Telegram Discussing Arms Trade with Jordan
(November 24, 1966)
This telegram discusses an arms donation that the United States
will make to Jordan as an offer
of good will after the Israeli raids; however, Dean Rusk notes that
future arms deals with Jordan will have to be discussed at a later point.
90817. For Ambassador from Handley.
1. By immediately following telegram/2/ we are responding to King's
and Tell's request for accelerated delivery of already programmed military
equipment. We believe this positive and quick response will be helpful
in meeting immediate need of bolstering morale of King and his status
in eyes of Army and people as well as reducing chances of further disaffection
in JAA. But it should not be interpreted as an indicator that USG is
prepared underwrite long-term buildup JAA.
/2/Telegram 90818 to Amman, November 24, instructed Burns to inform
the King of a favorable U.S. response to his request for emergency delivery
of certain items of military equipment. The airlift to Jordan of 6 105mm
self-propelled howitzers, 15 quarter-ton utility trucks, and 15 106mm
recoilless rifles and an accelerated delivery schedule for the F-104
sales program had been authorized. (Ibid.)
2. At this moment, primary need seems to be psychological and we believe
President's letter plus quick response GOJ's request for speedup certain
equipment, especially F-104s, may help all concerned get over present
extremely tense and dangerous period.
3. We are carefully weighing longer range problem posed by GOJ request
and Embassy recommendations re increased military aid. Thinking here,
however, is that major contribution US can make in months ahead lies
not so much in buildup Jordan's military heft, as in finding ways to
improve border security, i.e., static defense. Within few days we hope
be able lay out plan and program to meet this problem. Meanwhile, consider
it of highest importance you continue assess GOJ mood for indications
that our short term measures and other current developments may make
it possible discuss longer range problem in realistic and constructive
context./3/
/3/Burns reported in telegram 1251, November 26, that he met with the
King the previous day and informed him of the U.S. response to his request
as authorized in telegram 90818. There followed "a long and deadly
silence." The King finally thanked Burns but indicated that what
the United States was offering would have little impact. (Ibid.)
Rusk
Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 12-5 JORDAN. Secret;
Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Atherton and Handley and approved by Handley.
Sources: Foreign
Relations of the United States, 1964-1968, V. 18, Arab-Israeli
Dispute 1964-1967. DC: GPO,
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