Kirkbride during talks King grew impatient lack of progress outlining his present terms for settlement as follows:

1. Demarcation lines to follow generally present armistice lines.

2. Nonaggression pact for five years during which period joint Jordan-Israeli committee to be set up under proposed agreement would make minor adjustments based mutual convenience.

3. Free port zone for Jordan in Haifa with guaranteed transit rights.

4. Previous Jordan claim corridor to sea reserved for possible future presentation.

5. Opening trade between two countries.

6. Israel is to have right access Scopus institutions and Wailing Wall but no sovereignty over them.

7. Israel is to restore certain Arab quarters Jerusalem and make cash compensation unrestored property.

8. Israel is [to] permit Arab property holders, or their agents, visit Israel to dispose of their property.

9. Jerusalem Holy places to be “demilitarized”. (Exact meaning this term unclear).

Israel is reportedly greatly encouraged by this turn negotiations and stated King’s new terms constituted great contribution success talks. Agreed confer with superiors Tel Aviv and return with their reaction for further talks evening February 20.¹

Jordan Cabinet unaware this new development but will be informed if Israeli reaction favorable.

Next step would be Cabinet decision whether negotiate formally on King’s terms. Legation doubtful Cabinet decision would be favorable. (Kirkbride agrees this view.) In such case King would have make difficult choice between dismissing government favor one more amenable to his wishes and continuing present stalemate vis-à-vis Israel.

Sent Department 28, Department pass London 13, Tel Aviv 12, Jerusalem 11, Geneva 10, for USPCC 11 and USTC 9. Pouched Arab capitals.

Fritzlan

1. Legation Amman advised, on February 23, that the meeting of Jordanian and Israeli representatives scheduled for February 20 had not taken place (telegram 30, 684A.85/2–2350).