Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

357.AC/5–2350: Telegram

The Minister in Jordan (Drew) to the Secretary of State

secret

Amman, May 23, 1950—6 p. m.

108. Re Deptel 67 May 20.¹ Minister Defense unable receive me discuss PCC proposal until morning May 23 when he informed me Cabinet, at meeting preceding day, had learned from FonMin Shuraiki Pasha of joint reply to latest PCC proposal despatched with Jordan concurrence from Cairo by AL Political Committee. Reply understood amounts reiteration AL communication of April 14 setting forth conditions under which Arab states would agree to renewed negotiations with Israel. Fawzi Pasha said that no decision would be taken by Cabinet until receipt further communication from PCC.

I gained impression Fawzi Pasha, although more moderate in his approach to Israeli problem than some of his Cabinet colleagues, also seriously impressed by meeting he held recently on behalf government with representative group members of Parliament. He said they all supported strongly Arab League stand re conditions precedent to PCC negotiations. He also insisted that public opinion continues strongly opposed settlement dismissing recent Palestine pro-peace editorials as inspired by King. He claimed that public feels that British recognition unification and guarantee armistice lines had lessened urgency of making peace with Israel. He also stated that May 22 cabinet meeting disclosed solid support for AL conditions. On this point, I hazard guess that FonMin has returned from successful defence in Cairo of Jordan unification with enhanced prestige and influence in Cabinet and that having just subscribed to Political Committee’s reply to PCC he could hardly advocate any modification of that position at present time.

Minister Defense promises keep me informed any possible developments. I am not satisfied he told me whole story and may have more later.²

Department pass London Geneva, sent Department 108, repeated info London 40, Geneva USPCC 26.

Drew

1. Not printed; but see footnote 1, p. 890.
2. The Legation in Amman reported, on May 25, that Foreign Minister Shuraiki had confirmed the general tenor of the statements made to Minister Drew by the Minister of Defense but had nothing to say concerning the substance of the PCC proposal. (Telegram 111, 357.AC/5–2550)