3. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
302. King Hussein summoned me today. After usual exchange he expressed hope I was pleased with manner in which Jordan was emerging from present contretemps. In reply said I had been concerned during Cairo meeting but now that important foreign matters in sure hands Prime Minister, was much reassured. As gambit I added hope and expectation Egyptians would quiet down in reasonably near future but with weak Government Syria still a matter of preoccupation. He picked this up agreeing generally….
Hussein said Jordan fortunately had emerged from family fracas quite well and not compromised in any direction. He said with emphasis even Egypt does not now expect or is pressing Jordan to join its collective arrangement.
King then said Jordan prepared to listen to any request from US to join in agreements and the conditions involved. (I know he is personally interested in some air force which British discouraged in December.) I gave him another review our position stressing we not asking much less urging any state which we feel should exercise its free will in its own interests. However, we are interested in strengthening regional defense and again discussed arms aid to Iraq, et cetera. I was surprised at his ready acceptance and appreciation of our view which apparently I had poorly presented before or which had not penetrated his thinking. I am advised by trusted LC member that on visit to Pakistan from which he returned Monday night King and party much impressed by Pakistan’s hard work, spirit, martial training and US assistance. It appears Pakistan visit excellent antidote to previous Egyptian visit and pressures. His Majesty has elsewhere noted that while Pakistan army of British tradition air force largely American.
King saw British Ambassador immediately after me. Conversation followed same line. We believe main purpose is concern for arms if not coordinated at least springs from same motivation as Prime Minister’s inquiry Embassy telegram 288, March 9.2 Prime [Page 5] Minister also asked British Ambassador what advantage including arms would accrue in event Jordan joined Turco-Iraqi Pact. British Ambassador has sought instructions. It is hoped Department may concur.
I am as yet unable fully assess possibilities raised today or whether they may eventuate in further reorientation Government policy. Positive attitude by King always important component in formulation ultimate Government line.3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 682.87/3–1655. Confidential. Repeated to Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, Beirut, Karachi, London, Ankara, Jidda, Paris, and Tripoli.↩
- On March 5 in a conversation with Geren, Tawfiq Abu al-Huda asked about U.S. intentions concerning arms shipments to Jordan in the event that his country should join the Baghdad Pact. According to Geren, Abu al-Huda also indicated that Jordan was interested in modifying its treaty relationship with the United Kingdom. (Telegram 288 from Amman, March 9; Ibid., 682.87/3–955)↩
- On March 19 Mallory informed the Department that both the King and Prime Minister had inquired about the U.S. reaction to Jordan’s adherence to the Baghdad Pact and the benefits Jordan might expect if it joined. According to the Ambassador, each query was motivated by a desire for arms “over and above” what the Jordanians were receiving from the British. Mallory added that it was not clear whether the King prompted the Prime Minister to make such inquiries or vice-versa. The Ambassador concluded, “I suspect there is coordination between them but such cannot be assumed as the King often free wheels.” (Telegram 305 from Amman; Ibid., 682.87/3–1955)↩