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

684A.85/12–253: Telegram

No. 748
The Ambassador in Jordan (Mallory) to the Department of State¹

secret
priority

Amman, December 2, 1953—6 p.m.

1253. Deptel 231.² Jordan Government today informed Arab diplomatic representatives it proposed reply to invitation UNSYG to conference with Israel as follows:

Jordan Government will tell SYG proposed meeting impracticable this time. Jordan prepared to discuss with Israel any time within framework mixed armistice commission any amendments desired by Israel or claims she may have or clarify ambiguities. All this can be done, according to Jordan, within framework of MAC under Article II mixed armistice agreement.

Jordan Government asked immediate comment other Arab Governments on proposed attitude.

Comment: This tentative decision due intransigence . . . section government led by Foreign Minister Khalidy. Believed decision will be disapproved by many responsible Jordanians including several members cabinet. Decision taken despite repeated strong representations by US and British urging acceptance UNSYG’s invitation. Today UK Ambassador again urged Prime Minister accept and Lynch again spoke emphatically at Foreign Office.

Approval by other Arab Leaguers acceptance of invitation might change local attitude but we not assured even this would overcome intransigence and fear.

Mallory

1. Repeated to Paris, London, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem; repeated by the Department to New York.
2. Document 739.