Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

684A.85/5–2753: Telegram

No. 620
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Israel¹

secret
NIACT

Washington, May 27, 1953—7:31 p.m.

1059. RefDeptel 625 Amman, 770 Tel Aviv, 40 Jerusalem, 5372 London, 4389 Paris, February 12² and recent tels Amman Tel Aviv Jerusalem re Jordan-Israel border situation.

1. Department continues believe solution Israel-Jordan border violations lies in concerted effort both parties reach permanent workable arrangements faithfully implemented by both sides with policing and necessary investigations by MAC.

2. Department not in position determine responsibility recent incidents but from record to date Israel appears bear at least its share circumstantial responsibility for current tension since incidents cited Amman’s 979, 984, 992 and 1001³ are prima facie more serious than Shaar Hagai and Shariff incidents reported Tel Aviv’s 1782.⁴ Should Israel “occupy one or two spots” now occupied by Jordan USG would probably consider this as requiring action under Tripartite Declaration. Department approves Russell’s remarks to Sharett (Tel Aviv 1782) and authorizes IG be informed of above plus first two points recommendation Tel Aviv’s 1783.⁵

3. Department pleased to note Israel has accepted Secretary’s suggestion that Israel agree to reinstitution local commanders agreement with Jordan but concerned that such acceptance conditioned by adaptation terms “to present circumstances”. However, believing recognizing Israel’s act is step forward, it is hoped both parties will fully implement agreement.

4. Without disclosing details Amman may inform HKJ U.S. has made serious representations to IG re border situation and that it considers over-all border problems should be discussed in high level Jordan-Israel talks. Department understands Israel already indicated willingness undertake such discussions and, since Israel has shown evidence of good will regarding local commanders agreement, Embassy Amman should now urge Jordan Government reciprocate by agreeing to high level talks. Department informed British Ambassador Amman instructed make similar representations Jordan Government.

5. FYI Department is confidentially informed Israel intends replace present military forces along Jordan frontier, which are changed often, to civil police who will make their homes in vicinity and thus present degree permanence to enforcement machinery. Similar system by Jordan might contribute success local commanders agreement.

6. Since neither Israel nor Jordan have taken full advantage UN machinery for airing border situation in Security Council, USG now considering advisability of taking initiative in raising in Security Council question of strengthening UN machinery. USG expects consult UK and French near future. Comments requested. End FYI.

Smith

1. Repeated to Amman as telegram 952, to Jerusalem as telegram 69, to Tripoli (for Secretary Dulles), and to New York; sent by air pouch to London, Paris, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, and Jidda.
2. Document 567.
3. Dated May 19, 21, 22, and 26, respectively; none printed.
4. Document 614.
5. Document 615.