148. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
452. Reference: Embtel 446.2 Ambassador Duke today saw Prime Minister Rifai with Foreign Minister Khaladi present. Rifai stated notice Arab League meeting received. Telegram has been sent to Jordanian Chargé Cairo asking him approach Hassouna proposing that representatives of Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon attending meeting be at level of Prime Ministers or Minister Foreign Affairs to [Page 273] form four-power subcommittee of council. He proposed they come with authorization their government to make a decision on answer to Ambassador Eric Johnston left open at meeting last fall. HKJ is sending message to the three governments of its action and likewise informing their representatives here.
Rifai stated his opinion that decision should be reached but pointed out that he was making no commitment as to what the decision might be and so far as Jordan is concerned the new government still has to study matter and make up its mind.
Duke emphasized desirability of Jordan reaching favorable decision. Rifai admitted action at this time is to forestall Israeli diversion at Banat Yacoub. Duke replied this possible as temporary measure but Israel could not be indefinitely restrained by negative Arab attitude. Duke informing Cairo promptly for use by Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85322/3–156. Secret. Received at 11:39 a.m. Repeated to Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Tel Aviv, Baghdad, Jerusalem, Jidda, and Paris.↩
- Document 138.↩