684A.85/3–350: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
priority
155. March 3 Shiloah with Kollek at residence [garble] Jordan meeting February 28. Next meeting night March 3, Shiloah said substantially: Leak of Wednesday “will probably not be serious”.
Israel’s draft February 28 was “except for minor changes mere for malization” of agreed statement. In contrast Jordan draft “removed all meat from agreed statement.” It eliminated (1) “non-aggression pact” and substituted “modification of armistice;” (2) provision for five years agreement; (3) “freedom of commerce and trade.” This last elimination was excused by Jordan by its “fear to break Arab League boycott.” In contrast Jordan draft emphasized principle of right to corridor, outlet to sea, free port Haifa and committee to study these.
[Page 775]After presentation two drafts followed three hours “vigorous argument” during which (King not present) chief Jordan spokesman was Fawzi Mulki with Samir as “observer” for King1 and Jamal Tukan, Palestine Arab, mostly silent. Assisting Shiloah was Dayan. Fawzi argued Jordan draft was “progress;” Shiloah insisted it was “retrogression”.
At midnight Shiloah said “no sense repeating ourselves and to prevent misunderstanding, I will leave note for King explaining impasse.” To this Jordans strongly objected and instead decided to “wake His Majesty”.
King who had “not seen Jordan draft” was “very annoyed” and “told Jordans off.” “His plan was result considerable thought and he intended adhere to it.” Then he described Jordan’s difficulties and “suffering of both countries” due loss trade. “Only alternative to agreement is war and Jordan in no position resume war.” King’s criticism Jordan draft was so “forthright and strong as to be bit embarrassing.” King “emphatic” he would get new Cabinet if necessary.
At conclusion King “commanded” both parties to come back “on Friday.” For first time he admitted “no possibility of delay” saying “position must be clarified.” He appealed to Israel to take account Jordan’s “difficulties” in revising Israel draft.
Shiloah replying said his draft “not bargaining draft but also not Ten Commandants [Commandments].”
In answer my question Shiloah said: (1) “As access to Wailing Wall is covered in Israel draft by broad pledge of access for all faiths to Holy Places;” (2) Latrun not specifically mentioned but covered by promise to divide “no man’s land.” Israel language “purposely vague” on Wall and Latrun “in order make Jordan acceptance easier”.
Shiloah estimates chances of agreement depend upon strength of King. Shiloah thinks Kirkbride is being helpful.
New subject: Shiloah interprets Eban’s account (Deptintel March 1, 6 a. m.)2 talk with Munim as “encouraging.” He added that “little more direct influence from US in Cairo might be decisive.” (Caffery please note.)3
Sent Department 155, repeated Jerusalem 14, Department pass Cairo 45, Geneva 6, Amman 12, London 36, Paris 25; pouched Arab capitals.
- Note that Amman’s account of the Israeli-Jordanian talks in telegram 35, March 2, supra, indicates that Samir Rifai was absent.↩
- This circular telegram not printed.↩
- Ambassador Caffery, in reply on March 4, stated that he was trying to lead the Egyptians in the desired direction and requested Ambassador McDonald to “tell Israelis please, no more leaks.” (Telegram 28 to Tel Aviv, repeated to the Department of State as No. 216, 684A.85/3–450)↩