Office of the Historian

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

Amman, August 6, 1958—7 p.m.

404. Re Deptel 423,2Embtel 272.3 Conveyed substance reference telegram Hussein/RIFAI. Took occasion leave copy Secretary Dulles remarks American Embassy Rio de Janeiro re Jordan/Lebanon which gratefully received, deeply appreciated King/RIFAI.

Prime Minister Rifai at King’s direction made following points re problem US military aid Jordan:

(A)
While reasons delay our reply proposal understood/appreciated by both King/RIFAI unfortunately they cannot transmit their assurance/confidence in USG to Jordan people in absence any tangible evidence/Promise military support.
(B)
Rifai in new role HKJ Defense Minister intends participate actively all defense matters including operations as well formulation policies/programs.
(C)
[181/2 lines of source text not declassified] Rifai emphasized urgent need constructive action by US demonstrate off-repeated statements US will stand by Jordan side not merely empty promises. He warned failure US act promptly provide massive military aid sufficient insure expansion Jordan armed forces to point foreign troops no longer required would mean not only loss of Jordan to free world but entire Middle East as well.
(D)
Rifai again brought up question F–86 jet aircraft formerly destined Iraq. He asked US again give serious consideration their prompt delivery Jordan. I pointed out HKJ lacked trained pilots as well maintenance service/facilities. He replied we have 20 pilots already, US can train others in Pakistan or States “but give us those planes.” I commented jet aircraft normally not considered internal security equipment and in view fact Jordan frontiers already guaranteed against external aggression by present US land/sea/air power in area difficult understand urgent need jets. [41/2 lines of source text not declassified]

Comment: My opinion Hussein/RIFAI desperately need some tangible evidence demonstrate Jordan people US willing/able champion Jordan. This particularly true in view our recent recognition new government government Iraq, its acceptance by UN and fear upcoming UN General Assembly meeting will produce little favorable Jordan might even result UN demand British withdrawal troops. [91/2 lines of source text not declassified]

Wright
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.5–MSP/8–658. Top Secret; Niact.↩
  2. See footnote 4, Document 253.↩
  3. Document 233.↩