501.BB Palestine/6–2549: Telegram
The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State
489. ReDeptel 375 June 17 and Embtel 478 June 22. Formal reply to aide-mémoire handed Ford June 24 by Herlitz of Israel Foreign Office. Note reiterates Israeli Government’s inability subscribe view of USG that present situation Jerusalem constitutes threat peace Palestine “unless State Department is in possession reliable information indicating intention on part Government Transjordan to resort to offensive military action that area.” However, Government Israel “welcomes method proposed by USG for settlement certain points at issue between it and Government Transjordan” and while preferring that any items discussed under new proposal be limited to those specified in Article 8 of armistice agreement and no others, “has instructed its representatives on special committee to propose, or to support proposal that items as specified should be referred to MAC to meet under chairmanship General Riley”. Note finally expresses hope that implementation new proposal will not mean final abolishment special committee which government Israel believes “should continue to exist and meet for discussion and settlement such problems as both parties may agree upon in accordance former practice”.
In delivering note Herlitz stressed his [her] government’s hope that (1) Riley “and no one else” would act as chairman all meetings MAC under new proposal, (2) That only those items named Article 8 be handled and any such item or items already acted upon by special Committee not again be revived, and (3) that special committee not be terminated.
Copies of note being airmailed.
Sent Department 489, repeated Jerusalem 54, Amman 15.