Office of the Historian

684A.85/6–1352: Telegram

No. 444
The Chargé in Israel (Keeler) to the Department of State1

confidential
Tel Aviv, June 13, 1952—5 p.m.

1363. Pass Army. At mtg requested by US division FonOff, Emb officer was today informed that GOI apprehensive over fol recent developments reported Jordanian and Syrian borders which FonOff believes being created as diversion from internal polit developments those states:

(A) Jordan.

1.
FonOff claims Jordanians trying create incident out of Israel’s erection of but in territory which Israelis claim under their control on basis map referred in 1948 Mount Scopus demilitarized zone agreement. Jordan contested claim on basis map drawn 1949 for purpose delineating Deir Abu Tur area south Jlem, but also showing Mount Scopus and “showed hostile intent” allegedly compelling Israel dig communication trench to but from nearest bldg Mount Scopus. As counter to Jordan complaint re but and trench, FonOff said Israel lodged complaint alleging Jordanians using Augusta Victoria Hospice part of Mount Scopus zone for purposes not allowed in 1948 agreement. In particular, Israelis claim, Jordan troops have been stationed in old army camp near Hospice.
2.
Night 9 June, two Israeli soldiers patrolling territory adjacent to no-mans land near Imwas in Jlem corridor, were kidnapped by Jordanians. Jordanian claims soldiers captured in fighting entirely unfounded, FonOff stated, since there was no confirmation any fighting in area that night.

(B) Syria.

1.
Syrians allege Israelis June 2 shot into extreme north central section demil zone, south of Darbashiya village. According FonOff UN examined area and found no sign of fighting.
2.
FonOff had report that this morning firing started from hill crest in Syria on to Israelis on Mount Susita above Ein Gev in southern sector demil zone; as of latest report, FonOff stated, firing continued without Israeli counterfire. (Israel fon liaison office, subsequently queried on this subject, confirmed shooting but stated only occurred once this morning and probably in connection choice poor site by Syrians for target practice.)
Keeler
  1. Repeated to Amman, Damascus, London, Paris, Jerusalem, Baghdad, Jidda, Ankara, and Cairo.↩