429. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1
83. Reference Tel Aviv’s 1 July 22 and Amman’s 6 July 33 to Department. Foreign Office inclined to believe that Burns probably overstated Israel’s aggressive attitude and that King Hussein consequently became unduly alarmed over situation. Foreign Office says Burns has in fact stated in Cairo that Jordanians have exaggerated his remarks to King Hussein, which he intended primarily as warning to Jordanians to prevent incidents along Israeli border. Nevertheless Kirkpatrick has called in Israeli Ambassador and expressed HMG’s apprehension regarding border situation, at same time pointing out that HMG obliged under United Kingdom–Jordan treaty to come to Jordan’s aid if Jordan attacked.
According to Foreign Office report from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (as of July 4) there appeared be no alarming buildup of Israel military along Jordan border although there were indications Israelis planning customary maneuvers. In this connection British Ambassador Tel Aviv pointed out that Israelis should be warned that any “overs” during such maneuvers which might land in Jordan territory might well cause serious flare–up.
Foreign Office says reports from Amman indicate Jordanian troops are on general “stand to” orders along Jordan–Israel border. Nuwar has however assured British Embassy in Amman that he has issued strictest orders to Jordan troops against creating incidents or firing across border. He pointed out, however, that if Israel should start something Jordan and other Arab countries would repel attack with everything at their disposal. Foreign Office appears reasonably convinced that Jordanians do not intend to create incidents.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/7–656. Confidential. Received at 11:02 a.m. Repeated to Tel Aviv, Amman, Paris, Cairo, Beirut, Jerusalem, and Damascus.↩
- Document 418.↩
- Document 421.↩