The Anglo- Jordan Treaty 1928 and its Impact on the Political Developments of the Emirate of Transjordan

Abstract

This study investigates the Anglo- Jordan Treaty signed on the 20th of

February 1928 in Jerusalem between the chairman of the executive council

(prime minister) of Emirate of Transjordan on behalf of prince Abdullah bin

Al- Hussein and the British High Commissioner of Palestine on behalf of the

British government.

This study aims mainly to study and analyze the importance of this Treaty

and its impact on the political evolution in the Emirate of Transjordan, and

results of which were represented in the emergence of various institutions

of the state; legislative and executive. The Treaty is investigated from three

dimensions:

Firstly, the historical dimension. The study focuses on the historical

circumstances which led to the signing of the treaty on the 20th of February

1927. This part discusses both the reasons behind Britain’s early hesitance

and the reasons behind its approval to sign this treaty. This part also discusses

the terms of the treaty and its positive and negative elements.

Secondly, the analytical dimension. The study focuses on the effect this

treaty had on the political evolution of the Emirate of Transjordan till the end

of the Emirate in 1946. In this regard, the study highlights the establishing of

institutions as a result of this treaty starting from the announcement of basic

law and the election of the first legislative council.

Lastly, the amendments this treaty had witnessed during the era of

Transjordan. This treaty had been amended several times since then as a

response to public opposition.

One of the main conclusions of the research is that this treaty has

represented one of the most important stages of the independence of the state

of Jordan which was achieved in 1946, in view of the beginning of the state

control over the most important institutions of governance, after they had been

controlled by the Mandatory State , although this control was conditioned to

a large extent.