684A.85/8–1250
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Officer in Charge of Egypt and Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Affairs (Stabler)
Subject: Palestine and related problems
| Participants: | Abdel Moneim Bey Rifai, Counselor of the Jordan Legation |
| NEA—Mr. George C. McGhee | |
| NE—Mr. Wells Stabler |
Problem: To convey to Mr. Rifai certain views prior to his departure for Amman.
Action Required: None
Action Assigned to:—
Discussion: Mr. Rifai called at his request to say goodbye prior to his departure on transfer to Amman August 20. He said how much he had appreciated the courtesies extended to him while in the United States and that during his year of service he had had a good opportunity of understanding the underlying philosophy of American policies throughout the world. He had come in to see Mr. McGhee to ascertain whether there was any message which he could convey to the King and the Jordan Government upon his return to Amman.
Mr. McGhee outlined the position of the United States in the world today and pointed out that we were motivated only by our desire to assist in strengthening the free world. The US had no ulterior motives in its various programs and we had no desire to obtain territories or special political privileges. He cited as an example of our policies the position which we hold in Greece today. Our only interests had been to bolster Greece in its desire to remain a free nation. Just as soon as the threat to Greek independence has been removed we shall be only too happy to withdraw. However, it was necessary to bear in mind that because of the vast responsibilities which the U.S. has had thrust upon it, it was not possible for our policies to please everybody. We are aware of this fact and hope that others will also recognize what our basic motives are in dealing with world problems.
[Page 969]Mr. Rifai expressed his appreciation for this frank expression of view and said that he had come to understand this during his tour in Washington. He then referred to the question of Palestine and said that, as we knew, the King wished to settle his problems with Israel as soon as possible. However, he was up against opposition both in his country and the other Arab States, and Mr. Rifai wondered whether there was anything we could tell him which he could use when he returned to Amman to support and encourage those who felt that peace with Israel was desirable. If it was possible to explain the need for peace in a rational way to public opinion in Jordan, it would undoubtedly make the King’s task easier. Mr. Rifai mentioned that the various incidents which have occurred recently between certain of the Arab States and Israel played into the hands of those who opposed peace.
Mr. McGhee said that we had greatly appreciated the King’s attitude on this question but wanted to make it clear that we did not wish in any way to press him. We felt that it would be preferable for him and Israel to reach peace on a basis which was mutually satisfactory to them. While we were anxious that peace and stability return to the area, it must come through the conviction of the States concerned that peace was a necessity. With respect to these incidents Mr. McGhee pointed out that we favored a full and immediate investigation of the facts by the Mixed Armistice Commission. If these Commissions came up with a report on any given incident which made clear that one side or the other was at fault, we should support whatever action the UN might recommend.
Mr. Rifai then referred to the question of Jerusalem and asked what would be done about this question during the General Assembly.
Mr. McGhee and Mr. Stabler stated that the U.S. favored a solution to this problem which would be satisfactory to the two parties immediately concerned as well as to the world community which had a legitimate interest in Jerusalem. Israel had moved a long way from its original position and had presented a plan to the UN. We felt that Jordan should also move from its negative position and recognize that complete Jordan control of the area it presently holds in Jerusalem was not possible. The impression which had been created by Jordan during the Trusteeship Council meetings in Geneva was not favorable and we believed that if Jordan came to the General Assembly with a real desire to settle the Jerusalem question it could be settled once and for all. Mr. Rifai said he would bear these comments in mind.
Mr. Rifai mentioned that the King and Jordan were solidly behind the West in its opposition to communism and that we could count on Jordan’s support. Mr. McGhee expressed his appreciation for these [Page 970] words and said that we had been very much encouraged by the immediate and strong stand which Jordan had taken with respect to the Korean situation. We felt certain that we could continue to count on Jordan.
Mr. Rifai expressed his appreciation for having been received by Mr. McGhee and said that he would inform the King and the Jordan Government in detail of this discussion.