684A.85/11–2653: Telegram
No. 740
The Ambassador in Lebanon (Hare) to the Department of State1
473. Our views on Israel-Jordan conference on armistice agreement (Department telegram 591 November 24)2 communicated this morning to Foreign Minister who said our position seemed logical and he appreciated being informed of it in as much as he anticipated exchange of views between Arab Governments prior to reply by Jordan. In fact, he said Jordan Ambassador was at moment of my call waiting to see him, presumably on this very subject. Foreign Minister said that as soon as definite decision reached he would let us know. He indicated that his own thinking favored acceptance by Jordan attend meeting while at same time taking appropriate safeguards to prevent Israel from making inappropriate use of conference.
Foreign Minister also expressed general approval of resolution on Qibya and said that Malik had been instructed to vote in his discretion in favor or to abstain, but not vote against. Malik had decided to abstain.