123. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan1
378. Jerusalem’s 204 to Department.2 Assistant Secretary Talbot conveyed to Israel and Jordan Ambassadors USG deep concern at reports received from UNTSO of build-up arms and troops on both sides Jerusalem, urged restraint and fullest cooperation with General Bull.
Ambassador Harman said problem is continual resort by Arabs to firearms. IJMAC subcommittee provides forum for Jordan complaints; instead they shoot. Arabs creating intolerable situation in which they can create disputed areas by irresponsible shooting. If they have question of where line or track lies, be it in terms of one, ten or a hundred meters,MAC exists to adjudicate problem.
Talbot noted situation potentially explosive and that we as matter of urgency requesting Israel’s cooperation with General Bull in relation to mounting Scopus patrol and in all other matters. In these situations, Israel should find judgment of UNTSO invaluable. It should be important to Israel not to find itself in violation of the GAA.
Harman noted need to protect people in crowded urban area when, as UNTSO report confirms, Jordanians bringing up tanks. Hoped Department’s demarche to Jordanians would stress need to rely on machinery of MAC rather than on guns. Said he certain General Bull’s wish will receive immediate consideration in Jerusalem and that he would immediately notify his government of our request.
Talbot noted to Ambassador Jumaa our deepest concern at UNTSO report of Jerusalem situation and hope that Jordan would exercise greatest restraint. He realized there were differences of fact between the two sides but stressed need for working these out with UNTSO rather than through shooting.
Jumaa undertook to convey Department’s request for restraint immediately to Amman.
Ambassador Harman subsequently telephoned to say that telegram crossing his reported Bull travelling Amman tomorrow to discuss situation with Jordan’s Defense Minister. At Bull’s request and to [Page 274] enhance prospects success his endeavors, Israel postponing January 19 patrol.
Talbot informed Harman that in conversation with Jordan FonMin Kadri Tukan January 18 Ambassador Barnes informed that while Jordanian troops on Israel frontier nervous over recent incidents, had firm instructions not to start anything. Noted also FonMin’s statement that Jordan did not want any trouble and his hope we could make this clear on other side.
Harman undertook to convey this latter immediately to his Government.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 32–1 ISR–JORDAN. Confidential; Priority. Drafted and approved by Davies. Also sent to Tel Aviv and repeated to Jerusalem and USUN.↩
- Telegram 204 from Jerusalem, January 18, reported a UNTSO request for a U.S. approach to Israeli and Jordanian representatives to urge restraint in the Jerusalem area. (Ibid.)↩