Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East: Jordan-Yemen, Volume XIII

112. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan¹

Washington, November 28, 1957—12:36 p.m.

1294. Embtel 1074.² You should seek audience with King soonest and make following points:

1) US attitude toward aggression by Israel or any other Near Eastern state has been made very clear. US action at time invasion Suez amply demonstrates our policy and determination this regard. Where Egypt, despite massive armaments, was powerless to act, action of US and other UN members was decisive factor. In Sinai, Israel learned painful lesson re attitude of US in case of Israeli aggression, and Israelis have been left in no doubt that this attitude remains unchanged. King can be certain we would take action designed bring about cessation of Israel aggression against Jordan should it occur.

2) UN and its subordinate organs have direct responsibility for implementation of General Armistice Agreements and maintenance of conditions of tranquillity along armistice lines. We strongly support UN in this endeavor. We regret that Jordan felt impelled to take public issue with UNTSO and doubt whether this gesture serves HKJ interest in maintenance armistice regime. UNSYG’s willingness to leave UNHQ for NE at this critical time³ demonstrates his desire to strengthen functioning of UN machinery in area. We are pleased with manner which Jordanians have responded to UNSYG desire to go to Amman, and we assume Jordanians will meet him in that spirit and work closely with him. We see no reason why current problem with respect to Scopus can not be worked out through UN and UNSYG. Meanwhile we have made clear to Israel it should not take precipitate action in this matter.

3) We have fully appreciated courageous stand taken by Jordan and aid we have extended is one measure of our appreciation. As further evidence of our support, we have recently offered to extend assistance up to $10 million from FY 1958 funds to be devoted to Jordan development program. We have supplied significant quantity of military goods to Jordan and are presently seeking means of being helpful in connection with Jordan’s request for heavy artillery.

4) HM should therefore have no doubt as to our continuing interest in stability, independence and integrity of Jordan. This has been expressed publicly at highest levels of USG. At same time, with regard to his request for assurances of continuing financial support, we must ask HM to appreciate considerations arising from US constitutional system. Power to appropriate public funds rests solely with Congress, and Executive cannot commit Congress re future appropriations. Congressional appropriations are determined on annual basis. Of particular importance is belief in Congress (which organized on biennial basis) that one Congress should not commit the next. We have for a long while had fruitful and lasting relations with many friendly states which have had full awareness of this factor in the conduct of US foreign relations. Essential element in these relationships has been sense of mutual confidence based on genuine community of interest, which happily characterizes US-Jordanian relations. This being so, Hussein can be certain that Jordan’s needs will continue receive sympathetic consideration by USG.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.85/11–2557. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles.
2. Supra.
3. During the first week of December 1957, Hammarskjöld visited the Middle East to discuss the Mt. Scopus situation with Jordanian and Israeli officials.