684A.85/10–1553: Telegram
No. 689
The Chargé in Jordan (Seelye) to the Department of State1
priority
161. Pass Defense. London, Paris for Johnston. Foreign Minister called me urgently to his office at 3 p.m. with following latest details of Israeli armed attack on Jordan villages, Qibya (151–153),2 Budros (149–152) and Shuqba (153–154) night October 14.
At 2130 hours Israeli force estimated reinforced battalions strength attacked Qibya located over mile inside Jordan, shelling village with mortar and artillery fire for between 3 and 4 hours. Demolition parties then entered village, blew up 39 houses, looted shops. Up to moment 45 Jordanian civilians (great majority of whom women and children) counted dead, 15 wounded. Quantities unused explosives found where attackers had dropped them. To prevent arrival of Arab Legion security troops from 2 neighboring villages, Israelis poured 43 mortar shells into Budros, demolishing several houses, and shelled Shuqba, located 2½ miles inside Jordan. (Embassy military attaché just returned from scene and confirms all above.)
Foreign Minister stated in strong terms he wished me convey to my government fact that HKJ views Israeli attacks with utmost gravity, that HKJ considering involving Anglo-Jordanian treaty, and that strong representations also being made to French. Foreign Minister heatedly termed attacks “acts of butchery which no government can tolerate”. Although, he continued, HKJ would continue to exercise utmost restraint inasmuch as “it is Israel’s intention to make Jordan retaliate”, under such acts of provocation HKJ could not be expected to restrain herself for long. Then, in moment [Page 1359] of anger, he said “if one bullet crosses border tonight we will retaliate”.
Foreign Minister asserted three Western powers must “do something drastic”. Said Israeli attack may result in panic in area and government cannot continue to face Parliament and people without some measures being taken to alleviate situation (government’s present shaky position obliges it adopt firmer stand than would be otherwise necessary). Said HKJ holds Israeli Defense Minister and Prime Minister directly responsible for attacks since Israeli troops maneuvering in that area with their cognizance.
Comment: Never in last year has HKJ appeared so worked up over Israeli cross-border attacks. Falama and Rantis attacks in January, outbreak Jerusalem firing in April, attacks Wadi Fukin, Surif, and Idna in August paled in comparison in terms both casualties inflicted and adverse effect on HKJ. While current Israeli attack believed in part revenge for murder two children allegedly caused by Jordan infiltrators at Tirat Yehuda night October 13, there is obviously no comparison in degree between two acts. Furthermore, HKJ’s cooperation with Israelis in tracking down murderers (Embtel 160)3 sharp contrast to Israeli massacre of 45 Jordanian villagers.
Israeli attack this magnitude could have come at no worse time: It occurs just prior to arrival important US mission to area and caps 3 other recent unprovoked unilateral Israeli moves (transfer Foreign Ministry to Jerusalem, diversion attempt upper Jordan, occupation Auja demilitarized zone). If there existed before remote hope of persuading Jordan to sit down with Israel at present time to discuss mutual water-development problems and internationalization Jerusalem, such a hope has been dashed to smithereens, at least for the foreseeable future.