Office of the Historian

281. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1

Amman, August 19, 1958—5 p.m.

564. For Rountree. Shortly before noon today Prime Minister Rifai telephoned, requested I come Foreign Office immediately. He asked that I treat what he was about to tell me as Top Secret, transmit it my government soonest:

(A)
Despite oblique support Norwegian resolution gives Jordanian position UN has failed provide HKJ any practical assistance deal its most crucial problem internal security. Therefore mandatory USG make clear at once its intentions re King Hussein’s proposals for conclusion US/HKJ mutual defense treaty, establishment MAAG Jordan, expansion Jordan Army by two brigades.
(B)
GA debate has made stationing British troops Jordan intolerable, exposed present pro-western government to charge it consorts with colonialism.
(C)
After much soul searching Rifai has reached decision British troops must depart Jordan not later than October 1 with understanding if US forces leave Lebanon prior that date British withdrawal will be speeded up coincide.
(D)
If USG response King Hussein’s request is unfavorable Rifai has come conclusion his pro-western policies no longer serve Jordan national interest, will tender his resignation King Hussein, permit him form government which willing/able reach accommodation UAR/pro-Nasser neighbors. However in order he may not be accused abandoning country to imperialist forces Rifai will demand withdrawal British troops before making resignation effective with distinct understanding in any event they must be out of country by October 1.

RIFAI with tears in his eyes said “I have tried best my ability serve both King and country, it now appears I have failed. Jordan is besieged on every hand by Nasser-dominated states, national economy is tottering, we are all but isolated from outside world, we depend for our daily bread on foreign aid, only US military assistance can save my country, even that in absence Nasser’s destruction would appear be short lived.” I thanked him for his confidence, suggested in view very serious decision he had made might be advisable give me minimum level US assistance he would consider sufficient maintain his government in power. He replied if USG will sign mutual defense treaty with [Page 503] Jordan I would be willing make a fight otherwise situation is hopeless. I assured him I would communicate his views my government immediately.

Comment: Although I have known Rifai only seven months he has always been honest and straightforward in his dealings with me and I have no reason doubt he means what he said re his resignation. My opinion time has come USG must decide whether it wishes maintain “fortress Jordan” as a non-viable western satellite in the heartland Nasser hoped-for Middle East empire with clear understanding this can only be accomplished by force and against will majority Jordanian people or if in broader context our international relationships we should permit Arab nationalism of Nasser brand take over country leading to eventual incorporation within UAR, for I am convinced if Rifai government falls sooner or later that will happen.

Wright

  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.5/8–1958. Top Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution; Noforn. Repeated to USUN.↩