684A.85/2–750: Telegram
The Chargé in Jordan (Fritzlan) to the Secretary of State
17. From instructions [indications], meeting Shiloah, Dayan, Samir and Fawzi in house Israeli Jerusalem Governor was apparently inconclusive.
Fawzi attended, according Samir, with following instructions: (a) From King Abdullah: To make no move serving break off negotiations and make no final commitment without having consulted King.
(b) From Government: Offer Israelis guaranteed free access Mt. Scopus, Wailing Wall and Jewish quarter but no surrender territory.
At meeting Fawzi made this offer which Israelis ridiculed and said any agreement such basis could only be temporary modus operandi and what they wanted was permanent settlement. Fawzi agreed consult further with government.
Samir apparently acted as observer up to this point but here, order keep discussions going, he recapitulated Israeli offers at previous meeting and asked exactly what Israelis would give in return for guaranteed free access Mt. Scopus and, supposing Jordan Government agreement, rectification armistice line giving Israelis Jewish quarters, Wailing Wall and small corridor connecting these with Israeli zone.
Shiloah and Dayan agreed [in] return for these concessions Israel would give free access Bethlehem Road, restore certain Arab quarters equivalent value and importance to Jewish quarter and Wailing Wall, make monetary compensation for other non-restored Arab property, and make minor adjustments armistice line interest general convenience and practicability.
Discussing Scopus, Israelis for first time stated they wanted absolute sovereignty over area but Jordan delegation categorically refused consider this.
Comment: Foregoing based on conversation with Samir who states King determined reach agreement on Jerusalem and has so informed government though he is giving government great latitude and freedom explore all possible solutions.
Does not seem at all likely Jordan would give up strategically important Mt. Scopus except possibly as part advantageous general settlement.
Samir seemed confident next meeting, for which date not fixed, would result basic agreement Jerusalem. Obviously effect such Jordan [Page 728] Government must be willing relinquish Jewish quarter and Wailing Wall.
Samir very concerned regarding possible effect Jordan-Israeli-Jerusalem agreement on UNTC and especially on US and UK Governments. I said US continues back idea international Jerusalem and would support any scheme which gained wide measure support including Jordan and Israel and which seemed workable.
Samir expressed himself strongly against any form international and any derogation sovereignty resulting therefrom. Believes, however, both parties would be prepared give UN substantial guarantees regarding access to Holy Places, their protection, et cetera. End comment.
Sent Department 17; pouched Arab capitals. Department pass London 9, Tel Aviv 7, Jerusalem 7, Geneva 6.