Office of the Historian

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

Washington, April 27, 1956—1:36 p.m.

633. For Ambassador: At your discretion you should seek early private audience with King and convey to him substance following in manner you feel most effective:

1.
USG has on more than one occasion recent months expressed view long-standing ties between HKJ and UK have been of mutual benefit and of importance in maintaining sovereign independence and territorial integrity Jordan. In all frankness it appears if these ties were to be further weakened in turbulent circumstances existing NE today, chances for peaceful and prosperous future Jordan would be considerably lessened.
2.
We understand difficulties faced by King and pressures being put on him. We unaware withdrawal Iraq proposal give aid Jordan. We are inquiring re this report and prepared urge Iraqis carry through proposal.
3.
We are unaware any reports UK prepared furnish “Gnat” jets to Israel and doubt validity.
4.
Over past few months US has failed respond Israel’s request purchase arms in this country. We have insisted to Israel security Israel and area can not be assured by arms alone but should be sought by other means such as protection afforded by UN Charter and determination free world take steps counter aggression and aid victim aggression NE. These same considerations apply Jordan. US does not intend embark upon arms race with Soviet bloc in NE.
5.
US did not question Jordan’s right determine command Jordan forces which we felt was matter for decision by sovereign state Jordan. … It is only too possible HKJ arrangements with Soviet bloc or with ESS powers procure Soviet arms would result consequences which no one could foretell.
6.
As popularly acclaimed leader Jordan people, King in position take brave steps necessary assure future his nation. We feel right path lies in strengthening ties with Jordan’s trusted friends rather [Page 41] than being tempted into snares laid by those who scarcely bother veil intention extinguish Jordan sovereignty.2

Dulles
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.56/4–2756. Secret. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Allen who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Baghdad and pouched to London.↩
  2. On May 4, the Embassy in London requested that it be permitted to convey the substance of telegram 633 to the Foreign Office. The Embassy noted that it would be very helpful in the context of United States-United Kingdom-Saudi Arabia relations if the British could be informed of the U.S. view of the Anglo-Jordanian relationship. (Telegram 5081; Ibid., 785.56/5–456) On May 7, the Department authorized the Embassy to convey the substance of telegram 633 to the Foreign Office with the qualification that it wait until Mallory had presented it to King Hussein. (Telegram 6696 to London, transmitted to Amman as telegram 655; Ibid.)↩