13. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State 1

343. Believe situation in Jordan steadily deteriorating. For chronicle events, see immediately preceding telegram 342.2 As of today law and order extends only within range of Legionnaire’s rifle. Even [Page 17] under Legion control Amman increasingly restless at deprivations strict curfew. Conflicting orders and timidity of Prime Minister and ministers and above all temporizing have allowed mob activity and mob confidence rise. Circumstances have permitted revelation Communist effectiveness. Facts becoming known locally and even Palestinians who thoroughly enjoy sport of twisting British lion’s tail are now openly discussing Communist infiltration.

New Cabinet contains no strength. Prime Minister Samir Rifai 3 widely regarded as British tool. He is of period of Abol Huda but without his toughness. Expect new government to be forced out and underlying issue of who controls Jordan will then be more than ever acute with issue between leftist politicians and Legion as only remaining source of order, unless unpredictable events develop as result courses of action mentioned London’s telegram 2773.4

Appreciate opportune Deptel 319.5 Sincerely hope even partial evacuation will not be necessary but confess future of Western influences in Jordan and security of American community now giving serious concern.

Mallory
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/1–1056. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Rome for RLG, and Tel Aviv; passed to the Department of the Army.
  2. Telegram 342 from Amman, January 10, provided detailed information on the extent of rioting and disturbances in Jordan. (Ibid., 785.00/1–1056)
  3. Samir al-Rifai, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister in the Hashim cabinet, agreed on January 8 to form a new government after the resignation of the Hashim government the previous day.
  4. Not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/1–956)
  5. Telegram 319 to Amman, January 9, commended the Embassy staff for its courage in handling the recent situation in Jordan and forwarded certain technical details regarding the departure of American dependents in the event evacuation became necessary. (Ibid., 785.00/1–856)