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

357.AC/8–1750: Telegram

The United States Representative on the Palestine Conciliation Commission (Palmer) to the Secretary of State

confidential

Jerusalem, August 17, 1950—2 p. m.

40. Palun 379. Jordan Prime Minister Said Pasha El Mufti entertained entire Commission at tea afternoon August 14. Foreign Minister Shuraiqi, Azmi Bey Nashashibi, and other officials also present. On conclusion social activities press officer Sabit Bey Khalidi read on behalf of Prime Minister an English translation of note setting forth views of Jordan Government re Palestine settlement. Prime Minister’s message began by stating PCC had heard personal views of King at audience that morning. Prime Minister now wished clarify views of government in light of guidance supplied by HM. Note discussed three aspects of Palestine situation: (1) refugees, (2) territorial adjustments and (3) final settlement.

Re. refugees Prime Minister said technical studies indicated even after land reclaimed, water provided and necessary capital secured, would still possibly settle only 100,000 refugees in Jordan. 500,000 refugees would remain dependent on foreign aid scheduled cease by June 1951. These refugees would then face misery, disease, and would constitute fertile ground for spread of “destructive ideas” and thus become threat to security. Jordan therefore proposed following:

1. Former inhabitants Arab area demarcated in map attached to 12 May protocol should return their home soonest and prior expiration UN assistance program.

2. Jordan Ministry of Refugees would cooperate with PRA to ensure employment and food for refugees choosing remain in Jordan.

3. UN should warn Israel all immovable property of refugees from Palestine conflict should be preserved for original owners for retention or sale by them and exchange for full value.

Re territorial adjustments, Jordan proposed in order attain stability and as way to peace, that special committee be reestablished under article 8 of armistice, but noted that it was vital for Jordan have indication Israel goodwill possibly by (a) surrender of Arab quarters Jerusalem, (b) return to Jordan of Arab lands and property in Tulkarm area. These questions however could be settled in committee. Prime Minister then complained about repeated Jewish violation armistice agreement and the alleged failure MAC to stop violations. He stated Jordan unaware whether weakness MAC toward Jews was leniency on part of individuals or in accord their instructions. Prime Minister expressed belief satisfactory territorial adjustments could be reached through special committee.

Re final settlement, Prime Minister said Jordan’s attitude this question dependent on coordinated policy Arab states and Israel willingness honor Lausanne protocol as basis for territorial settlement, as well as Israel acceptance provisions UNGA resolution 11 December 1948 re refugees.

Comment: It is possible this statement of Jordan Prime Minister’s may indicate that if Israel is prepared offer adequate basis for negotiation, Jordan Government willing reach territorial settlement through special committee which would not however alter final settlement. In this way Jordan could still maintain united front with Arab states with regard to a so-called final settlement.

Jerusalem Post August 16 reports that NE Arab broadcasting station has announced that Jordan has named to special committee Hamed Bey Farhan, Director Department of Statistics, and Azmi Bey Nashashibi, chief of Jordan delegation to MAC.¹

[Palmer]

1. On the morning of August 14, King Abdullah granted an audience to the Palestine Conciliation Commission, in the presence of the Jordanian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The King emphasized he was talking for himself. He discussed the refugee and compensation problems. He then denounced Israeli arrogance and reluctance to meet the reasonable demands of Jordan, which he described as an outlet to the Mediterranean, the cession to Jordan of that part of the Negev east of a line drawn from Dhahiriya to Akaba, and the adjustment of the demarcation line in the triangle area (telegram 44, identified also as Palun 381, August 21, from Jerusalem, 357.AC/8–2150.)