77. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan1
113645. For delivery to the Ambassador at opening of business.
You are authorized to deliver the following letter from the President to King Hussein. Begin text, “His Majesty, King Hussein, Amman, [Page 156] Jordan. Your Majesty: I send you this personal word in advance of the report General Khammash will give you. The General has argued your case well.
Our two countries have enjoyed a warm, close, mutually beneficial relationship for a long period. There are few other countries in the world with which we have worked as closely as with Jordan. I assure Your Majesty that it is our policy and our interest to continue that relationship and our support of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. While the June war has created strains and problems for both of us, it has never altered our fundamental policy towards Jordan.
Despite the current heavy demands on our resources, General Khammash is returning with an arms package which we consider to be a substantial response to your request for us to meet your legitimate arms requirements. We intend this package to be a strong reaffirmation of our support.
I also assure you that we have not altered our firm resolve to extend our full diplomatic and political support of Ambassador Jarring to reach a just and durable settlement in the Middle East. During your visit here in November, we explained to you our position on the West Bank and Jerusalem. We have not changed that position. As Ambassador Jarring makes progress, we hope and expect that there will be opportunities for us to support his efforts in more specific ways.
Your Majesty, we are both passing through a critical period in the history of our two countries. With patience, wisdom and mutual trust, I am sure that we can solve our problems and obtain the objective we both so fervently desire-a peaceful Middle East in which a united Jordan can play its historic role.
With all good wishes, Sincerely, Lyndon B. Johnson.”
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, DEF 12-5 JORDAN. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Houghton, cleared by Atherton and Walt Rostow and in substance by Sisco and Davies, and approved by Richard W. Finch (S/S-O). In a February 10 memorandum to the President, Rostow also cleared the telegram with the President. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Special Head of State Correspondence File, Jordan—8/1/67–7/31/68)↩