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

534. The movement of Jordan from its Western alignment towards neutralism continues. The easy and common characterization of this change as a drift ignores fact it is not a passive movement but rather is stimulated. Foreign governments and domestic groups are working on Jordan and are prying her loose from West. Internal political situation has deteriorated to point where lack of any real national loyalties, differences between King and Prime Minister, cupidity and ambition among Legion officers now without British restraint, destructive opposition by political outs, and continuing activity by Communists and allied groups makes easier conquest by Egyptian propaganda machine and subversive elements…. One is prone to attribute all difficulties and tensions to Palestine problem. Certainly it is primary irritant. There will be no halt to undesirable political developments unless it is settled. However, such an imperative and highly desired step to prevent war and ease tension is no longer whole story. Palestine and the motion wrapped therein has also provided a medium by which drive to eliminate British influence from the Near East has been further pushed and a screen behind which rising tide of Arab nationalism has been encouraged. Such forces may be slowed by Palestine settlement but it is unlikely they would be stopped.

Not only is Jordan being increasingly lost to our side but her persuasion into ESS camp, which may well occur, can have wider effects on the future of fence-sitting Lebanese and in extracting Iraq, as only Arab member, from Baghdad Pact. Thus, for the present what happens to the insignificant national entity of Jordan is likely to affect critically the Western position in entire Middle East.

Mallory
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/3–3056. Secret. Repeated to London, Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Beirut, Ankara, Jidda, Tripoli, Tel Aviv, Paris, Karachi, and Jerusalem.