286. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1
164. Beirut pass CINCSPECOMME. British have informed us their forces Jordan have urgent need anti-tank rifles and ammunition to protect themselves in event Jordanian army should turn against them and use tanks in Jordanian hands. We have provided rifles and ammunition from US stocks and they being flown Cyprus. British requested us obtain overflight permission from Israel but we informed them we preferred UK seek this permission. We stated we would provide airlift, and would strongly support British request with Government of Israel. UK has decided approach GOI.
You should coordinate with your UK colleague and strongly support his request with Israel authorities. You should state US providing airlift. You might add it would seem in obvious best interest Israel that British forces in Jordan be able defend themselves if attacked. You might say we are deeply aware political problem involved for Israel in connection with overflight request and for this reason gave full consideration to possibility these rifles and ammunition might be sent to Jordan by sea. We concluded however it would be unwise leave British forces in Jordan without this defensive arm for the relatively long time which would be involved in sea transportation.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/8–2158. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Rockwell and cleared by Berry and with C and JCS. Repeated to Amman, USUN, London, and Beirut.↩