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State Undecided On Jordan Keeping Palestinian Territories

(June 1, 1949)

The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State

top secret
priority

Paris , June 1, 1949—10 a. m.

Actel 30.1 For Rusk2 from Jessup.3 ReEmbtel 2202, May 31, Bevin Conversation 4.

Michael Wright last night supplemented and partially corrected Bevin’s statements to Secretary on Palestinian question. First essential point UK position re Syrian-Israeli frontier is desirability agreement in principle before frontier fixed that water will be used for benefit four states under joint auspices. They worried American engineer Hayes project for local use water by Israel. UK thinks if agreement reached on equitable use of water both sides of actual frontier, the line will settle itself. They do not suggest UK or US express any opinion concerning location frontier.

Re arms supplies, Wright emphasized Bevin considers essential making some definite promise to Egyptians re future deliveries presumably after two-month interval as indicated reftel 2202.

Re Transjordan, Wright made British request more specific. They must give immediate advice to Abdullah on Jerusalem negotiation and on incorporation Palestine territories. They hope US representative would convey US views to Abdullah direct or that at least we would tell UK, first, whether we believe he should stick to Lausanne talks and refuse separate negotiations Jerusalem; second, whether we would approve incorporation Palestinian territories. If we do not approve immediate incorporation, do we have objection British announcing now theory stated reftel 2202 that they consider their treaty applies to the administered territories without incorporation. Of course, what they want is something to help Abdullah’s morale short of supplying; arms and ammunition. Wright suggested it would also be helpful if we could tell Abdullah we would take very serious view of resumption of fighting whether started by Israelis or by Arab Legion.

Wright stated Bevin further inquires whether we think it would be useful for Wright to go to Washington at time of Secretary’s return to Department with view to further discussion Near Eastern questions.

Bevin dining privately with Secretary tonight. If you can send even partial replies any UK questions on any of points raised by Bevin, Secretary would be glad communicate information to him this evening.

Your niact Telac 324 just received. Anything further still welcome. [Jessup.]

Acheson

  1. As originally received in the Department of State this telegram was numbered 2218. It was subsequently corrected to Actel 30.
  2. Dean Rusk became Deputy Under Secretary of State on May 31.
  3. Ambassador at Large Philip Jessup, Alternate Member of the United States Delegation at the Sixth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers.
  4. Dated May 31, not printed, but see footnote 3, p. 1078.

Source: U.S. State Department.