Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Lebanon and Jordan, Volume XI

318. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan¹

Washington, September 15, 1958—6:47 p.m.

820. Embtel 850.² FYI. We have noted Rifai’s references to need of timing withdrawal of UK forces from Jordan with departure American troops from Lebanon, and his statements to effect that presence UK forces likely soon to become considerably embarrassing to HKJ. While we appreciate Rifai’s thoughtfulness with regard possible implications of UK withdrawal from Jordan upon US position in Lebanon, we would not wish this factor to be reason for HKJ’s holding UK forces in Jordan any longer than HKJ deems it to be in interests Jordan for these troops to remain. As matter of fact we have since beginning believed it likely situation justifying withdrawal US forces would develop much faster in Lebanon than one facilitating removal UK troops from Jordan, and one of our concerns has been that UK not be left exposed in Jordan after US has left Lebanon. End FYI.

You should thank Rifai for his considerate concern re possible implications for US in Lebanon of withdrawal UK forces from Jordan. We would not wish this factor to be reason for UK troops to remain in Jordan any longer than HKJ deems it to be in best interests Jordan for them to be there. As matter fact there has been substantial improvement security situation Lebanon and as result one US Marine battalion has already been withdrawn and another is now leaving both by agreement with Lebanese authorities. If security situation continues improve we hope further withdrawals can be made in reasonably near future.

Herter

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.5441/9–1558. Confidential. Drafted by Rockwell and cleared by Berry and in IO by Walmsley. Repeated to London, Beirut, and USUN.
2. In telegram 850 from Amman, September 13, Wright reported on a conversation with Rifai concerning the upcoming session of the U.N. General Assembly. Rifai felt that debate at the United Nations would focus on the withdrawal of United States and British forces from the Middle East, and he discussed his concern to coordinate the withdrawal of the politically embarrassing British forces from Jordan with the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Lebanon. (Ibid., 320/9–1358)