Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1–July 26, 1956, Volume XV

138. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State¹

Amman, February 28, 1956—5 p.m.

446. Saw Prime Minister Rifai noon today. He referred to previous discussion JVP (Embtel 414²) recalling that alternatives between Jewish pressures which might be considered ultimatum and war that naturally it would have to be latter. He said he had considered matter further and felt it desirable endeavor assist in relieving tension between Israel and Syria and thought JVP might be further considered but certainly not within context of any Israeli pressure. After some circumlocution and rationalization he got to point of saying he was awaiting notice of Arab League meeting to be held about March 19 and had instructed Foreign Ministry that on receipt he should send notes to Egyptians, Lebanese and Syrians, expressing Jordan’s desire take advantage of meeting for four country discussion of JVP (Embtel 440³). This Rifai felt was positive step and permitted revival of plan consideration without ceding to Israeli pressures. He expressed himself personally as wishing to avoid hostilities and reconsider plan but not because of Israel.

Rifai said that after discussion at League meeting where results might be either to adopt or reject plan that consideration would be given to inviting Johnston again visit area providing results meeting positive. He had thought of this inasmuch as press reports indicated possibility Johnston return. At this point I said that I had received instructions to again take up with him the JVP (Deptel 437⁴) and that he had taken the initiative from my hands but I could add that while Johnston had proceeded to Far East he had expressed willingness to meet with Arab Foreign Ministers at any time. Prime Minister thought that the junctures of time might be fortuitous.

As of last night British Ambassador received instructions approach government on JVP but French Ambassador had not. In view previous talk with Duke (Embtel 440) and Prime Minister’s statement this morning I plan inform them developments and suggest wisdom delaying additional approaches in order avoid appearance pressure tactics.

Rifai suggested I inform my Government of his thoughts with end in view that Israel be informed further consideration JVP upcoming. This he felt should delay Israeli action at Banat Yacoub. Should Israelis not wish delay then their intentions must be abundantly clear and warlike.

Mallory

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/2–2856. Secret; Priority. Received at 3:45 p.m. Repeated to Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, Ankara, Jerusalem, and Jidda.
2. Document 83.
3. Mallory informed the Department of State in telegram 440, February 24, that Rifai on February 23 had informed the British Ambassador that, in an effort to avoid an outbreak of hostilities with Israel, he had been thinking of asking Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt if they would be willing to discuss the Jordan Valley Plan with him at the next Arab League meeting scheduled for mid-March. (Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/2–2456)
4. Printed as telegram 2000, Document 120.