457. Editorial Note
In April 1957, Jordan underwent prolonged political turmoil, marked by a struggle for power between King Hussein and leaders sympathetic to Syria and Egypt. After a constitutional crisis which included several changes of Cabinet, leftist and pro-leftist military officers unsuccessfully attempted a coup against King Hussein. The Government of Iraq viewed the threat to Hussein with alarm, and requested the United States to supply Hussein with financial aid to combat “Leftist and Communist pressures.” (Telegram 1763 from Baghdad, April 23; Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/ 4–2357) The Department of State responded that its information had not indicated that Jordan was in immediate financial need, and it hoped that Iraq might be able to assist Jordan in this respect. (Telegram 1938 to Baghdad, April 23; ibid.) According to Gallman, Nuri replied that Iraq did not have the reserves to do so. (Telegram 1772 from Baghdad, April 24; ibid., 120.1580/4–2457)
The United States also considered the possibility of moving Iraqi troops into Jordan upon invitation by King Hussein. Iraq moved some troops closer to the Jordanian border, but Hussein survived the crisis without Iraqi military assistance. For documentation on the Jordanian crisis, see volume XIII, pages 102 ff.