684A.85/9–254: Telegram
No. 883
The Ambassador in Jordan (Mallory) to the Department of State1
priority
80. King Hussein summoned me today concerning repeated incursions Israeli Army (Embtel 79).2 He stated continued restraint by Jordan Government has patently done no good towards achieving peace because Israeli armed forces continue to enter and kill.
Confidence toward constituted authority and policy are being lost. This he mentioned as a problem both of the populace generally and with reference to Arab Legion. The Legion is undoubtedly confident of its ability to reply by raids within Israel and a point of provocation will be reached when it can no longer be restrained. King said that Jordan authorities have been very severe with infiltrators from its side. Here likewise there must be a limit and restraints may have to be slackened if Israelis continue their policy.
He said Israelis continue to ask for peace talks but there is nothing for Jordan to talk about so long as they keep the border in a state of war. He emphasized that military aggressions are the root of the problem and reviewed last night’s attacks, with four men killed, three hostages taken, several wounded and an armored personnel carrier blown up.
King ended by saying Jordan would try to continue a proper line of conduct but that if the Israelis continued to demand trouble one of these days Jordan could give them plenty. This plain warning was the first time so frankly stated to me. The King was composed throughout.
I shall be glad when General Glubb returns in two weeks although even his far-sighted moderation now admits that political pressures are building up towards a point where retaliation will be difficult to hold back. A factor not so far mentioned is the more [Page 1643] explosive quality of the national guards who are largely Palestinians.
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I do not know how long these shootings and provocations can continue but judge there is no immediate danger although Jordanian patience is showing signs of severe strain. I do know that Israeli policy is damaging to the position of the US in this area.