237. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State1
5642.Subject: Cease-fire.
1. I need a Flash return message from Secretary for the King telling him that any military action by Jordanian forces later this morning will be a violation of ceasefire and viewed most seriously by world community which has just agreed to SC resolution. Such a message may be turning point.
2. I have done my best, [less than 1 line not declassified], to convince Jordan’s leaders that they are on the wrong course after having done well by themselves up to now. But certain ones are claiming that we are talking for ourselves and not for USG and that Jordan has clashed with Israel at other times during this war and has not paid for it.
3. Hate to ask this at this time of night but it may be the only way to stop this foolishness.2
[Page 672]- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 618, Country Files, Middle East, Jordan, IX, January–October 1973. Secret; Flash; Exdis. Also sent Flash to London, USUN, and Tel Aviv.↩
- An October 22 memorandum to Kissinger reported that a telegram received from Amman at 0115Z, 9:15 p.m. EDT, October 23, conveyed a brief message from Hussein that the Jordanian Army and the Iraqi forces in Syria had received instructions from the Syrians to stand down in connection with that day’s offensive. The King added that if he received any further messages to the contrary, he would stall until he heard from Kissinger. (Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 168, Geopolitical File, Jordan, Chronological File, 4 June 73–5 Nov. 73)↩