106. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State1
2985. When called on Selwyn Lloyd at his home this morning on another subject found him discussing Jordan with Sir William Hayter. Lloyd expressed serious concern possibility Egyptian-Syrian coup Jordan. Believed Nasser rapidly committing himself by means radio propaganda campaign to extent would be impossible for him to fail to follow such campaign with action and thought Syrian entrance into campaign particularly ominous on more or less same reasoning. Felt West might have very short time before being faced with fait accompli. Principal concern was with possibilities for US–UK intervention which he took to be alternative which we unlikely be able to avoid. He assumed that assassination of King very likely prelude Egyptian-Syrian move, and although discounted feasibility US–UK ground occupation Jordan, considered unlikely there would be pro-Western and pro-King forces on ground to which US–UK air support could be given.
Lloyd noted his understanding that intelligence circles appeared inclined take less pessimistic view re imminence major Egyptian-Syrian move but wished Secretary to know he himself highly disturbed.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/11–1257. Top Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Repeated to Amman.↩