786.00/4–350: Telegram
The Minister in Jordan (Drew) to the Secretary of State
priority
64. Interview April 2 King Abdullah gave me [in] strictest confidence his interpretation Jordan delegation’s action support Arab League resolution providing expulsion members state negotiating with Israel.
Following April 11 elections His Majesty intends resume negotiations with Israel simultaneously informing League and calling on other states follow same course. If all oppose, he fully prepared face expulsion League for which he displays ill-concealed contempt.
King reminded me he had never discussed real peace treaty Israel but that suspended talks envisaged only extension existing armistice agreement. While text Arab League resolution not available here, I infer King may have in mind legalistic out.
King wants Jews to know his plans but I leave to Department nature of any instructions may wish give my colleague Tel Aviv. Obviously recurrence of past Israeli leaks could have most serious repercussions especially during current League session. Extreme caution indicated use this information, unless of course, King himself talks too much as has been known to do.
His Majesty has preliminary but vague information re nature mediation proposals being brought Jerusalem by Boisanger. He understands they embrace whole horizon meeting both Israeli thesis favor direct negotiations and Arab objections individual states holding talks. He eagerly welcomes visit hoping one or more other Arab [Page 837] Governments may come in and that if not, use of UN machinery will strengthen his hand vis-à-vis League event he has to go it alone.
King emphasized importance role of new Parliament due convene May 1 in Israeli negotiations hinting it would be brought into picture. Throughout conversation displayed serene optimism which should not, however, induce over-sanguine attitude our part as aside from menace sanctions by other Arab states I am increasingly impressed extent and intensity internal opposition any negotiations from Palestine element both in and out of government.