Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XX, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1967–1968

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

Washington, March 21, 1968, 0540Z.

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.

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”

Rusk

1. 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.)