Official circles here are watching with utmost interest developments in Jordan in connection with the dynastic quarrel which is taking place there following the appointment of a Council of Regency in Amman.
The danger of a Jordan-Iraq union or federation is never far from the mind of Israeli statesmen. It must be remembered that while other Arab countries have signed an armistice pact with Israel, no such pact has been signed by Iraq. Thus, Israel and Iraq are still formally in a state of war although they have no common frontier. A Jordan-Iraq merger would put Iraq face to face with Israel.
A report from London today said that three of the major newspapers there claim that King Feisal, boy king of Iraq who is now being educated in Britain, will become the ruler of a united Iraq-Jordan. At the same time, the Cairo radio reported that Syrian leaders who are opposed to any union between Iraq and Jordan have met with Premier Tewfik Abdul Huda of Jordan at the Syrian-Jordan frontier town of Deraa and demanded assurances from him that no change in the independent status of the Jordan throne is being contemplated.
There is no inclination in official Israeli circles to comment upon the present developments in Jordan which may eventually have more than dynastic significance. Israel takes the attitude that in the present phase these developments are exclusively Jordan’s affair. However, it is clear here that Syria is no less interested than Israel in the Jordan situation in view of the fact that dynastic developments may lead to increased Iraqi influence in Jordan to the detriment of Syria.
Shooting incidents along the Jordan-Israel border during the last few days were attributed here to the nervousness which has inevitably affected Jordan military and civilian circles stemming from the present confusion and uncertainty about the future in Jordan which, it is believed here, will continue for some considerable time.
The Jordan-Israel Mixed Armistice Commission, investigating border incidents in the Qalquilya area, ruled yesterday that Israeli farmers could continue to harvest vegetables in the fields along the border while demarcation of the border line continued. One Jew was killed and a second wounded last week when Arab troops fired on the Jews. The Commission held the Arab Legion responsible for the incident.
Immediately following the meeting, Major Iskhak, head of the Jordan delegation, summoned the chiefs of the neighboring Arab villages and warned them against disorderly acts. He said the Arab Legion forces would leave Qalquilya unprotected if the villagers violated the cease-fire agreement. The situation in the area tonight was reported to be quiet.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
