Office of the Historian

335. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Jordan1

Washington, September 26, 1958—5:40 p.m.

902. Embtel 970.2FYI. Department shares Embassy view that Jordan cannot for long maintain present stance toward Arab neighbors and that some form of accommodation will take place. While we not seeking maintain HKJ as western fortress in Middle East, any abrupt or forceful change in Jordan’s status would be likely precipitate hostilities in area. We are therefore concerned that political future HKJ be determined by agreement between parties concerned and that any changes which occur should be brought about in orderly and peaceful manner.

Our attitude toward successor government would depend on its composition, policy toward US and West and manner its coming to power. End FYI.

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.00/9–2458. Top Secret; Limited Distribution. Drafted by Parker and Rockwell and cleared by Berry.↩
  2. Document 329.↩