Office of the Historian

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

Washington, October 23, 1968, 0049Z.

259996. Subj: Secretary’s Message to PM Talhouni.

1.

Following message from Secretary to PM Talhouni should be held for Ambassador to deliver following his return. “Excellency: Ambassador Symmes’ visit to Washington has given me an opportunity to review with him in detail the current situation in Jordan. While we remain very concerned about the many complex problems facing your country today, we are impressed by the measures you have taken to deal with them. At the same time we are gratified by the diligent efforts of your government to make a constructive contribution to the search for a lasting and peaceful settlement to the crisis that has been a matter of deep concern to all of us.

I have asked Ambassador Symmes to convey to you upon his return to Amman my warmest personal regards and to reiterate our continuing interest in the well-being of your nation.

With my sincere best wishes.”

2.
Following on heels of President’s special message of October 11 to King Hussein (State 253744),2 this letter is designed to reassure Jordanians of our full support at this delicate juncture in Jarring mediation effort.
Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL JORDAN-US. Confidential. Drafted by Seelye, Baas, and Paganelli; cleared by Hart and Davies; and approved by Rusk.↩
  2. Document 277.↩