1458


FOREIGN RELATIONS, 1949, VOLUME VI


}Bedouin" and conscious of both the small resources of Jordan itself
and the.scarcity of persons qualified to direct a modern state, they
believe that in any joint state Palestinians should play an equal if not,
leading part. Particularly alarming to them is the present political and
economic discrimination. Furthermore, resentment over cession of the
Triangle lands is still smouldering and has permanently shaken con-
fidence in the trustworthiness of King Abdullah as a protector against
Israel.
  10. Nevertheless, a growing number of the moderate, better in-
formed elements appear resigned to the fact that there is no alterna-
tive to union with Jordan. They recognize that a viable Arab Pales-
tine is impossible and that such a Lilliputian-state would-quickly be
swallowed by. Israel. Under specific conditions in the formulation of
which they had a prior voice, incorporation with Jordan would prob-
ably be accepted.
  11. Talk of union with Israel or close economic bonds between an
independent Arab Palestine and Israel is heard. But, the conditions
mentioned for this are the product of wishful thinking and clearly
unacceptable to Israel. On the-whole there does not appear to-be any
genuine, widely held desire to cooperate with Israel in a realistic
manner.
  12. Israel's treatment of its present Arab population; its security
arguments against repatriation of Arab refugees; the drastic differ-
ences between the semi-socialist communal state of Israel and the
Arabs' traditional mode of existence; and the chauvinistic basically
anti-"goy" atmosphere in Israel;.indicate that the interests of
Pales-
tinian.Arabs would be served best by incorporation into Jordan.
  13. Careful consideration should be given to the manner of achiev-
ing this union to minimize initial resentment and future friction.
A unilateral decree of annexation without specific protection for the
rights and interests of Palestinians would provoke deep, widespread
bitterness difficult to heal. It might even occasion disturbances.
  14. In the present circumstances union-might be approached by the
selection, or preferably election, of a group of Palestinian Arabs (not.
mere Abdullah marionettes).to represent Palestine and draw up with
Jordan representatives an agreement for union under specific and
acceptable conditions. The selection might be entrusted to the various
mukhtars, heads of families, municipal organizations and committees
from the refugees camps. 'The union could take the form of a kingdom
under one crown but with each side of the Jordan possessing local
autonomy and controlling its. internal. affairs. Responsibility for de-
fense: and foreign affairs could rest-in a joint body. Such an arrange-
ment would-- require reduction in he arbitrary power of the King in
practice if not in form, and explicit provisions against discrimination