684A.86/2–2753: Telegram
No. 577
The Ambassador in Israel (Davis) to the Department of State1
priority
1384. Amman Embtel 7012 to Department. Interest expressed Amman authorities discuss peace with Israel encouraging. While developments discussed Embtels 1183,3 1209,4 and 12655 have created concern on part of Israeli Government, the desire for peace as reported Embtel 665, October 23 and as voiced by Israel Delegation General Assembly last fall is still strong.
Embassy does not believe problem of “who is to take initiative” should prove a difficult one since it has been assured repeatedly of Israeli Government’s readiness take initiative in move promising advancement toward peace and only yesterday Reuven Shiloah who is now giving much of his time to Arab affairs confirmed this policy. Regarding HKJ views basic for peace indicated Amman Embtel 643 of February 6 submit following comments. If solution Jerusalem problem can be effected short of establishing UN sovereignty over city through an international authority (in which presumably the Soviet Union would be able to exert an influence), it should be possible evolve formula that would achieve our announced objective of satisfactorily preserving GA interests of the world community and the states directly concerned (Amman Embtel 709 February 21).6 Although possibly some limited return of refugees to Israel might be worked out, Embassy believes return of refugees should be subordinated to Israeli Government undertaking to provide full compensation and UN program for resettlement. [Page 1146] Israel ability to pay compensation will, of course, depend to considerable extent on relaxation of blockade.
With respect to boundaries, result present discussion between Syria and Israel will indicate whether there is reasonable hope settlement this type of problem.
- Repeated to Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Baghdad, Beirut, and Jidda.↩
- Document 572.↩
- Document 547.↩
- Document 551.↩
- Document 562.↩
- Not printed.↩