684A.85/9–2054
No. 895
Memorandum by the Deputy Director of the
Office of Near Eastern Affairs (Dorsey) to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Jernegan)
Subject:
- Status of 11 Proposals for Tranquilization of the Israel-Jordan Border.
NE finds a notable lack of enthusiasm on the part of the French and the British to undertake a further démarche on these proposals.
The French have expressed the view that any further discussions along these lines could best be held between our three delegations to the United Nations and the Secretary-General. They further think that if any more tripartite discussions with the parties should by any chance be indicated, such discussions should be held in Washington, Paris, or London, rather than in Amman and Tel Aviv. The French appear to be staking their all on their efforts to demilitarize Jerusalem.
The British feel that continuing consultation with the Secretary-General on such of the proposals as can be carried out by him (augmentation of MAC staffs, publicity for MAC decisions, increase in number of UN observers, additional equipment for observers, etc.) represents just about all that can be usefully done at this time. The British are impressed by Israel’s assurances to them that Israel will return to the Israel-Jordan MAC, once Commander Hutchison has left it. Their inclination appears to be one of letting sleeping dogs lie and hoping that General Burns will be able to improve the situation significantly once Israel has returned to the MAC. The British have also indicated that they would not be interested in an Anglo-American démarche made to the exclusion of the French. This does not, however, rule out the possibility of seeking and obtaining British support to a U.S. move, if one were made.
We feel that the 11 proposals should not be permitted to die, if only for the reason that Israel and Jordan should not be permitted to treat proposals put forth by ourselves, the French, and the British in such a cavalier manner. We are also disturbed at the tendency on the part of the Israelis to resist any activity designed to strengthen the armistice machinery as an infringement of Israel’s sovereignty. (This resistance rings hollow in view of the customary Israel position that the armistice is inadequate.) The press campaign against the permanent stationing of UN observers in ticklish [Page 1657] areas along the border (which you have noted in Tel Aviv’s 268 of September 15)1 is a case in point.
Given the lack of French and British enthusiasm, it is felt that it would be best not to pursue the matter with them until we have something in the nature of a concrete proposal for a second démarche. We feel that we need field comment and guidance before attempting to draft such a proposal.
Recommendation
That you sign the attached telegram to the field.2