Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

684A.85/6–950: Telegram

The Ambassador in Israel (McDonald) to the Secretary of State

confidential

Tel Aviv, June 9, 1950—9 a. m.

425. Shiloah at residence hour and quarter June 8 said substantially following:

Israel-Jordan relations more discouraging than if impasse had been reached on one or more specific issues. Present obstacle is “intangible atmosphere” which most difficult to combat. “Possible Israel did exaggerate King’s power” to press through to agreement with Israel. Abdullah “needs encouragement not pressure” from USG and UKG. “King requires only assurance he will be supported” if his settlement with Israel gets him into trouble with AL.

“Peace and stability in NE would be advanced by US and UK concentration on peace between Jordan and Israel”. After success there, Israel-Egypt peace “would be easier”. Since US and UK policy is peace in NE encouragement of Abdullah could not justify charge they are injuring other Arab states.

“Present UK and US comparative lukewarmness” toward Jordan-Israel peace is dangerous because: 1—continuance of uncertainty increases danger of friction on unsettled points Article 8 of armistice, 2—lack of NE peace “accentuates” internal disunity in “Syria, Iraq and even Egypt” and failing domestic reforms “opens doors to Communists”.

Despite 3-power declaration, future of NE is perilous and requires more fundamental study and more consistent attitude by US and UK.

New Subject: Re Amman Legtel 121 to Department June 5.¹

Shiloah promised investigation this weekend and prompt explanation.²

Sent Department 425; repeated information Amman 41, Jerusalem 38, London 92, Geneva 33; Department pass Amman, London, Geneva; pouched Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Cairo, Jidda, Paris, Moscow.

McDonald

1. Not printed; but see footnote 2, p. 923.

2. Embassy Tel Aviv received a letter from Mr. Eytan on June 12 which confirmed Mr. Kollek’s statement and averred that the fact that whatever abuse did occur was a “serious source of concern and regret”. The letter stated that Mr. Eytan had been instructed to inform the Embassy that further energetic investigation was being carried out and that the guilty would be punished (telegram 442, 684A.85/6–1350).

   Embassy Tel Aviv, on June 11, reported information from Mr. Kollek that while it was “unfortunately true” that a group of Arab infiltrators had been expelled on May 31 and that while the facts of expulsion were “pretty horrible”, he did not believe that torture had been practiced by the Israeli Army. Mr. Kollek also stated that the responsible Army officer had been court-martialed and that a public statement would be issued on June 9. The statement “admitted increasing number border incidents in which ‘force had clearly to be used to round up and capture the infiltrators who were usually armed’. Denied torture and tended place full responsibility on Jordan Government which ‘in last few weeks seems to have lost control of its population in border areas.’” The statement gave no indication of action against any officials (telegram 427, 684A.85/6–1150).

   Embassy Tel Aviv received a letter from Mr. Eytan on June 12 which confirmed Mr. Kollek’s statement and averred that the fact that whatever abuse did occur was a “serious source of concern and regret”. The letter stated that Mr. Eytan had been instructed to inform the Embassy that further energetic investigation was being carried out and that the guilty would be punished (telegram 442, 684A.85/6–1350).