684.85/5–350: Telegram
The Minister in Jordan (Drew) to the Secretary of State
90. Legtel 84, April 26. Learn from Kirkbride that King Abdullah’s meeting with Shiloah night 25 held without prior knowledge any member his government and only disclosed to Kirkbride several days later. King’s request British Minister informed PriMin Said Pasha Mufti of meeting. Response King’s query transmitted thru British Minister re PriMin’s attitude he stated all members cabinet oppose resumption negotiations this time. PriMin asked Kirkbride prevail on King not resume negotiations which British Minister obviously very reluctant to do, as he does not want be put in position assume blame for postponement. No doubt Kirkbride’s mind that PriMin and cabinet would resign if hand forced by King. PriMin intends raise matter cabinet meeting next day or two and if usual cabinet leaks occur news will reach public at once. According Kirkbride, PriMin thinks not over five or six members parliament would support peace negotiations this time. Recalled abortive negotiations of March failed primarily because of King’s impetuous demand speedy action. Commented King has himself in bad hole and is going to have difficulty extricating himself.
Incidentally, Kirkbride remarked this was first time King has ever held out on him. His unusual reticence with Kirkbride and me probably inspired by desire keep meeting secret from his own government and realization he was acting hastily.
Re Shiloah’s statement (Tel Aviv’s 309 to Department1) King intended adjourn parliament this week, Kirkbride doubts this very much. Some talk government circles that following adoption proposed amendments constitution King may dissolve parliament and call new elections according practice some European countries, although nothing definite re this.
When news recent resumption contacts with Shiloah becomes known it will probably be denied by Abdullah, following which course of events dependent on King’s completely unpredictable decision. I still consider as valid factors militating against early resumption negotiations mentioned mytel 84 A[pril] 26.
Sent Department 90; Department pass London 35, Tel Aviv 31, Jerusalem 33, Cairo 20, Damascus 17, Jidda 12, Beirut 16, Baghdad 12.