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

684A.85/5–754: Telegram

No. 817
The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Butterworth) to the Department of State¹

confidential

London, May 7, 1954—7 p.m.

4987. With Eden’s approval, Foreign Office has instructed Washington and Paris to propose to US and French Governments that approach be made to Jordan in near future along lines mentioned Embtel 4636, April 21. In spite of possibility French support may not be forthcoming, British are hopeful that it will and in any event think US and UK should approach HKJ. Doke, newly appointed British Ambassador, arrives Amman early next week and will discuss proposal with his American and French colleagues as soon as possible (we suggested Mallory may be absent at Istanbul conference, to which Foreign Office replied matter could await Mallory’s return).

Foreign Office believes no indication should be given to Israelis, or anyone else, including UN, at this time that HKJ being approached but in accordance with so-called “Trieste procedure” idea would be for three powers next talk Israelis, assuming approach to Jordan fruitful. Basis of approach would be suggestions for improving armistice machinery substantially along lines Section III B of enclosure to Department’s CA–6175, April 28, with exception of item 1 (new chief of staff) which British do not favor raising at present.

Butterworth

1. Repeated to Paris, Tel Aviv, and Amman.