In London, on 22 March 1946, the United Kingdom and the Emirate of Transjordan sign the Treaty of Alliance between His Majesty in respect of the United Kingdom and His Highness the Amir of Transjordan (Treaty of London, 1946). It enters into force on 17 June 1946 when ratifications are exchanged in Amman. The text is published in the United Nations Treaty Series, volume 6.

The treaty recognises the sovereignty and independence of the Arab state of Transjordan, thereafter the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan, with Emir Abdullah I as king. It supersedes the Anglo-Transjordan mandate and the Organic Law of 1928, which had left finance and much foreign policy under British control.

Britain nevertheless keeps military bases and continues to subsidise and support the Arab Legion — the instrument was designed to leave London wide freedom of action. The League of Nations recognises impending independence on 18 April 1946 at its last meeting.

On 25 May 1946 Transjordan’s parliament ratifies the treaty and redesignates the Emir as King; that date remains Independence Day in Jordan. Officially the mandate ends on 17 June 1946.

Abdullah’s UN membership bid is vetoed by the Soviet Union as not “fully independent”; a March 1948 treaty removes remaining restrictions; UN membership follows on 14 December 1955.

The Treaty of London of 22 March 1946 remains the founding act of Jordanian independence, even though the military and financial relationship with London continues for several more years.

Image: Abdullah I; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Treaty of London (1946). Treaty text: Treaty of Alliance UK–Transjordan (UNTS vol. 6).