684A.86/4–1754: Telegram
No. 801
The Ambassador in Jordan (Mallory) to the Department of State1
429. Reference Department telegram 407.2 Viewed from Amman, there are only two avenues for easing Israeli-Jordan tensions. First is deep changes which may occur as result Turkey, Pakistan Agreement, especially if Iraq, and possibly others join. However, local deterioration too rapid permit waiting upon evolution regional improvements. Second is bringing such strong pressure on both countries as cause some cooperation. Since matter already in United Nations Security Council, its consideration there must presumably be completed. However, this means, unreinforced by concurrent Anglo-American action, can, on one hand, result in little progress, and on other, almost certain engender increasing Jordan reliance on Russia and weakening position of West.
In spite of mutual hatred and internal dissensions, strong and wise leadership in Israel and Jordan might lead to composure differences, viz. Smyrna massacres and subsequent composure by 1931. Domestic tensions within two countries appear poorly bridled. Jordan Government of past year has maintained itself by acceding to every pressure and stoking the fires of intransigence. Prime [Page 1523] Minister has been all things to all men. Respecting Israel, he has not had the guts to say anything more than that he will “never, never, never discuss peace with Israel”.
During past year xenophobic nationalists, both right and left, as well as such presently Communist lining [leaning?] groups as Bath, have not been countered and are fast rising in influence. Certainly situation is being nicely created for Soviets to fish in troubled waters.
It is my conviction that outside pressures must be exerted on leadership these countries in order to give them the backbone to accept measures that will ease tensions. Effectively these must originate largely in United Kingdom and United States, and I recommend that because of unequal influence, pressure on Jordan should be primarily by United Kingdom, and on Israel primarily by United States. In eyes of Jordan and Arab world, evidence of use pressure here would need be accompanied by similar evidence pressures on Israel.
Regarding question one, reference telegram, Embassy uninformed steps taken or progress made United Nations approach, but if advanced, then proposed rapporteur technique outlined Department telegram April 93 appears most desirable course. As mentioned, use United Nations machinery alone will not be effective, unless governments concerned can be led or forced compose matters.
Reference [question] two, most urgent requirement regarding UNTSO border machinery is not its improvement, but its use. Israel appears the offender this regard (communications Jerusalem Consul General). Embassy believes Jordan, Israel local commander and MAC meetings must be instituted and made function. Number of observers should be increased as per Bennike request.
In any meetings beyond UNTSO machinery in which Jordan may be asked to participate fears may be partially quited by indication of agenda. By such an agenda, Jordanian Government can establish that it is not entering meeting to negotiate peace settlement with Israel.
- Repeated to Tel Aviv, Damascus, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Baghdad, Beirut, Jidda, and Cairo.↩
- Document 796.↩
- Reference uncertain.↩