211. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan1
202036. 1. Please prepare following letter from President for delivery to King and hold for Amb. Ball, who will deliver it personally in his call on King.
Begin Text.
Your Majesty:
I have asked Ambassador George Ball, who has just assumed his new responsibilities at the UN, to discuss with you and certain other [Page 409] Arab statesmen, and with Israeli officials, current developments in the area. The trip to the area will give him the opportunity to become fully familiar with the Middle East problem. Ambassador Ball brings with him assurances of our continued firm support for Jordan and my sincere personal wishes for Your Majesty.
It has been more than a year since the end of hostilities. In this time there has not been any progress toward the agreement called for in the Security Council resolution of November 22, 1967. I fully appreciate the difficulties you face in the continuing absence of a settlement, and the courage and moderation you have shown in meeting them.
I assure you that the United States Government has given its full support to the efforts of Ambassador Jarring and that it will continue to do so. Ambassador Ball’s visit to Jordan, and to other states in the area, is evidence of our concern and of our close interest in the efforts which are being made to find a way toward peace.
I shall look forward to hearing from Ambassador Ball your thoughts on these matters. I hope that his discussions with you will help lead to the just and durable settlement which we all so fervently desire.
Sincerely, Lyndon B. Johnson. End Text.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, UN 7. Secret; Priority;Exdis. Drafted by Day, cleared by Davies in substance and by Saunders at the White House, and approved by Popper. Repeated to Paris for Ball and Sisco.↩