867N.01/3–2749: Telegram
The Chargé in Transjordan (Stabler) to the Secretary of State
135. Prime Minister who appeared to be in somewhat bitter frame of mind made following comments this morning:
- 1.
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While he had agreed to despatch King’s message to President he thought there was little if any likelihood that either US or UK would or could come to Trans Jordan’s assistance. Postponement final action on agreement had been due to advice received from within Transjordan Government that external assistance might be forthcoming to prevent conclusion this agreement. However, he had told King yesterday that he did not feel optimistic about nature President’s reply and on this basis it had been decided to request Israeli representatives to meet with Prime Minister and other Transjordan representatives at Shuneh late afternoon Tuesday March 29. (It is understood Abdullah Tel telephoned Dayan yesterday concerning this meeting and stated that while there was no change in principle re agreement there were few points re implementation which Transjordan representatives wished discussed.) Prime Minister indicated meeting had been put off to March 29 in order await President’s reply.
[Page 874]Prime Minister said that at meeting Tuesday he planned to propose modifications in demands and also to seek compensations (probably in Hebron area where Israelis are understood to have informed their delegates at Rhodes they are prepared give up number of villages). He also planned propose that area in triangle which Israelis demand should become no man’s land under UN until such time as peace settlement is reached.
He too thought it would be preferable to consider this entire question as military one, to cancel present secret agreement and to incorporate it in terms of general armistice agreement to be signed by two delegates at Rhodes. While Israelis may not agree to suggestions on modifications, he expected they would agree to Rhodes delegates signing armistice agreement including Israeli demands in triangle.
Prime Minister said that following Tuesday’s meeting matter would again be discussed in Council of Ministers with view reaching final decision (presumably prior March 30).
In general Tawfic Pasha welcomed delay in final action on secret agreement as it gave Transjordan additional time to attempt reach more suitable adjustments.
(It appears that provided he does not have to ratify agreement with his signature Prime Minister has no intention resigning.)
- 2.
- Regarding armistice negotiations at Rhodes Prime Minister said they have been more or less suspended pending outcome negotiations at Shuneh. When queried re Transjordan’s position on Jerusalem he replied that Transjordan would have to accept almost any terms which Israelis demanded. Presumably Bunche would draft compromise which Transjordan would be obliged accept. Tawfic Pasha indicated that he no longer concerned about attitude Arab states or others, that his principal concern was welfare Transjordan and Arab Palestine and that he must now act, regardless of cost, to prevent complete disaster.
- 3.
- Prime Minister commented at length on future attitude of Transjordan toward UK. Said that this morning he had informed British Chargé that in future Transjordan, while remaining friend and ally of Britain and willing receive advice from British or anyone else, would act as it saw fit in its own interest. Transjordan would no longer regard it as mandatory to follow British advice.
Sent Department 135, Baghdad 31, Jerusalem 744, USDel PCC pouched London.