68. Editorial Note
On April 23, at the meeting of the Intelligence Advisory Committee, the situation in Jordan was discussed. According to notes on the meeting prepared by William McAfee, the following exchange occurred:
“Mr. Dulles referred to the timing of Ambassador Richards’ visit to Jordan, indicating that he had been consulted yesterday on this question and had expressed the view that a visit at this time might have unfortunate repercussions, tying the U.S. in with recent moves and feeding anti-western propaganda. At a subsequent point in the meeting, General Schow concurred in the opinion that a visit at this time might ignite a sizeable fire, and in response to a question from the Chairman on whether this was the view of the IAC, no member expressed dissent.
“Mr. Armstrong pointed out that at 9:30 a.m. the radio had carried a report from a New York Times correspondent who had just left Jordan, that disturbances were beginning in cities on the West Bank, that there was no confirmation of this from our own sources, but that such a development was not unlikely. He referred to Nuwwar’s press interview in which the latter claimed that our ambassador and service attaché had conspired to upset the Nabulsi Government, charging the U.S. Government in effect with actions which he had promised he would take if given U.S. support. General Schow reviewed the size of foreign forces now in or near Jordan, indicating that they were approximately as follows: Syrian—3,000 located in north Jordan, with an additional brigade just across the frontier in Syria; these troops are approximately 45 miles from Amman; Iraqi—at H3, 4,500 troops about 250 miles from Amman; Saudi Arabian—at Aqaba and other points, 6,000 to 7,000 approximately [Page 103] 200 miles from Amman. (A battalion at Jericho is about 40 miles away.)
“The Chairman asked Mr. Armstrong whether the 500,000 refugees in Jordan were under fairly strict control. Mr. Armstrong stated that they were under loose supervision being given quarters and subsistence at certain points, but not restricted generally in their movement.
“Mr. Dulles asked if any member felt the need for a special paper on the likelihood of Israeli action in case of further internal instability in Jordan. Mr. Armstrong questioned whether the IAC was in a position to add anything to what was already thoroughly known to the policy makers. He noted that developments continued to depend on the personal courage and determination of the King, that if he panicked or lost his nerve, his government would be lost, but if he continued firm he had a chance to pull out a satisfactory solution. Mr. Armstrong stated that support from Iraq and Saudi Arabia may have played a significant role in strengthening the King’s will.” (Department of State, INR Files: Lot 59 D 27)