יומנים > יומן - מלא 23/03/1949

Wednesday, March 23, 1949

Perlson: He proposes having Litvak, who worked at the Joint [Distribution Committee], a hard worker, in the Defense treasury. Kaplan wanted to take him instead of Zagagi. I do not know the man – and cannot say anything good or bad. If Perlson is certain that he’s suitable – I won’t object. Perlson arranged with Yizraeli that he would return to his kibbutz on May 15. It would be good to take a soldier instead of him. He proposes returning Luboshitz [sp.] to Yosef; I also think that the rationing task assigned to Yosef is central, and if he needs Luboshitz [sp.] then he takes precedence. In place of Isser Ben-Zvi, Elik Shomroni has started working.

         – As secretary I hired Elkana Gali (Gelobter [sp.]), who had worked in the Foreign Ministry.

         – By way of Nehemiah, I instructed Zadok to discharge half of the university students over the course of a week, and to inquire immediately whether more can be discharged. If Zadok cannot do this, then someone else should.

         – Yigael [Yadin] and [Watler] Eytan came. Yesterday the [Jordanian] Minister of Justice (Deputy Defense Minister) Falah Madadha showed up, along with the Deputy Foreign Minister and Abdallah Tall. They met from 7 to 1 a.m. They were prepared to sign [an agreement] that Wadi ‘Ara and the strongholds to the south of it would be ours and the hills closest to the coastal valley would be turned over to us, and the territories would be turned over to us in practice over the course of six months. They were authorized to do so by the king and Glubb. They didn’t bring written permission; today they will bring a letter of authorization. They agreed on [border] lines. Regarding the timing: the western line (west of the Baq’a – Jaljulia road) – over the course of a month. The Wadi ‘Ara sector – over the course of six weeks. All the rest over the course of 4 months.

         Tall requested three additions – amendments: 1) To give them money to build a road from Qalqilya to Tulkarm in the East [east of the new borderline] – 15 km. 2) Residents of the Arab villages that are turned over to us would live freely in the State of Israel. If someone leaves (under pressure), he’ll receive reparations for his lands. 3) That it be noted that the agreement is confidential, and that only if both sides agree would its content to be publicized.

         Tall will telephone Moshe Dayan today if it’s approved – and then he’ll come to sign it. If not – then there will be further negotiations. They asked if they’re prepared to come to Shuni for the signing. They replied that they must consult with the prime minister [the signing did indeed take place in Shuni].

         – In the afternoon until nearly midnight, Knesset.