Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XVIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1964–1967

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

Amman, May 2, 1966, 1748Z.

668. Ref: Embtel 665.²

1. In course conversation with King Hussein 6:00 p.m. May 2 on subject Israeli raids and GOJ reaction thereto, Hussein assured me that 1) GOJ doing all possible prevent incursions by infiltrators from Jordan territory into Israel and 2) although he under heavy pressure from domestic population and army to “do something” there would be no military retaliation by JAA at this time. However King added “Do not come to me on next occasion asking that I restrain army. We cannot continue take attacks this sort and retaliation apparently only language Israelis understand.”

2. Told Hussein I had sought audience first because of remarks by Sharif Nasser earlier in day first to DATT (reported DATT 0609 May 66)³ and later [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] that regime under heavy pressure both from civilian populace and army to take some sort retaliatory action for Israeli raids and his comment that next forty-eight hours would be critical in reaching decision on what course Jordan would follow. Referred also my talk PriMin May 1 reported reftel. Hussein’s assurances would seem preclude military retaliation in absence any further attacks from Israelis.

3. Asked what he thought were Israelis’ objective these raids Hussein replied he unable comprehend them. He thought surely they understood such action played directly into hands of extremists within Jordan making pursuit moderate course by GOJ more difficult. As possible reason he suggested Israeli desire provoke Jordanians and set stage for major Israeli attack. He reiterated extreme difficulty his position and stressed hope USG could make GOJ see light in order prevent repetition latest events.

4. I thanked Hussein for his assurances which I said would be most appreciated Washington. Said I had to add that even should repetition occur would hope he would not find it necessary retaliate with force. Promised convey to Washington his plea for understanding of extreme pressure to which his regime subjected by incidents this sort.

5. Incidentally, in conversation with British Ambassador, who preceded me in audience with King, Sir Roderick volunteered remark that these latest Israeli raids make position of moderates like King and Prime Minister impossible. Israelis knew this and accordingly he wondered if they wanted peace. Added he had sent strong message this effect London.

6. Comment: King outwardly calm but reflected mental anguish at dilemma having restrain army once again in face political and army pressures. I avoided inquiring whether GOJ intended take issue to UN, fearing this might be regarded as US suggestion this effect. Hussein did not mention subject.

Adams

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 32–1 ISR–JORDAN. Secret; Immediate. Repeated to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo, Jidda, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, and Damascus and passed to the White House and USIA.
2. Telegram 665 from Amman, May 1, reported a meeting between Barnes and Tell in which Barnes urged against Jordanian retaliation for the Israeli raids of April 29–30, urged full Jordanian cooperation with MAC and UNTSO, and urged renewed vigorous Jordanian efforts to frustrate Fatah operations. (Ibid.) Barnes’ instructions for the meeting were sent in circular telegram 2126 to Amman, April 30. (Ibid.)
3. Not found.