Office of the Historian

84. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1

Washington, May 6, 1957—7:14 p.m.

7803. Embtel 5956.2 You should inform FonOff that in expressing hope (Deptel 76783) UK would extend every possible economic assistance to Jordan view critical situation there we had in mind: 1) possible deferral of payments due UK from Jordan in accordance terms agreement terminating UK-HKJ Treaty; 2) continuation some development assistance funds especially for those projects initiated by UK.

As FonOff aware, US has made $10 million available to Jordan for use in maintaining economic and political stability and has undertaken to maintain continuing review Jordan’s problems in cooperation with HKJ Govt to determine what future steps may be required. We feel it most important that USG not emerge as sole source aid to Jordan and accordingly are continuing urge Saudis and Iraqis assist Jordan. We feel that UK for its part can make significant contribution to efforts Hussein and other constructive elements in Jordan and in area who have come to realize close identity their interests with those of Free World.4

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 885.10/5–257. Secret. Drafted by Bergus and approved by Berry who signed for Herter. Repeated to Amman.↩
  2. On May 2, the Embassy in London informed the Department that it had expressed to the Foreign Office its hope that the United Kingdom would extend “every possible assistance” to Jordan. The Foreign Office added, among other things, that it had granted Jordan a month’s deferral on monies already owed to the United Kingdom. (Telegram 5956 from London, May 2, ibid.)↩
  3. Telegram 7678 to London, May 1. (Ibid., 885.10/4–3057)↩
  4. On May 7, the Embassy in London informed the Department that it had conveyed the substance of telegram 7803 to the Foreign Office, emphasizing the view that the United States should not be the only source of funds for Jordan. According to the Embassy, the Foreign Office official indicated that he would obtain a reply as soon as possible. (Telegram 6057; ibid., 885.10/5–757)↩