684.85/4–2650: Telegram
The Minister in Jordan (Drew) to the Secretary of State
84. Tel Aviv’s 286, April 23.1 At audience with King April 26 he described as optimistic and premature any suggestion negotiations with Israel would be resumed immediate future. He said first he must [Page 874] wait subsidence tempest in Arab teapot re Union east and west Jordan. Next he has in mind attitude Parliament re resumption negotiations. However, he was not pessimistic re Parliament pointing out that Palestine members in particular have stake in settlement because of property and other interests Israeli held territory. He even ventured it not impossible Parliament itself might take initiative pressing for settlement with Israel.
Kirkbride informs me King has received message from Shiloah expressing hope talks will soon be resumed and that at meeting with Jordan officials Kirkbride could be present. He has wired Foreign Office for instructions re this rather remarkable proposal.
Having in mind the many factors involved including reluctance Prime Minister resume negotiations; known opposition considerable number members Parliament; recent decision Arab League; and pending question recognition Act of Union of April 24, I should be surprised if negotiations were resumed in very near future. Shall endeavor keep informed of developments while avoiding any appearance of pressing for early resumption which I consider momentarily inopportune.
Sent Department 84, Department pass London 33, Tel Aviv 29, Jerusalem 31, Cairo 16, Damascus 15, Jidda 10, Beirut 14, Baghdad 10.
- Not printed; it reported information from Mr. Shiloah that “we have word from Amman that Jordan-Israel contacts will be resumed week of 23rd.” (684.85/4–2350) Mr. Shiloah reaffirmed, on April 24, his expectation of seeing King Abdullah “this week”, although a specific date had not been fixed. He also indicated Israeli expectation that King would seek additional concessions as compensation for the threats by the Arab League (telegram 293, April 25, 684.85/4–2550). Tel Aviv reported on April 25 that today’s newspapers carried a statement by the spokesman of the Israeli Government to the effect that the annexation of Arab Palestine was a “unilateral act” and that the “status of Arab areas west of Jordan ‘remained open question as far as Israel concerned’. Spokesman continued Jordan’s move in no way bound Israel and he reiterated government’s ‘firm intention’ to abide by armistice agreement but added entailed final political settlement. He concluded to effect no final settlement would be possible without negotiation peace treaty between two countries.” (Telegram 298, 684A.85/4–2550)↩