295. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1
266. You should inform Ben Gurion we take note of his assurance (Contel 91)2 that if Iraqi troops remain east of Jordan Israel will take no action. You should add we are becoming increasingly concerned over anti-Western drift in Jordan and feel Jordan’s request for Iraqi assistance in form of troops and limited equipment should be met, otherwise Jordan would look to Egypt or USSR for substantial amounts of aid. We understand Nuri plans send Iraqi troops to Jordan under Iraqi-Jordan Mutual Defense Treaty of 19473 but that he would send only a small force which would remain east of Jordan River. Nuri has emphatically stated this force being sent purely for defensive purposes with ultimate objective helping Jordan resist Communism.
Prior making foregoing representations you should consult with your British colleague so your approach while separate from his will occur at approximately same time.
For Amman: Ambassador should state to Government we share its serious concern over security of country and we believe Iraqi assistance in form of troops and material would have salutary effect and provide element of strength against pressures from Communists and other extreme elements. We are expressing to Ben Gurion our understanding such Iraqi action is purely defensive in character. We believe plan to keep Iraqi forces east of Jordan is wise and that any move deploy them in West Jordan would invite serious Israeli counteraction. We continue feel most strongly that HKJ should take measures ensure that border incidents which might provoke Israeli retaliation are kept at minimum.
[Page 631]For Baghdad: Ambassador should tell Nuri that in light deteriorating security situation in Jordan, together with information given us re size of force he contemplates sending to Jordan and its location east of Jordan, we see merit in his plan and have decided inform Ben Gurion we feel this step warranted. We shall stress to Ben Gurion increasing Communist and Egyptian influence in Jordan, and fact that Iraqi Government has assured us only small force will be sent for defensive purposes only and it will be kept east of Jordan. We are also informing HKJ of our support Nuri’s project, emphasizing importance keeping border quiet in order avoid further retaliatory raids.
Important that neither Amman nor Baghdad disclose substance Ben Gurion’s assurance.
British Embassy informed re foregoing but requested keep Ben Gurion’s statement in strictest confidence.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.85/10–356. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Fritzlan and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Repeated Niact to London, Amman, and Baghdad.↩
- See Document 289.↩
- This ‘Treaty of Brotherhood and Alliance” was signed at Baghdad on April 14, 1947. (23 UNTS 147)↩