Office of the Historian

684A.85/9–950: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Jordan 1

secret
niact
Washington, September 10, 1950—7 p. m.

42. Immed fol tel2 rpts instrs sent Emb Tel Aviv re ur 57 and 58 Sep 9.3

Inform FonMin immed that USG, as friend both Jordan and Israel and deeply concerned over any reports of circumstances which might lead to outbreak of hostilities, is bringing subject Sep 9 note urgently to attention Israeli Govt and expressing concern over reported move Israeli forces. State USG also informing Israeli Govt it reserving its position on matter pending full examination of circumstances by UN reps in Palestine. Add that USG hopes Jordan Govt will not take precipitate action, view desirability report on situation by UN reps. Assure FonMin that USG shares concern of Jordan Govt and will fol situation very closely with view determining whether reported incident can best be resolved by UN machinery in Palestine or whether tripartite declaration may provide the formula. State that it obviously important full details be obtained quickly.

Dept desires Gen Riley be informed of substance above and of tel to Emb Tel Aviv. Tell Riley Dept hopes receive benefit his views and recommendations re alleged incursion soonest, and also hopes he will be able arrange for immed on spot examination circumstances.

If queried by respective FonOffs, Embs London and Paris authorized convey substance of action being taken by US reps Amman and Tel Aviv re reported incident. If possibility action under tripartite declaration raised by UK and Fr FonOffs, Embs shld stress that first step shld be obtain full report from UN reps Palestine.

Acheson
  1. This telegram was repeated to Tel Aviv, London, Paris, and Jerusalem.↩
  2. Telegram 43, September 10, not printed.↩
  3. Latter not printed; but see footnote 4, p. 995.↩