83. Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1
SUBJECT
- Jordan Arms Package
This is to refresh your memory as to the details of the proposed arms agreement with Jordan. There are three main parts to the package: (1) about $10 million worth of equipment we had agreed to send [Page 173] to Jordan before the war broke out last June; (2) about $38 million in new ground equipment including 88 Patton tanks; and (3) 18 F-104 jet fighters ($33 million). Just in case you want more details, I’ve attached a more complete list.2 On a lot of the smaller items there are specifics which no one has yet tried to work out.
King Hussein has expressed initial disappointment with the package and the draft memo of understanding we proposed. Our first response will be to help out with his problems in the wording of the memo and to urge him to accept the package as is and get on with delivery. However, we may have a little more bargaining to do yet. He is obviously relieved that we have come this far, and we should be able to bring him around.