35. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq1
422. We feel Nuri’s suggestion (Embtel 4462) Iraq-UK-HKJ approach to Jordan’s defense problems highly practical and worthy further development. We would hope that Iraq military mission to Jordan is in position be sufficiently forthcoming maintain Jordan interest in proposal. Iraqis might wish consider token grant military equipment at this juncture as means further cementing HKJ-Iraq collaboration. While we recognize Iraq has no large surpluses military equipment available perhaps certain items could be transferred to Jordan at this time with Iraq making up deficiencies from traditional suppliers at later date.
Re Nuri’s suggestion (Embtel 4613) US make small arms available Jordan there are number of factors which appear militate against such a move. One is provision UK–HKJ treaty that Jordan will ensure that armament and essential equipment HKJ forces will not differ from those forces of HMG. US has no desire disturb longstanding UK-HKJ arrangements. Another is fact military assistance whether grant or cash reimbursable requires conclusion military assistance agreement in accordance with US legislative requirements. Experience shows conclusion such agreements requires time.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 685.87/9–1556. Secret. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Rountree who signed for Hoover. Repeated to Amman and London.↩
- In telegram 446 from Baghdad, September 15, Gallman reported, among other things, that Nuri, in the course of a discussion on Jordanian defense matters, had suggested that on the basis of Jordan’s treaty with the United Kingdom and with Iraq, “a plan of joint action could and should be worked out for use in case of large-scale Israeli aggression.” (Ibid.)↩
- On September 18 Gallman informed the Department that Nuri had expressed the hope that the United States could supply Jordan with some small defensive arms. (Telegram 461 from Baghdad; Ibid., 685.87/9–1856)↩