350/3–150: Telegram
The United States Delegation to the Trusteeship Council to the Secretary of State
302. Tcdel 106. Eban and Raphael (Israel) informed USDel this morning that document re nonaggression pact and guarantees for Holy Places (Amman 33, February 27, and Tel Aviv 142, February 26) had been initialed last Friday by Israeli and Jordan representives. Eban said he now waiting hourly for information document formally signed last night. He said in view Jordan Cabinet difficulties he keeping “fingers crossed”.
Eban considered reference in document to guarantees for Holy Places considerable step forward by Jordon and he hoped these developments, which he presumed would be made public after formal signature, would be taken into consideration by TC during second reading draft statute. He said TC president had indicated this morning that TC might complete its action on statute by end this week. USDel pointed out, however, this unlikely in view probable lengthy discussions on certain articles. It seemed more likely further consideration statute would have to be postponed until latter part March in order permit consideration other items TC agenda.
Eban stressed reference to guarantees Holy Places in initial document was statement principle only and that form and details remained, to be worked out. He felt this would leave room negotiation at some later stage with TC. He indicated that when Jerusalem statute completed, his Government would not reject it outright but would reply with offer re international supervision Holy Places. He assumed Jordan would do same. USDel again impressed upon him necessity that offer should take fully into account Christian and third party interests in Jerusalem, otherwise arrangement would probably be unacceptable.
Finally Eban expressed hope Jordan participation in TC would in future be more positive and thought it might be desirable for Jordan to send more qualified representative such as Fawzi el Mulki.1 We indicated to Eban that Israel might well take this matter up itself with Jordan.
Sent Department 302; repeated London 81, Jerusalem unnumbered: Department pass Tel Aviv unnumbered, Amman unnumbered, USUN unnumbered.
- Jordanian Foreign Minister.↩