867N.01/12–2848: Telegram
Mr. Wells Stabler to the Acting Secretary of State
173. During frequent talks with King and Prime Minister about matters of current concern, innumerable occasions arise when it would be most useful to have guidance from Department as to line which should be taken. While it is true that Transjordan seeks and welcomes advice from British it is equally true that King and Prime Minister would like to know attitude of US Government which, after all, is playing leading role in endeavors find solution of Palestine problem.
As Department has pointed out, settlement in Palestine is urgently needed. Thus it would seem desirable that every opportunity be seized to influence the protagonists toward reaching an understanding. At this stage, Transjordan has gone further than other Arab States, both in theory and in practice, in achieving such understanding with Israel. Such advance, it is submitted, should be encouraged. Consequently, informal guidance to Abdullah and his government might well be a factor of considerable importance in bringing about the desired peace.
Up to this time it has been necessary to remain mute to any hints King and Prime Minister have put out to obtain United States guidance. This muteness is increasingly difficult to maintain in view United [Page 1695] States concern with Palestine question and it may in fact be harmful to cause of settlement and peace.
Therefore, propose that Department may wish consider preparation of policy guidance statement on Transjordan covering such points as:
- a.
- Negotiation of armistice with Israel;
- b.
- Acceleration by Transjordan toward final peace negotiations with Israel;
- c.
- Jericho resolutions;
- d.
- Transjordan attitude toward Arab League and other Arab States. In other words, what does United States Government believe is most desirable course of action Transjordan should follow in order to achieve peace settlement which, as it is admitted, is so urgently needed.