Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Lebanon and Jordan, Volume XI

344. Telegram From the Embassy in Jordan to the Department of State¹

Amman, October 4, 1958—5 p.m.

1048. Pass Defense. Re Deptels 928² and 929,³Embtel 1045.⁴ Conveyed King Hussein in presence Prime Minister Rifai substance reference telegrams.

Re Deptel 929 King reiterated HKJ position as given me earlier by Prime Minister Rifai reported Embtel 1045. He left no doubt HKJ counting on UN Ambassador Spinelli implement fullest letter spirit GA resolution. At same time both King/RIFAI made clear they have little faith Nasser will live up to his commitments as evidenced by continued refusal restore land/air transit communications UAR territory.

As stated Embtel 1045 Colonel Delaney, Embassy Military Attaché, accompanied me Hussein/RIFAI meeting. King very pleased US military survey mission to arrive next week, assured me it would have maximum cooperation. I suggested Colonel Delaney be furnished all available data re present/prospective needs Jordan armed forces in order conserve team’s time, gain maximum benefit their technical competence. King most enthusiastic, said he would personally chair meeting next Tuesday attended by Rifai as Defense Minister, senior military officer plus Colonel Delaney in order lay groundwork preparation required reports. He expressed intention attend as many survey briefing sessions as his schedule would allow.

Comment: Hussein decision actively assist US military survey team means maximum cooperation at lower echelons, automatically unlocks doors which otherwise might remain closed under pressure commercial/political vested interests some of which now enjoy preferential treatment purchase supplies/equipment Jordan defense establishment particularly from British sources.

Wright

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 785.5–MSP/10–458. Secret; Priority.
2. Document 341.
3. Not found.
4. In telegram 1045 from Amman, October 3, Wright reported that, as instructed, he had discussed the pending arrival of the military survey team with Rifai, and had also pointed up the opportunity to make use of Ambassador Spinelli to bring to the attention of the Secretary-General any violations of the spirit or the letter of the General Assembly resolution. (Department of State, Central Files, 785.5–MSP/10–358)