Discussion of Israel's Weariness of Jordanian Construction
on Mount of Olives
(June 1, 1962)
This telegram is in relation to Jordanian construction
in and near the Mount
of Olives, the holiest cemetery for Israelis.
Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy
in Jordan/1/
Washington, June 1, 1962, 8:29 p.m.
/1/Source: Department of State, Central Files, 885.2612/6-162.
Confidential. Drafted by Crawford; cleared by Ludlow, Palmer, Sisco,
Dinsmore (NEA/NE), and Strong; and approved by Talbot. Also sent to
USUN and Jerusalem and repeated to Tel Aviv.
427. Deptel 421./2/ Israel Minister Gazit made further
approach to Department (Strong) May 31/3/ re GOJ "desecration"
Jewish cemetery on Mount of Olives by construction hotel access road.
Said cemetery is Holy Place by UN definition and Israel rights therein
protected by Article VII Israel-Jordan GAA. Alleged entirely feasible
build access road without injuring cemetery.
/2/Telegram 421 to Amman, May 25, expressed Department
concern over the Mount of Olives situation, commended the Embassy in
Amman and the Consulate General in Jerusalem for previous approaches,
and suggested further frank discussion with Jordanian Prime Minister
Wasfi Tell. Specifically, Tell was to be informed that the best course
was for Jordan to relocate its road so that it would not encroach on
cemetery grounds. The Department, however, understood that whatever
route was taken to the hotel would trespass some religious or consecrated
sites and that if Jordan refused to relocate the road, it should be
urged to send a letter to Von Horn expressing an intention to beautify
the route in keeping with its sacred character and to construct a stone
wall to separate the road from the remaining cemetery. (Ibid., 885.2612/5-2562)
/3/The memorandum of conversation is ibid., 885.2612/5-3162.
Gazit asked whether, in light Secretary's earlier suggestions
GOI should engage USG attention in issues threatening NE area stability,
USG willing instruct US Embassy Amman:
(1) Pass following questions GOJ for reply: (a) Has
work within cemetery and immediate environs ceased? (b) If not what
are GOJ further plans (hotel, stadium, more roads) for development of
the Mount of Olives area?
(2) Urge GOJ cease all work immediately if GOJ replies
are cause for "anxiety" on Israel's part.
Gazit asked USG assurance of replies to above questions
within one week. Regardless of replies Israel reserves right claim appropriate
redress from GOJ. Israel public opinion cannot but be highly aroused
should work continue. Israel UNDel discussing problem with Bunche.
Strong replied USG can readily understand and share
GOI concern. We have matter under discussion with GOJ and will pursue.
However, issue requires quiet diplomatic handling and cannot usefully
be treated by "ultimata" or "deadlines". Additionally,
this is UN concern. GOI would have been well-advised engage chief UN
representative on spot (Von Horn) at outset. Desirable Israel bring
him into picture now. Gazit replied Department knows GOI attitude toward
Von Horn. In his view Von Horn was aware of Jordanian activities in
cemetery long ago yet had done nothing and shown no interest.
For Amman: Request comments particularly in light guidance
reftel. What info or GOJ replies to GOI questions (a) and (b) might
be conveyed without USG commitment? Embassy may also wish consider whether
desirable for qualified US technician examine Mount Olives site to evaluate
GOJ intentions and determine whether, as Israel claims, alternative
road location feasible.
For USUN: Reftel and previous background this problem
being forwarded. Mission requested discuss Israel approach with Bunche
and solicit his comments.
For Jerusalem: Suggest you discuss foregoing with Churley
and obtain his views on possible UNTSO role.
Rusk
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1961-1963: Near East, 1962-1963,
V. XVIII. DC: GPO,
2000. |