Office of the Historian

147. Memorandum From Oliver L. Troxel, Jr., of the Office of Near Eastern Affairs to Francis H. Russell1

Washington,July 5, 1955.

SUBJECT

  • Status of the Jordan Valley Negotiations

During the past week, we made more progress in our discussions with the Israelis than during the entire period since our return from the Near East. You will recall that the Israelis had earlier accepted the minimum position on quantities set forth by Mr.Johnston—the position he feels obligated to try on the Arabs. We have now obtained the understandings we desired on the following issues:

1.
The proposed Engineering Board will make its decision as to whether Lake Tiberias is to be used as a reservoir for Yarmuk flood flows on the basis of need in the lower Jordan Valley.
2.
The Engineering Board will be empowered to obtain from Israel up to 75mcm of additional water until the decision is made on Lake Tiberias storage of flood flows.
3.
The Watermaster will have free access to all points on the watercourse.2

Three issues remain to be resolved. The first two arise in part, at least, from differing evaluations of the engineering facts, and we have asked our engineers to make the necessary analysis for us. We hope to obtain it by July 14. The third issue requires an Executive Branch decision which, in turn, must await a recommendation from Mr.Johnston.

1.
Whether the Arabs will be permitted to withdraw Yarmuk flood waters stored in Tiberias as and when they wish.
2.
Whether facilities will be constructed south of Tiberias, immediately on reaching an Arab-Israel understanding, adequate to serve the system when Tiberias is used to store Yarmuk water.
3.
In what manner and amount aid will be extended to Israel in connection with the program.

Assuming we come to a satisfactory understanding with the Israelis on these three points, Mr.Johnston feels obligated to return to the area. However, the indications we have of sentiment on the Arab side are, if anything, even less propitious than before. The [Page 279] situation in Syria shows still fewer constructive elements—if such a thing is possible—and the position of the Lebanese Government is deteriorating. The Government in Jordan is probably slightly stronger (its downfall is no longer predicted daily), but at best it cannot approach the Abol Huda Government of last winter for leadership on this issue.

  1. Source: Department of State,NEA Files: Lot 59 D 518, Unified Jordan Valley Program. Confidential.↩
  2. These understandings were incorporated into the text of a “Draft Memorandum of Understanding” that the American and Israeli representatives accepted on July 5. The text of this memorandum isibid.,NEA/IAI Files: Lot 70 D 254, Framework of the Fourth Mission—No. 19 (April 22, 1955– )↩