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

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

Amman, October 15, 1958—5 p.m.

1126. Department pass Defense. General Risden, Chief Military Survey Team,² and I accompanied by Colonel Tennison of mission and Colonel Delaney ARMA called on Prime Minister Rifai/King Hussein today.

Both King/RIFAI expressed appreciation tangible evidence USG interest Jordan defense establishment, offered cooperate every possible way facilitate mission’s work.

Prime Minister Rifai once again raised question delivery Hawker-Hunter aircraft. He said in view withdrawal British aircraft by end October essential new planes be flown in rather than shipped by sea, not only because time factor but even more important Jordan lacked facility reassemble them. I informed Rifai we had encouraging signs UAR might permit overflight Syria once British have withdrawn. He urged USG work out with British firm delivery date Cyprus from where aircraft could be flown Amman in less one hour. He said unable understand why delivery taken so long in view planes supposedly already available, not tied production schedule.

RIFAI expressed misgivings Lebanese situation, called four-man Cabinet announced today a stop-gap arrangement which would not last very long, likely be replaced by military junta. In answer my query as to likelihood early resumption air/overland transit UAR territory Rifai said expected favorable action next few days, however not unlikely Nasser might insist on waiting until British troops have left Jordan. He took occasion to make clear regardless whether or not transit rights restored HKJ will never again permit itself be dependent on Beirut, will continue build up Aqaba as major Jordan port.

Comment: In view high priority both Hussein/RIFAI attach delivery Hawker–Hunter aircraft it is hoped matter can be straightened out in such way as permit planes be flown Amman as near target date November 1 as possible. Rifai said he felt Jordan had been victim “buck passing” exercise between Washington/London to point where some positive action had to be taken. He offered opinion in absence trained Jordanian pilots would probably be necessary HKJ hire mercenaries on contract basis fly aircraft until officers now undergoing training UK have completed course. General Risden mission seems be off good start with word being passed down line that both King/RIFAI personally interested mission’s operations. I plan give small dinner next week to which King/RIFAI together top Jordanian military officers have agreed come. This will provide additional opportunity General Risden get acquainted those Jordanians responsible maintenance internal security/formulation military policy.

Wright

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.5–MSP/10–1558. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Rome, and Tel Aviv.
2. The military survey team, headed by Brigadier General Richard A. Risden, USA, arrived in Amman on October 14. (Telegram 1116 from Amman, October 14; ibid., 785.00/10–1458)