Office of the Historian

508. Telegram From the Department of State of the Embassy in Jordan1

Washington, July 26, 1956—7:31 p.m.

88. For Chargé. You are requested seek immediate audience with King and make following representations:

USG deeply concerned at continuing incidents along HKJ–Israel armistice line. Without sincere efforts by both parties situation can easily deteriorate further with consequences no one can foretell. USG not in position assess blame for specific incidents. This is function of MAC. We urge strongest cooperation with MAC and UNTSO in carrying out of measures aimed at reducing present tensions.

Frankness impels us communicate to King US concern at number of reports which appear indicate lack well-disciplined efforts to maintain order along armistice lines.

Especially deplorable has been wounding of several UNTSO observers while engaged in attempts pacify situation and prevent further bloodshed. UN observer personnel should be afforded maximum protection. USG urges HKJ take all possible measures bring present bloody cycle to immediate end. USG making similar representations to Israel Government.2

FYI USG taking above initiative at request UNSYG who curtailing leave Sweden flying New York view present Palestine tension. UNSYG has requested US, UK, France, USSR make strongest possible representations both sides urgently.3 End FYI.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/7–2656. Confidential; Niact. Drafted by Bergus and Burdett; cleared by Murphy, Wilcox, and Allen; and approved by Burdett who signed for Hoover. Repeated priority to USUN, Tel Aviv, and London; pouched to Paris, Moscow, and Jerusalem.↩
  2. See supra.↩
  3. See Document 506.↩