867N.01/10–1448: Telegram
The Special Representative of the United States in Israel (McDonald) to the Acting Secretary of State
us urgent
179. From official Israeli sources both the Military Attaché and the Counselor are confidentially informed that the activities of Egyptian armies in south are causing major concern Israeli Army. Reports are that for last 10 days Egypt forces have been moving reinforcements and deploying troops toward Israeli positions and indications last two days point toward Egyptian offensive action near El Falujah which, according Israeli G–2 may materialize next four or five days. Israeli forces also undertaking strengthen positions. El Falujah is a key point both as regards command of supply routes to beseiged Jewish Negev settlements and as regards east-west Arab communications.
Mission does not know where fault lies in present jockeying for position on southern front as between Jews and Arabs, but each side apparently blaming other. Israeli public and Army will never allow Egypt forces get in position annihilate agricultural settlements and if enemy starts offensive to push Jews out of present positions which strategically hold only eventual hope of saving settlements there is strongest probability Jews will counter-attack in force. Egypt Army activity probably related formation Gaza Government. Recognition of Gaza by Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq has placed both Israel and Transjordan in peculiar position, particularly latter. Abdullah is reported to have moved his flag as far south as Hebron and Bethlehem [Page 1477] and indications are that he is watching Egypt activities very closely.1
Solely for confidential and restricted information Department and Army, mission believes a very peculiar situation could develop if war resumed in south. Abdullah now in the middle, might stand by and let Israel Army maul Egyptian forces in order eliminate both Gaza Government and potential Egyptian menace his territory.
Jewish estimate of situation is that they can successfully defend against all six enemy forces. They cannot take offensive all fronts, but if Egypt Army forces Jews into counter-offensive they believe they can soundly defeat Egyptians, provided Abdullah holds his Legion back.
In strict confidential opinion mission this unhappy situation could open up interesting possibility future avenue of political settlement between Israel and Transjordan, although time is not yet ripe at moment owing Abdullah’s delicate position vis-à-vis Arab League.
Situation becoming tense. Jews start new year with hope and high Army morale.
Sent Department 179, Department pass Jerusalem 8, Paris Gadel 1 and Department of Army.
- Saudi Arabian recognition of the Arab Palestine Government was extended on October 13 (telegram 560, October 21, from Jidda, 867N.01/10–2148).↩