Bilateral treaty signed between the United Kingdom and Transjordan on March 22, 1946
The Treaty of London granted Transjordan formal independence from British mandate rule, transforming the emirate into the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 22 March 1946
- Date in force
- 17 June 1946
- Superseded
- Organic Law of 1928 (Anglo-Transjordan mandate)
- New state title
- Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan
- Independence recognised by League of Nations
- 18 April 1946
- Jordan joined United Nations
- 14 December 1955
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Transjordan had been governed under a British mandate formalized by the Organic Law of 1928, which gave Britain control over its finances and foreign policy. Growing pressure for Arab independence and Britain's desire to retain strategic influence in the region led both parties to negotiate a new bilateral arrangement that would replace the mandate framework.
On 22 March 1946, the United Kingdom and the Emirate of Trans-Jordan signed the Treaty of London, formally recognizing Transjordan's sovereignty. Britain retained military bases in the country and continued to subsidize the Arab Legion. On 25 May 1946, the Transjordanian parliament ratified the treaty and redesignated Emir Abdullah I as King, establishing the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan.
Full independence took effect on 17 June 1946 when ratifications were exchanged in Amman. The Soviet Union subsequently vetoed Transjordan's UN membership, arguing the state was not fully independent of Britain. This prompted a further treaty in March 1948 removing all sovereignty restrictions, though Jordan only gained full UN membership on 14 December 1955 as part of a 16-nation compromise.
Political Outcome
Transjordan recognized as an independent sovereign kingdom; British mandate terminated on 17 June 1946, though Britain retained military bases and financial ties.
Transjordan governed as a British mandate under the Organic Law of 1928, with Britain controlling finances and foreign policy
Transjordan recognized as the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan, with Abdullah I as King, though Britain maintained military bases and subsidies