324. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan1
846. Embtels 777 and 700.2 You should inform King and Prime Minister that USG feels need of more precise information than now available in order consider intelligently HKJ requests for two additional brigades, assistance in re-equipment existing forces, etc. We therefore propose take advantage suggestions by King and Rifai (Section Two, Embtel 700) that we send small team to make on-the-spot survey designed to help us in forming response to Jordanian military requests. In addition surveying equipment, team would be prepared undertake study of Jordan army administrative and organizational problems with view to offering suggestions looking toward improved [Page 573] efficiency. Survey team would include economist who would consider budgetary aspects.3
FYI. Dept reluctant commit US to financing two brigades. Not only would initial expense be substantial but we are disturbed at implications of military expansion in terms of permanently expanded budgetary requirements. We feel that acceptance HKJ suggestion for on-the-spot survey would on one hand avoid entirely negative response at this time and at same time also offer opportunity to make a more deliberate decision with respect to Jordan’s various requests for additional military assistance. Team will be instructed to make clear that survey implies no commitment of any kind.
British concur in this approach. End FYI.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.5–MSP/9–658. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Lakeland and cleared by McClelland and Berry in NEA and with U/MSC, ICA, and Defense. Repeated to London.↩
- Documents 312 and 308, respectively.↩
- In telegram 925 from Amman, September 19, Wright responded that he had conveyed information concerning the survey team as instructed to Hussein and Rifai, both of whom were “delighted” and urged that the survey team arrive as soon as possible. (Department of State, Central Files, 785.5–MSP/9–658)↩