684A.85/4–2750: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
priority
309. Shiloah at annex to Prime Minister’s office told me April 27 following:
Shiloah met Abdullah alone in Amman night 25th. King was “cheerful and optimistic. He convinced his people support peace with Israel” and his present “stronger government will cooperate”. King is not fearful of actions by individual Arab States or by Arab League. He “counts confidently upon his friends,” presumably including Israelis. No mention of UK or US.
King agreed important proceed promptly with negotiations. He plans adjournment parliament next week and then with cabinet organize and brief peace delegate [delegation?]. By 10th May negotiations might begin and “should continue” until concluded.
King affirmed “loyalty” earlier agreed statement of Jordan-Israel principles. Only sign Shiloah discern of King’s possible plan increase Jordan demands was compensation to Arab refugees whom King said “should remain” in enlarged Jordan.
Shiloah now goes on fortnight vacation and returns to open negotiations.1
Sent Department 309, repeated Jerusalem 29, Department pass Geneva 23, Moscow 20, Paris 50, London 68, Amman 30, Cairo 75.
- Consulate General Jerusalem, on April 28, transmitted another account of the Abdullah-Shiloah conversation of April 25, based on information from General Riley. It covered much the same ground, stating additionally that the King “agrees with suggestion Israelis that when meetings resumed negotiators sit for two, three, or four days—continuously—to iron out all difficulties and to complete a paper. Abdullah suggested and Israelis concurred that negotiators sign paper at which time he will cover actions formally by taking up with PCC according to their new plan of procedure. Abdullah stated he would take all steps possible that an agreement is reached in the near future.” (Telegram 94, 684A.85/4–2850)↩