19. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
458. At noon yesterday2 King Hussein called on Prime Minister Rifai at his office and gave him personally hand-written orders, stating he would await word of their execution and leaving Raisdiwan Talhouni at the Prime Ministry. The orders were the dismissal of three British officers Lt. General Glubb, Commander Arab Legion, Brigadier Hutton, Chief of Staff and Sir Patrick Coghill, Chief Counterintelligence. Upon departure King Cabinet meeting called during course of which Prime Minister summoned British Ambassador Duke to inform him. Cabinet decided to carry out orders. Prime Minister could give Duke no reasons, stating government not consulted and orders were ultimatum. Prime Minister summoned Glubb, gave him King’s orders which accepted in soldierly fashion. Prime Minister asked if Glubb could depart Jordan that afternoon to which Glubb replied impossible as everything he possessed in world was [Page 27] here. Was accordingly arranged he depart early following morning by Legion plane.
Duke saw King 6:45 p.m. requesting reasons for action. Reasons not clear but those given include King’s alleged discovery insufficient stores and supplies ammunition, deficiencies in proper assignment of officers in Legion and further that Glubb had not helped him against Egypt. Duke’s telegraphic report of Glubb’s acceptance dismissal crossed in transmission with message from Prime Minister Eden to Hussein requesting King not take precipitate action and pointed out matter should have been consulted with HMG. This post facto message delivered to King at midnight.3
Glubb departed Amman approximately 7 a.m. today from Arab Legion Air Force hangar which was under extremely heavy guard. British officers Arab Legion Air Force confined to quarters as of 7:30 p.m. last night. In addition dismissal 3 British officers there were at least 3 Jordanian officers supposedly loyal to Glubb who were retired. Additionally 8 British officers relieved from their commands primarily from elite Beduin troops. They are replaced by Arab officers and pattern suggests desire tight control of Legion either by King or Arab officer clique.4 Official radio this morning carried short address by King Hussein asking obedience army and people and maintenance of order for steps he was taking in national interest. Announcement then made termination services Glubb and others. Stated Brigadier Radi Anab appointed temporary Commander of Legion, Cabinet Ministers were requested to remain Amman and that King following developments closely.
Ambassador Duke who has not yet finally made up his mind says there could be 4 possible reasons for King’s action: The alleged shortage of ammunition which is likely not valid; alleged discontent among some Legion officers; publicity in England about Glubb which has piqued the King and feeling that Glubb may have been [Page 28] center of attraction for criticism for example as from Egypt. Duke said this morning he did not know what course of action might develop but he believes that matter should not pass without a positive reaction from the UK.
I do not expect civil disturbances but there is large demonstration under way in Amman shouting thanks to King and to Nasser. Embassy advised Americans stay off streets. No restrictions on tourists.5
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 741.551/3–256. Confidential; Priority. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, London, Tel Aviv, Ankara, Jerusalem, Jidda, Karachi, Tehran, and Tripoli; passed to the Department of the Army.↩
- In telegram 453 from Amman, March 1, the Embassy informed the Department that Hussein had ordered the dismissal of Glubb, Hutton, and Coghill, and replaced a number of British officers with Arabs. “Motives unknown,” the Embassy concluded, “but hope clarify tomorrow morning.” (Ibid., 741.551/3–156)↩
- On March 2 the Embassy in London informed the Department that Hussein’s dismissal of Glubb was a “great shock” to the British Government. The Embassy further noted that the Cabinet was meeting later that day to consider the situation and decide what line should be taken with the press. (Telegram 3671; Ibid., 741.551/ 3–256)↩
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On March 4 the Army Attaché at Amman, Lieutenant Colonel James L. Sweeney, reported his observations on the Glubb dismissal to the Department of State. Among other things, Sweeney noted: “future events Jordan dependent on the following currently cloudy factors:
- “1) Strength King vis-à-vis Free Officers Movement (FOM),
- “2) Egypt support or control FOM,
- “3) London reaction and
- “4) Number British officers remaining.
“Only time will tell if Hussein will be the Farouk of Jordan and Innab the Naguib. And if so who is the Nasser?” (Telegram CX 33 from Amman; Ibid., 741.551/ 3–455)
↩ - On March 6 the Embassy in Amman forwarded a detailed account of the events surrounding the dismissal of Glubb. (Despatch 297; Ibid., 741.551/2–656)↩