785.21/2–1350: Telegram
The Chargé in Jordan (Fritzlan) to the Secretary of State
22. Legtel 20 February 10. Upshot Saturday Jordan Cabinet meeting was unanimous refusal concede territory admitting Israelis old city Jerusalem. Prime Minister and colleagues giving serious consideration Garreau Plan now tending view favor internationalization as means reach settlement Jerusalem without making direct concessions Israelis. This would serve save face with Arab world generally and Palestinians. Reliably reported Prime Minister announced Cabinet’s decision to King and stated government would willingly resign over issue if necessary.
Kirkbride saw King Saturday and HM seriously pretended he had never favored admission Israelis old city despite his agreement at early stage negotiations (Legtel 421 December 151) and continued later acquiescence Israelis obtain Wailing Wall and Jewish quarter. Not impossible King (who frequently reverses his thinking) will ultimately [Page 742] persuade himself he never really opposed internationalization.
Prime Minister has expressed to Kirkbride belief Israelis not in fact desirous agreement with Jordan. Believes they very anxious give impression UN bodies that agreement Jerusalem virtually reached order active consideration internationalization might be postponed and GA internationalization resolution might ultimately be rescinded.
Glubb is understood, from defense standpoint, not to object international control old city provided:
- a.
- Such control not extend to strategic roads and
- b.
- Extradition agreement concluded precluding granting asylum old city to Arab criminals who have committed crimes elsewhere.
Next move affecting Jordan-Israeli-Jerusalem agreement clearly up to Israel. Only way satisfy Abdullah’s strong desire achieve agreement would seem appointment new government, an extreme step which King very reluctant to take.
Sent Department 22; Department pass London 11, Tel Aviv 10, Jerusalem 9, Geneva 8, for USPCC 9, USTC 7. Pouched Arab capitals.