36. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq1
462. Embtel 513.2 Substance of following should be conveyed to Nuri:3
Department appreciates extent Jordanian pressure upon Iraq for military assistance. We have followed with interest recent efforts Iraq maintain and consolidate its influence in Jordan Governmental circles. However we feel strongly that Iraqi acquiescence Jordan request for Iraqi support in form of military force within Jordan, even if token, would be ill advised at this juncture. Iraqi military presence in Jordan now could hardly fail increase apprehension in some Israeli circles and might be used in others as pretext for serious Israeli counter action against Jordan. There is also possibility it would encourage irresponsible action of Jordan Government against Israel. Finally such Iraqi entry into Jordan might provoke reactions on part of Egypt Saudi Arabia and Syria which would be unhelpful at this time.
As regards Nuri’s request for assurance concerning continuity US arms supply, Department has never considered objectives US military assistance program to Iraq inconsistent with Iraqi obligations under bilateral or multilateral agreements to assist other Arab states in the event they become victims of aggression. However we are not prepared in advance of actual situation which may develop to give commitment regarding continuity of our arms supply program.
FYI: With regard to Nuri’s question about supplying some arms to Jordan through Iraq we have requested views Embassy Amman on political merits of this. Matter of blankets being investigated. Will [Page 53] send further word re arms and blankets within next few days. End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 685.87/9–2756. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Rockwell and approved by Rountree. Repeated to Amman, Tel Aviv, Karachi, Ankara, Cairo, London, Damascus, and Beirut.↩
- In telegram 513 from Baghdad, September 27, Gallman conveyed the substance of a conversation with Nuri al-Said. Among other things, Nuri expressed concern over recent Jordanian-Israeli border clashes; indicated that for the present he had no intention of dispatching an Iraqi division into Jordan, but would increase supplies at Mafraq and deploy a batallion to protect them. According to Nuri, Iraq’s objective was to strengthen Jordan against communism and support the Baghdad Pact. (Ibid., 684A.85/9–2756)↩
- On September 28, Gallman informed the Department that Nuri was unable to receive him and would meet with him the following day. The Ambassador added that he had delivered a letter to Nuri covering texts of the first two paragraphs of telegram 462. (Telegram 520 from Baghdad; Ibid., 685.87/9–2856)↩