Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVIII, Near East, 1962–1963

345. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Syria⁰

Washington, October 19, 1963, 5:10 p.m.

167. Maintenance internal stability and integrity of Jordan remains as a primary objective USG policy in Middle East. If either threatened, specter raised of new Arab-Israel war with all this entails. In our view most serious potential danger from Nasser-Baath conflict is that Jordan will become cockpit. We note King Hussein appears feel Baath poses greater danger than Nasser. Department concerned that Baath belief in unity and revolution, in context its rivalry with Nasser, could lead Party to intensify effort subvert Jordan.

Recent Damascus and Baghdad propaganda attacks against Hussein appear to have reached heightened crescendo as aftermath Hussein-Haikal September interview in Paris. FYI: We have no corroboration to date, but note [document number not declassified] reporting King’s apparent belief concerted Syrian-Iraqi plan exists to overthrow GOJ. End FYI.

For Damascus and Baghdad: Department believes time may have come make unmistakably clear to responsible Iraqi and Syrian Baath leaders that attempt subvert HKJ would touch vital interests USG. We propose Ambassadors inform GOI and SARG Prime and Foreign Ministers of USG concern at deterioration their governments’ relations with Jordan (e.g., propaganda, official statements). USG supports maintenance internal stability and integrity Jordan. Approach would also indicate USG does not oppose peaceful change brought about by freely expressed wishes Jordan people. However, we have noted with some concern anti-Hussein attitude embodied in statements by GOI and SARG leaders and in propaganda broadcasts. Expression of USG concern not to be taken as implying any lessening our firm policy to take no sides in inter-Arab domestic or international disputes, and to hold ourselves aloof from Nasser-Baath rivalries, except as disputes threaten impinge on important USG interests. President’s May 8 statement commits US oppose direct or indirect aggression against Jordan and other Near Eastern states from any source.

USG is basically well disposed towards GOI and SARG. We shall continue do everything feasible cultivate good relations with both regimes. In interests of that full understanding on which cordial relations depend, however, USG feels duty caution GOI and SARG against taking positions that could endanger relations with USG.

For Cairo: Ambassador should take suitable occasion to inform President Nasser of USG concern that Nasser-Baath dispute not be permitted imperil Jordan, integrity and internal stability of which USG continues fully support. We remain aloof from dispute while continuing to do our best maintain normal relations with each side. USG also informing Jordan’s neighbors of our concern.

For Amman: After foregoing demarches were made, Ambassador in his discretion could inform King on basis we wish him know our policy.

For Action Addressees:

Would appreciate reactions and comments.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 1 JORDAN-US. Secret. Drafted by Symmes and Killgore, cleared by Jones, and approved by Grant. Also sent to Baghdad, Amman, and Cairo and repeated to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Jerusalem (by pouch).