120. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan 1
133887. Deliver following message urgently from President to King Hussein.
“Dear King Hussein:
While I appreciate your problem in controlling terrorism incidents such as that which occurred on March 18th cannot but arouse passions most destructive for common hopes for peace in the Middle East.
I found your public statement of February 15th courageous; but despite this statement and subsequent efforts incidents have continued.
[Page 243]I appeal to you for a maximum effort to bring such incidents under firm control and to indicate by words and actions your determination to maintain an environment in which such violence cannot occur.
I am making a strong appeal at this time to Prime Minister Eshkol to exercise restraint.
Sincerely, Lyndon B. Johnson”
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR. Secret; Flash; Nodis. Drafted at the White House and approved by W. E. Ledbetter (S/S-O). Repeated to Tel Aviv and USUN. The Embassy reported that the message was delivered to the King’s private secretary at 9:40 a.m. (Telegram 3922 from Amman, March 21; ibid.)↩