174. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
107. Pass Defense. Reference Embtel 79 NOTAL.2 King Hussein asked me come palace again this evening. Prime Minister Rifai who was present opened conversation saying they had just finished stormy session British Charge Mason over UK attitude toward Iraqi revolt.
[Page 303]According Rifai British were asked yesterday what action they propose take conjunction Baghdad partners Turkey/Iran crush rebellion restore pro-western government. So far British have failed make reply which Hussein/RIFAI interpret as indication their inability make firm decision intervene. Hussein said he hoped his request “assurances USG would stand at Jordan’s side if it’s independence/integrity in jeopardy” (see Embtel) would have been answered by now. I replied in light our action Lebanon felt sure he had no cause concern. He said while this probably true he would appreciate firm statement our support.
[2 paragraphs (131/2 lines of source text) not declassified]
Meeting interrupted by long distance telephone call from Jordanian Embassy London asking Hussein call in US/UK Charges Amman instruct them notify their respective governments immediately all funds AU diplomatic missions London/Washington are property AU, cannot be withdrawn by Iraqi Ambassadors as now being attempted. Hussein asked I cable Washington at once, request USG freeze all AU bank deposits, other funds except when withdrawal made by Ambassador Haikal acting on instructions Hussein as legal head AU. Rifai explained considerable sums involved which rebel government Iraq anxious lay its hands on. I explained matter freezing of funds something which involves complicated procedure, however, I would pass on request immediately and would advise him (Hussein) as soon as answer received.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 787.00/7–1558. Top Secret; Niact. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Dhahran, Jerusalem, Jidda, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Paris, and London. Received at 7:41 p.m. and passed to the Department of Defense at 11 p.m.↩
- Document 171.↩