331. Editorial Note
In briefing the National Security Council on September 25 on significant world developments affecting U.S. security, Acting Director of Central Intelligence General Charles P. Cabell offered the following assessment of developments in Lebanon and Jordan:
“Turning to the Middle East, General Cabell stated that the appointment of the leading member of the opposition to President Chamoun as the new Prime Minister of Lebanon represented a major concession by President Chehab to Nasser and to Lebanese opposition elements. There were also several prominent opposition leaders in the new cabinet and the Christian leadership had been almost eclipsed by the Moslem. It was significant that the make-up of the new cabinet had been accurately predicted in Damascus before its composition was actually announced in Lebanon.
“Meanwhile the security situation in Lebanon has gravely deteriorated. If violence continues, as is likely, the ability of the security forces to maintain order will be seriously weakened. Indeed, the security forces themselves may come to be divided along religious lines.
“In Jordan King Hussein is considering the replacement of his unpopular Prime Minister, Rifai, as well as other unpopular ministers in the present cabinet. These moves may portend a more neutralist [Page 580] Jordan in the future. The effectiveness of the so-called UN presence was very doubtful.” (Memorandum of discussion at the 380th Meeting of the National Security Council, prepared by Gleason; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)