684A.85/5–251: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State 1
696. Shiloah told us he has had recent conference with King Abdullah at latter’s request to discuss Israel reply to PriMin Samir Kifai’s written proposal (see Embtel 667 Apr 20).2 When Shiloah enquired whether the King wished to have Samir present, Abdullah replied he preferred speak to him alone since he was displeased with both Samir and Shiloah over exchange of correspondence. He deplored raising sovereignty issue and Israel’s undiplomatic rejoinder saying he wondered whether both govts might not withdraw their respective communications. Shiloah replied that altho such withdrawal wld present some practical difficulties he believed it might nevertheless [Page 657] be done. The King then suggested Israelis disregard any intemperance in Jordan’s reply and consider possibility of withdrawing entire correspondence. Shiloah thereupon spoke of possibility that Israel might be prepared release some blocked balances in order to create more favorable atmosphere. He says King Abdullah showed lively interest in this prospect and seemed hopeful it might serve useful purpose. In this connection however Shiloah remarked that while he believes Abdullah means well and has good ideas, he has now become “wishful thinker” and is believed to lack real power to implement views which are his alone.