811.4611/1–1349
Memorandum by the Acting
Secretary of State to the President
Washington, January 13,
1949.
Subject: Your appointment with Samir Rifai
Pasha.
Samir Rifai Pasha, personal envoy of King Abdullah of Transjordan and
former Prime Minister of that country, has an appointment with you
at 11:45 on Friday, January 14. He is bearing a personal message to
you from King Abdullah.1
Samir Rifai Pasha has informed us that the message conveys the King’s
greetings to you and his wishes for the prosperity of the US, offers
to you the King’s congratulations on the outcome of the elections
and expresses the hope that the present cordial relations existing
between our two countries can be formalized in the near future.
Samir Rifai Pasha has indicated that he would like to receive from
your hands a message in reply which he could carry to King Abdullah.
A proposed reply to the King2 based on the information which Samir Rifai Pasha
has given us, is attached for your consideration.
[Annex]
Draft Communication by President Truman to King Abdullah ibn Hussein, King of the Hashemite
Kingdom of Transjordan
[Washington, undated.]
Your Majesty: On behalf of the
Government and people of the United States, I wish to express to
Your Majesty my deep appreciation for your kind message of
friendship which has been conveyed to me through your
distinguished representative, His Excellency Samir Rifai Pasha.
I am personally most grateful for your generous sentiments
concerning the outcome of the American elections. May I also
take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Your Majesty
[Page 651]
for the warm
hospitality which has been extended to Americans in your
country, and to reciprocate the friendly sentiments which
inspired Your Majesty’s message.
I am confident that the relations of cordiality and friendship
which prevail between the Transjordanian people and those of the
United States will continue to be strengthened and extended to
the mutual benefit of both our countries. The question of
formalizing the present relations between our Governments is
under active consideration, and it is hoped that this question
can be resolved to the full satisfaction of both our
Governments.
My Government and the American people share my fervent hope for
the early return of conditions under which Your Majesty’s land
and people may develop and prosper in peace, well being, and
happiness.
I take pleasure in extending to Your Majesty my personal wishes
for your continued good health and prosperity.
