66. Editorial Note
On April 17, during the course of a conversation with Rountree and Bergus that included discussion of Aqaba and the Suez Canal, Abba Eban, Israeli Ambassador to the United States, raised the matter of recent developments in Jordan. The memorandum of the conversation includes the following exchange: [Page 99]
“Mr. Eban said that Israel was following developments in Jordan with concern and vigilance. He would like the U.S. Government’s appreciation of the situation. Mr. Rountree said that it was too early to tell how solid the King’s position was. We were encouraged to believe that it was fairly substantial and that in the absence of unexpected developments the King could maintain that position. One of the aspects of recent developments appeared to have been the extent to which pro-Egyptian and pro-Syrian elements had lost ground. Another had been King Saud’s support of King Hussein. We were somewhat concerned at the tension in the area and Ambassador Lawson had been asked to make our concern known to the Israelis. We were anxious that no precipitate action be taken. We were relieved that the Syrians had not forcefully intervened. Hussein was relying on support from the Saudis and the Iraqis. The Iraqis had moved a number of troops to H–3 on Iraqi territory. The Iraqis had given assurances that these troops were there purely for purposes of supporting King Hussein. We had passed on these assurances, at Iraq’s request, to the Israel Government. Mr. Eban believed that the best chance for stability in the area was in maintaining the status quo in Jordan. Otherwise a new situation would develop. Israel was remaining passive. Mr. Rountree felt that this was a highly commendable attitude. Mr. Eban said that if Jordan was fragmented, there would be an effect on Israel. His Government had raised the prospect of affirmative action which could be taken if King Hussein succeeded in his efforts. One of these might be renewed efforts to bring about the plan for Jordan River development. It might be too early to make such efforts but we should be thinking about this”. (Memorandum of conversation by Bergus, April 17; Department of State, Central Files, 685.00/ 4–1757)