89. Editorial Note
On May 16, at the 323d meeting of the National Security Council, the President presiding, Allen Dulles in his review of significant world developments affecting United States security, discussed the situation in Jordan. The memorandum of discussion includes the following:
“Turning to the Middle East, Mr. Dulles stated that the situation in Jordan remained calm. There were reports, however, of the organization in Damascus of a resistance movement against King Hussein, with the full covert support of Egypt. Mr. Dulles expressed the opinion that the young King had probably been wise to refuse the invitation to meet with King Saud and King Feisal at Baghdad. Presumably the whole thing, including Hussein’s polite refusal, had been arranged in advance, and the refusal did not represent in any sense a defection by King Hussein.”
Later in the discussion, President Eisenhower made the following comments on Dulles’ briefing on Jordan, according to the memorandum of discussion:
“The President, referring to Mr. Dulles’ earlier comments on plots against King Hussein of Jordan being hatched at Damascus, said that it seemed to him that … these plotters are committing [Page 132] illegalities and crimes behind the scenes, and this rendered it easier for us to counter these moves.” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)