501.BB Palestine/11–948: Telegram
Mr. Wells Stabler to the Acting Secretary of State
112. Notwithstanding rumors persisting in Jew Jerusalem that direct negotiations now in progress between Israeli and Transjordan representatives (Jerusalem’s 1459, November 6 to Department1) and information reported in Jerusalem’s 1461, November 4 [6] to Department,2 no evidence is available Amman to substantiate such reports. Reports seemingly have all originated from Jewish sources and it is [Page 1557] possible Jews are either engaged in creating “war of nerves” between Arab states or are sounding.
2. It is increasingly apparent, however, that official and public opinion, in Transjordan and Arab Legion occupied areas of Palestine is orienting itself toward [an end of?] hostilities and reaching settlement of some sort, through direct negotiations if necessary. Developments in this direction may well manifest themselves in near future.
3. Numbers of delegations of Palestine Arabs, residents of towns as well as refugees, have approached King in past weeks requesting, and some even demanding, that he undertake negotiations. While probably idle threats, several delegations have said that if King would not negotiate with Jews, they would.
4. Within past few days King has commenced to speak more openly and publicly than before of negotiations and settlement. His previous remarks on subject were for official consumption only.
5. In view of King’s present outlook, Prime Minister has told His Majesty that if latter does place himself on public record at this stage as favoring negotiations, government will be obliged resign. However, Prime Minister said government not adverse to principles itself and suggested that, as evidence its attitude, he (Prime Minister) send telegram to Prince Abdel Majid Haidar, Transjordan Minister to London and observer to UNGA, requesting him to renew contacts with Jews in Paris. (It is understood that such message has in fact been despatched.)
During Cabinet meeting at Palace on November 5, Prime Minister told King that should His Majesty desire now or later to initiate negotiations, government would voluntarily resign and give its support to another government willing and ready to undertake task. Because of policy which his government has advocated and pursued during its tenure of office (i.e. no open break with Arab League), Prime Minister said present government not able assume functions of negotiator. (It is reliably reported that King is thinking of Fellah Pasha Medadba, Justice Minister, possible Prime Minister “Negotiator” government). Attitude of government is significant change as three weeks ago it would not have given even tacit consent to such principle.
6. While all signs point to possibility of negotiations, direct or indirect within relatively short time, must be pointed out that up to present nobody has displayed degree of moral courage sufficient to “take the plunge” in making initial overtures to Jews or to bear up under odium which would undoubtedly be heaped upon him by Arab extremist elements, which, while willing to profit by benefits derived, would be equally delighted to have “scapegoat”.
Department pass Jerusalem, 68 Gadel 10, and Arab capitals.