257. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Egypt1
436. For Murphy. We understand your appointment with Nasser has been postponed and accordingly hope these instructions will reach you in time enable you raise with Nasser in general terms situation of Jordan. In your discretion, you might discuss this matter with him in context of importance for Jordan and from viewpoint security ME of preventing further deterioration in Jordanian situation and explosion there which might shatter present uneasy truce in Palestine area. You could say that whatever may be differences between UAR and Jordan, or between US and UAR regarding Jordan, all parties genuinely interested in security ME would seem have real interest in seeing that security in these critical times is not further endangered by developments arising out of Jordanian situation. People of Jordan and refugees in that country should not suffer hardships because of differences of views between governments, and such measures as closing of borders and interruption normal travel and commercial arrangements are likely lead to creation of atmosphere in Jordan which may produce the explosion which we believe it so desirable avoid.
We realize Jordan has severed relations with UAR and has applied restrictions on entry into Jordan. We would be prepared urge upon Jordan Government the relaxation of these restrictions to degree believed consonant with security of Jordan, and would hope that UAR could see its way clear permitting relaxation of restrictions applied from its side with view to reducing to greatest extent possible interference in normal commercial interchange between Jordan and its neighbors and reducing harmful repercussions of present situation in lives of citizens of Jordan and refugees located there.
Our approach on this matter arises not only from our concern over effects within Jordan of violence resulting from continuation of present situation, but also from our belief that such a development could not be confined to Jordan itself. It seems to us that maintenance of stability in Jordan is essential to continuation of present relative calm in Arab-Israel situation which precarious though it may be, has not involved large-scale hostilities. We believe it in interests of everybody concerned that necessary steps be taken to prevent creation of a situation which might result in such hostilities. Realize foregoing line [Page 436] might give Nasser opening for attack and perhaps would be misused by him publicly. You and Ambassador Hare are best judges as whether subject should be broached at this juncture.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/8–658. Top Secret. Drafted by Rockwell and cleared by Rountree. Also sent to Amman, Tel Aviv, and Damascus.↩