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

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

Amman, July 3, 1956—5 p.m.

6. Re Jerusalem’s 465 to Department;² Tel Aviv’s 1 to Department.³ King Hussein summoned representatives of Arab countries and tripartite signatories to Palace at noon today. After talking with Arabs as a group he called in British, French Ambassadors⁴ and myself together.

King said matter had arisen of such urgency he felt it necessary inform the interested governments. He referred to information passed him on July 2 by General Burns regarding the latter’s recent interview with Ben Gurion and Myerson. According to King, Ben Gurion claimed Jordan is violating Article VIII of GAA by depriving Israel of access to Mount Scopus and Wailing Wall as well as use of Latroun road. King said Ben Gurion insisted that unless Jordan changed its position regarding these matters Israel would be forced to consider that the armistice line does not exist.

King Hussein emphasized past efforts of HK to maintain peace on 600 kilometer border in spite of repeated Jewish aggression. He assured us he and his government and officers would do everything possible to prevent incidents originating from Arab side of line. He stated however that General Burns felt Ben Gurion may be planning aggressive action of some sort. Should such develop Jordan will be forced to defend itself in strength. If this happens the other Arab States will come to Jordan’s aid. Thus Jewish aggression at this time would produce most unfortunate results whose consequences would be widespread.

Ambassador Duke asked if King had in mind any specific recommendations which we should make to our governments in this regard. King said he left that up to us. He had merely called us in to make us aware of situation and to request that we pass on his views immediately to our respective governments. The French Ambassador volunteered that Ben Gurion might be taking his present line for purposes of internal consumption in Israel or else to test out Arab reactions but King indicated no agreement with either of these suggestions.

In conclusion Ambassador Duke emphasized our hope that there would be no provocation either by words or deeds from Jordan side of line.⁵ The King replied he would continue to do everything in his power to prevent incidents arising but that should Jewish aggression occur he would have to meet force with force. On our leaving he again asked that we inform our governments of this situation at earliest possible moment.

Sanger

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/7–356. Secret; Priority. Received at 2:59 p.m. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv.
2. Document 417.
3. Document 418.
4. Sir Charles Beresford Duke and Pierre–Louis Falaize.
5. The Department instructed Sanger on July 5 to reiterate to King Hussein, when it was appropriate, this statement. (Telegram 13 to Amman; Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/7–556)