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

78. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon¹

Washington, April 25, 1957—9:03 p.m.

4137. Please deliver following message from President to President Chamoun. Confirm date and time delivery:

“April 25, 1957.

Dear Mr. President:

I have studied with care your impressive message of April 24, 1957² and share your belief that present developments in Jordan are of great importance to free peoples everywhere. The independence and integrity of Jordan are of deep concern to the United States and I entirely agree that this is a situation where those who love freedom must join together to strengthen that cause.

We are following developments in Jordan closely and have conveyed to King Hussein our encouragement and support. In our close consultation with King Saud, we have expressed to him our appreciation for the very effective measures he has taken to support King Hussein. We have also been in touch with the Government of Iraq, and share the belief of the Iraqi Government that the deployment of Iraqi forces on Iraqi territory in a manner in which they can be quickly available to King Hussein is a wise precautionary measure.

The Government of Israel has been told of our firm view that Israel should exercise the greatest restraint in the present crisis in Jordan. Israel seems to display³ a constructive attitude.

Units of the United States Sixth Fleet, with United States Marines aboard, are moving into the Eastern Mediterranean. Ambassador Heath is being instructed to ask the Government of Lebanon for permission for a call by ships of the Fleet at Beirut for approximately three or four days beginning April 30. This could of course⁴ be extended if considered desirable by our two Governments in the light of circumstances.

We are keeping in close touch with other friendly Governments. I am gratified at your expression of Lebanon’s deep concern in this matter of our common interest, and at reports indicating measures which Lebanon is taking to assist King Hussein. Perhaps you might wish to consider further steps such as a public expression of support for King Hussein and private consultation with friendly Governments in the area with regard to steps they might take to assist the King.

You may be certain that you and I share the same purpose, and I would greatly appreciate any further views or suggestions which you might have.⁵

Sincerely,

Dwight D. Eisenhower”

Dulles

1. Source: Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, International File. Secret; Niact; Presidential Handling. According to a notation on the source text, President Eisenhower suggested changes in the message that were approved by Dulles. Eisenhower’s handwritten changes appear on the draft message to Chamoun sent to the White House for approval. (Ibid.)
2. Not printed. (Ibid.)
3. Eisenhower changed the initial draft from “has displayed” to “seems to display”.
4. Eisenhower changed the initial draft from “Perhaps this could be” to “This could of course be”.
5. On April 26, the Embassy in Beirut informed the Department that it had delivered the President’s letter to Chamoun. According to the Embassy, Chamoun expressed appreciation for Eisenhower’s reply and for his dispatch of units of the Sixth Fleet to Beirut. Chamoun also expressed the hope that the arms that Ambassador Richards had promised to provide Lebanon would begin to arrive shortly. (Telegram 2567; Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/4–2657)