Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East: Jordan-Yemen, Volume XIII

48. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State¹

Amman, December 2, 1956—1 p.m.

581. Saw Prime Minister Nabulsi yesterday and inquired re end Anglo-Jordan treaty and subsidy. He said HKJ wishes terminate on friendly basis making distinction between abrogation and termination (Embassy telegram 571² repeated London 130). Stated treaty not essential to friendship, that tripartite declaration would protect Jordan as well as British treaty which has not prevented large Jewish attacks, and that United Nations would come to assistance as it did for Egypt. He was reluctant give indication timing but finally said Ministerial Committee to discuss aid with other Arab countries would not be leaving soon, that there was no hurry press matters and that United Kingdom not likely break off subsidy so long as she had treaty and air bases here. However if United Kingdom did break unilaterally then Jordan could only submit and tighten her belt. I gathered impression he hopes United Kingdom will break and relieve him from both duty of break called for in government policy statement and probable financial chaos which would follow.

After considerable exchange he said King Hussein had informed him of his conversation with me on financial assistance. He said such aid would be good if were given without special conditions, so government could use as it saw fit and not like Point 4 to various projects. I mentioned that army was an important point and questioned need for present enlarged force. He countered by asking about arms and I reviewed MDAP treaty provisions.

I pointed out we would not wish be in position of pushing United Kingdom out of Jordan and asked his observations. Conversation finally arrived nowhere in particular. It showed either unwillingness face situation or fact he has more devious plans. At present Prime Minister appears gripped by forces bigger than he can cope with and is uncertain. He is learning a lot about government and responsibility… .

A problem at hand is what to tell King Hussein. We must before long reply his plea for financial aid. British attitude hardening although Ambassador Johnston has recommended to London to pay 800,000 sterling cover December army needs. By now Syria, Egypt and Russia undoubtedly know of King Saud’s offer assist obtaining United States aid to Jordan and may be preparing block or counter-move.

Mallory

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/12–256. Top Secret. Repeated to London.

2. In telegram 571 from Amman, November 30, Mallory informed the Department, among other things, that Nabulsi had indicated to the British Ambassador that there was a distinction between abrogation and termination. According to Nabulsi, abrogation of a treaty was a unilateral act; termination would follow bilateral negotiations. (Ibid., 641.85/11–3056)

   At the Secretary’s staff meeting on December 4, during the course of the intelligence briefing, Armstrong raised the matter of Jordan’s plan to terminate its treaty with Great Britain. Dulles asked whether there was a clause in the treaty which provided for the termination desired by the Jordanians. Armstrong agreed to check. (Ibid., Secretary’s Staff Meetings: Lot 63 D 75)