59. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
1147. Inform Richards. Jordan political situation still fluid and now uneasy. Prime Minister Nabulsi continues build demagogic straw men and then claims he must march with them. Even to Abdul Monem Rifai, Jordan’s Ambassador to US, he yesterday argued fiction his speeches are given as political leader and unrelated his position Prime Minister. To recent visitors has minimized importance extremists and their activity and in next breath claimed [Page 89] government must accede their demands. There can remain no doubt he is intent on destroying Jordan as presently constituted and throwing out King in favor of still undefined federation with Syria and Egypt.
King continues manifest sincere anxiety arrange matters so Ambassador Richards will be favorably received. During talk with King March 27 Turkish Ambassador urged him not forego opportunity assistance from US. King agreed and said extraordinary developments could be expected soon. Nature not specified. Abdul Monem Rifai saw King yesterday and left with conclusion King seriously determined change government soon but uncertain in what manner. Last night I saw King’s uncle Sharif Nasser who agreed recent times had been busy and anxious but now happily “it is over”.
… information otherwise available to Department suggests Syrian plotting against King. This will reach him and should enhance his desire to install an anti-extremist pro-Jordan Government. Probabilities of sort of “coup de palais” in near future growing.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/3–2957. Secret. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, Kabul, Karachi, and London.↩