173. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State 1

101. Pass Defense. King Hussein called me from palace few moments ago, said petroleum situation desperate. Less than one-day supply gasoil needed as fuel both electricity generating plant and municipal pumping stations. Only three-day supply gasoline, six-day supply kerosene. He requested USG airlift sufficient fuel maintain power and water supply, enough gasoline meet emergency transport requirements. In addition Minister Economy has urgently requested USG arrange diversion US flag tanker Aqaba loaded 40% gasoline, 40% gasoil, 20% kerosene. Port facilities permit vessel up to 10, 000 tons, shore storage 2, 000 tons only. Estimated turn-about time ten days/two weeks due slow rate discharge. Advise soonest.2

Wright
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 885.2553/7–1558. Confidential; Niact. Repeated to London, Paris, Rome, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Damascus, and Jerusalem. Received at 11:30 a.m.
  2. The Department responded, in telegram 104 to Amman, July 15, that efforts were underway to meet the urgent petroleum requirements of the Jordanian Government. (Ibid.) On July 16, the Department confirmed that an airlift of fuel from Bahrein had been arranged and would commence shortly, and that tanker supply through Aqaba was being organized by the Department of Defense. (Ibid., 885.2553/7–1658)