258. Editorial Note
In briefing the National Security Council on August 7 on significant world developments affecting United States security, Allen Dulles offered the following assessment of developments in Lebanon and Jordan:
“Mr. Dulles reported that the Lebanese rebels were pushing toward a victory involving withdrawal of U.S. forces and the exile of the President-elect. Guerrilla activity, but no serious fighting, was taking place. Chamoun still intended to serve out his term, but might change his mind in exchange for an important post abroad. General Chehab appeared relaxed, and was not pressing for withdrawal of U.S. forces.
“The situation in Jordan had not improved, Mr. Dulles reported. Syria had closed its frontier, cutting Jordan off from land contact with the outside world, a development which could have serious effects in the future. At present, the supply situation was somewhat easier— although POL remained close—because Israel had relaxed its opposition to overflights. The financial situation in Jordan was so bad that the money-changers would take dollars only at a discount. There was growing talk in Jordan that the King should abdicate. The British took a grim view of the situation, and believed that Jordan’s fate would be decided in the next thirty days.” (Memorandum of discussion at the 375th Meeting of the National Security Council, prepared by Boggs on August 8; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)