684A.85/4–2154: Telegram
No. 807
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich) to
the Department of State1
4636. Foreign Office told us and French Embassy today that British Embassies Washington and Paris have been instructed inform Department and Quai d’Orsay that Eden desires discuss Israel-Jordan border situation with Secretary and Bidault in Paris, preferably afternoon of 24th. Purpose would be explore possibility tripartite joint approach to Jordan and Israel with view ascertaining their concrete suggestions for improving border machinery and reducing border tensions. Foreign Office hopes Department can send its reaction to suggestion to Paris in advance of proposed discussion between three foreign secretaries.
Foreign Office explains its suggestion based on growing skepticism as to prospects from prompt and effective SC action. British believe approach should first be made to Jordan (in Amman) and then, following receipt HKJ views, to Israel (Foreign Office thinking not definite as to when approach to Israel would be made). Parties would be approached in this order because: (1) UK does not wish close door to possibility of meeting two parties in New York whereas simultaneous approach would imply this abandoned; and (2) UK believes Israel “more out of line” than Jordan as regards present situation, hence approach to Israel would be strengthened if any specific suggestion, e.g., return of Israel to MAC, resulted from approach to Jordan.
[Page 1530]Initially only Jordan and Israel would be approached, although British realize HKJ may consult other Arab governments and other aspects Israel-Arab situation may be brought in.
- Repeated to Paris (for Secretary Dulles) as telegram 636, and to Tel Aviv and Amman.↩