104. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
251. Increasing pressures are being applied from several sources on King Hussein and Jordan Government. Highly effective are the attacks by Syrian-Egyptian press and radio on Jordan’s tie with the west and position as supposed stooge of the US. Some pressures are more direct, such as attempt bomb US ConGen Jerusalem last Thursday night which was to have been followed by bombings of British Consulate and certain newspapers (… has reported details). The military governor of Jerusalem has filled me in on enough detail to prove authenticity. This was to be and perhaps will be followed by other terroristic and confusion creating activities directed from the Deuxieme Bureau Damascus. King Hussein has noted to me he is struck by fact that Haj Amin Husseini’s men being those involved in this.
There has been recent rash defamatory pamphlets; the government saw fit last weekend to arrest about 10 Qawmiyiin members [Page 157] including Hamad Farhan (now released). Liberation Party (Tahriri) has issued strong pamphlets and Bathiyiin are apparently also active. Indirect but very effective pressure has come from Israel through its activity in Government House neutral zone in so-called tree planting. I informed by Foreign Minister his theme has been picked up by Syrian-Egyptian press, and attacks are beginning on Jordan’s impotence in face Israeli provocation.
While difficult to assess and define, there seems to be growing feeling of malaise or unrest best described as a decrease in confidence in present government. Part of this can be attributed to failure military trials to produce dramatic evidence for public consumption. Present uneasiness can also be attributed to differences and divergencies which naturally occur after cohesion that existed immediately following spring crisis period.
There have been number of … reports concerning plans for establishment of free Palestine Government under Ex-Grand Mufti. Matter has now reached point of open rumor with specific statement General Hiyari ex-CGS now in Gaza assisting in organization. King Hussein is concerned about this not altogether in fear that it might happen but rather in fear ultimate motives and persons who may be behind such a move. The scheme has been ascribed to President Nasser with suggestion it may be linked with broader British aims in turn involving Israelis.
Jordan’s Army decreases in strength and prestige as Syria, Israel and Egypt acquire more new equipment.
Within six weeks HKJ government must reach decision with respect to Parliament; whether to appear before it, dismiss it and hold new elections, etc. Government decision will have profound effect. I detect also clear evidence substantial differences opinion among ministers on desirability of continuation and/or changes in Cabinet.
While part of above may be usual Arab political machinations, one must nevertheless take cognizance clearly displayed danger signals. If existing pressures continue or augment, Hussein and government will find increasing difficulty maintain pro-Western position in Jordan. If Soviet position in Syria permits outflanking of Turkey and Northern Tier of Baghdad Pact, pressures here will increase. If Israel continues provocative moves which place the Jordan Government in indefensible position, support for regime will decrease. The present case of Government House neutral zone is building up and could reach point where, if HKJ feels it must react.
… The most immediate dangers apart from the ever possible threat of assassination, are that King Hussein and his government may seek to retaliate against Israel and/or to counter subversive bombings and other plots by attempting some themselves. In my [Page 158] judgment such acts are not likely, however, since reason can probably be made to prevail.
While pressures increase, help expected from sister Arab states is not forthcoming. King Saud appears more quiescent in his support of Hussein and more tolerant of Syrian extremism. Iraq also appears to be leaving Hussein to hold the bag. All this is undermining anti-Communist stand in Jordan.
In the larger picture external pressures on Jordan remain basically the same as in early April. There has been a resurgence of pressure from Egypt and Syria, while pressure has increased from Israel. In sum Jordan feeling post-crisis relapse, while all her enemies, Israel as well as Egypt and Syria, renew the attack and while her allies less effective. By and large the west and friends of the west are sitting still. The Communists are moving. The brave stand here may win through but no one should be deceived that the battle is by any means over.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/8–1257. Secret; Noforn. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, London, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem.↩