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

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

Amman, April 21, 1957—5 p.m.

1343. Inform Richards. Comment on Embtel 1342.² Sequence events last 36 hours indicate steady development new dangers likely affect King’s tenuous control present crucial period.

During evening as [garble] newly appointed CGS Major General Ali Hiyari left for Damascus presumably either on pretext or without knowledge King or government. During morning hours April 20 Hiyari telephoned Prime Minister Khalidi and tendered resignation. Early Saturday unconfirmed rumors began circulating of Hiyari’s resignation and considerable political activity begun. King Hussein presided over cabinet meeting which began 0830 hours at house ex-Prime Minister Mufti and lasted until 1315 hours. King then departed and meeting transferred to Foreign Ministry office of Nabulsi. This meeting ended 1515 hours. The public result this 7-hour meeting was Prime Minister communiqué, reported reference telegram 1342.

Later in afternoon prior to issuance communiqué, public information office confirmed earlier reports of Hiyari’s resignation and one reliable report from Damascus indicated Hiyari had requested “political asylum”.

During afternoon Hiyari gave press conference in Damascus subsequently broadcast BBC, Voice of Arabs, radio Israel but not reported locally. General Nuwwar reportedly present during this conference, reporting of which suggests master-minding by Egyptian-Syrian stooges of Moscow. Highlights conference as broadcast:

Accusation by Hiyari that Hussein conspiring with “certain foreign military and civilian attachés (one broadcast said “diplomatic missions”) against the independence of Jordan, its sovereignty and its present ties with sister Arab countries”. Hiyari alleged this plot aimed at striking Jordanian people and was led by King and his agents in country. He said he had tried while in Jordan to prevent King and these agents from going ahead with plots but when unable continue his efforts he preferred leave country for Syria. He had pretended he was going to Damascus on official business he said and for talks with Syrian military colleagues. Later he phoned Minister Defense (Prime Minister Khalidi) and tendered resignation. He denied that there was ever any plot by Nuwwar and other officers against King and throne. “Purpose of King and his agent in creating and fabricating that plot was simply to oust Nuwwar and then to attempt remove Jordan from Arab or Bitand purge army of pro-Arab officers”. Hiyari went on to say that at beginning of ministerial crisis King had contracted him and other top officers asking them if they were willing cooperate with him “in event he switched to cooperating with west”. However, officers reacted negatively, result was that King concocted plot involving Nuwwar and other officers subsequently surrounded Palace with pro-King officers and armored cars and then arrested Nuwwar.

Imprisonment to date three brigade commanders (out of six) and seven other key officers and exile (both forced and voluntary) of two commanding generals of army within five days has left army shaken and morale lowered. Further activities of board investigation attempt at military coup last week will only serve create further nervousness. Apart from significance departure capable but not too bright soldier Hiyari, appointment acting CGS Majali is widely mark beginning intensification internal split between east and west bank.

Picture complicated further by reliable information given ARMA that Syrians, working through pro-Nuwwar officers in Jordan army, Palestinian Bathiyiin and Communist, are actively planning counter-coup “after Easter tourist season ends”. This may tie in with Damascus meeting Nuwwar, Rimawi, CGS Syrian Nixam Ed-Din and C/S Egyptian army Muhammad Ibrahim reported Damascus telegram 2473³ to Department. This move clearly attempts to capitalize on accentuated east-west bank differences.

Large amounts outside money being passed through Syrian and Egyptian hands to finance opposition King.

Concomitantly dissension within cabinet is increasing. Implication Hiyari and Nuwwar almost certain publicize involvements Nabulsi and others. Executive committee National Socialist party held long meeting yesterday afternoon at which time it is presumed question of Nabulsi’s continuation in government was raised. Elements within his party grouping are understood to be increasing pressure as him to resign. Such resignation likely create necessity new action by King. In event fall of present cabinet alternatives rapidly narrowing down to choice by King of military rule or abdication, unless he assassinated first. King not likely abdicate and may well resort to military government.⁴

Mallory

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/4–2157. Secret; Niact. Sent also to Asmara; Repeated to Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, Jidda and London.
2. Telegram 1342 from Amman, April 21, conveyed the text of an official Jordanian communiqué issued by Prime Minister Khalidi. The communiqué noted, among other things, that as a result of the “ministerial crisis” which had led to the formation of a new government, “some regrettable incidents occurred inside some army units resulting in resignation CGS General Nuwwar.” As a result General Ali Hiyari had been appointed Chief of Staff. Soon after, the communiqué noted, Hiyari had tendered his resignation. (Ibid.)
3. On April 20, the Embassy in Damascus reported that according to an Arab diplomat, these officials had met secretly at a Damascus hotel to plan the formation of a “national” government in Jordan. (Telegram 2473; ibid., 785.00/4–2057)

4. The transcript of a telephone conversation from Secretary Dulles to Allen Dulles on Sunday, April 21 at 10 a.m. reads in part:

   “Sec asked if there was any word from Syria. Sec said if there was any way we could get any offer of assistance to strengthen the hand of the King we should try to do so. Sec asked if there was anything we could do through the Saudis. Sec said he did not think we needed Richards there for that. Sec said if we could find a dependable way of getting the Saudis to help out that would be better than if we did it; the only trouble was … that it would leak to Egypt and others.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations)