Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

785.00/7–2051: Telegram

The Minister in Jordan (Drew) to the Department of State ¹

confidential
niact

Amman, July 20, 1951—1 p.m.

26. Legtel 25, July 20.² Death of Abdullah, mental condition and absence from country of Crown Prince Tallal, and minority of Tallal’s son Hussain, pose immed serious constitutional problem regarding succession on which too early to comment.

Legion enforcing martial law immed. Police guards on foreign Legs being strengthened. I am taking all possible precautions assure safety of Amer personnel and residents and Leg property. Amer staff member will be on duty at chancery 24 hours day. While confident ability Arab Legion maintain order I do not exclude possibility disorders by irresponsible elements including refugees with anti-foreign overtones.

Have informed Amer Con branch [in] Arab-held Jerusalem requesting it do likewise and keep Dept and me promptly and fully informed.

Drew

1. Repeated to Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo, Jidda, Damascus, London, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem.
2. Not printed; it conveyed the following message to Washington, repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv: King Abdullah assassinated about noon July 20, at mosque Jerusalem.” (785.11/7–2051)