684A.85/10–250: Telegram
The Chargé in Israel (Ford) to the Secretary of State
191. Herlitz, Israel Foreign Office told me October 2 that Eytan conferred with King Abdullah Amman October 1 at King’s invitation on general question relations between Israel and Jordan. Eytan reported King professed still be very keen for peaceful understanding with Israel, but that his Cabinet, and especially Prime Minister and Foreign Minister who “sang Egypt’s tunes” made things difficult for him, that King said was going dismiss his present Cabinet and appoint new one within one or two weeks which would be more amenable King’s wishes, that this connection Samir Rifai being recalled from Lebanon, and that King all ready resume relations with Israel where they had been broken off some months ago and possibly conclude five year nonaggression pact or “something similar”. Eytan reportedly proposed this point that form negotiations heretofore followed between two countries be changed and that instead of hit-or-miss midnight meetings followed “large indigestible dinners” a more businesslike procedure be adopted with regular meetings attended by duly authorized representatives. King allegedly said this made sense and that he had [Page 1021] hopes that with new cabinet some such regularity might be instituted.
Eytan is reported have been impressed by King’s attitude, but feels that while King ready reach agreement with Israel he must first reach agreement within his own official family. He said that, for example, when he expressed pleasure over resumption Article 8 Special Committee meetings, King admitted nothing constructive could come these meetings under present Jordan Cabinet.
King reportedly had never seen map showing Yarmuk River “concession” and was extremely shocked to see Jundi’s signature affixed thereto. King is said to have asked Eytan as personal favor to “return” occupied zone, and Eytan says he agreed some such step might be considered within framework general settlement.
Comment: Next step possible negotiations between Jordan and Israel would appear to be determination and clarifications of person or persons in Jordan who have necessary power and discretion treat constructively with Israel representatives looking toward settlement. Eytan says his Government ready appoint representatives with full powers, but that he and other high officials Israel Government continue skeptical Jordan’s willingness and ability undertake serious discussions. End comment.
Sent Department 191; repeated information Jerusalem 12. Department pass Amman 13, London 18, Paris 11.1
- A handwritten notation states the message was also sent to Cairo on October 12.↩