187. Memorandum of a Conversation, Department of State, Washington, July 17, 2:30 p.m.¹1. Department of State, Conference Files: Lot 63D 123, CF 1050, Memoranda of Conversation, Lloyd’s Visit July 17–20. Top Secret; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Newsom.

Washington, July 17, 2:30 p.m.

• SUBJECT
• U.S. Assistance to British Forces in Jordan

• PARTICIPANTS
• UK
• Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd
• Admiral Denny, NATO Standing Group
• Marshal of the RAF Dickson
• Sir William Hayter, Foreign Office
• Lord Hood, British Chargé d’Affaires
• Mr. Roger Jackling, British Embassy Mr. Willie Morris, British Embassy
• Mr. Denis Laskey, Private Secretary to FM
• Mr. Donald Logan, Foreign Office
• US
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Defense
• General Nathan Twining
• Mr. Allan Dulles
• General W. Wisenand
• Under Secretary Herter
• C—Mr. Frederick Reinhardt
• NEA—Mr. William M. Rountree
• EUR—Mr. C. Burke Elbrick
• IO—Mr. Francis Wilcox
• NE—Mr. Stuart Rockwell
• NE—Mr. David Newsom

In response to a question from Mr. Lloyd on the assistance the U.S. was prepared to render to British forces in Jordan the Secretary of State confirmed that the U.S. was prepared to provide logistic assistance. Secretary Dulles said he did not expect to provide U.S. operational help unless the situation developed to a critical point. He said he was not immediately inclined to favor a combined operation but that if the Jordan operation should require further operational assistance the U.S. would study the possibility with an open mind.

Secretary Dulles added that the United States recognized the dangers in the positions in both Lebanon and Jordan. Lebanon, he said, had the advantage of a large group of Christians who welcomed U.S. intervention. In Jordan, however, the mass of people were not loyal to the King and if the refugees were turned loose the problem would be particularly difficult. It would be a serious matter if the British forces were required to shoot the refugees or other civilians.

Mr. Lloyd said that the British by going into Jordan had put themselves in an extremely vulnerable position. He said he would feel much more certain of the security of the British position if the United States also had troops in Jordan. While the public position adopted by the United States and the logistic support demonstrates U.S. support for the British action, the success of this enterprise as a deterrent to further UAR interference in Jordan might be greater if U.S. troops were also in the country. He added that he was not however authorized to request U.S. participation at the moment.

The Secretary said that he doubted the presence of U.S. troops would materially alter the course of events. He said that at the moment the United States was inhibited because he had told Congress that the U.S. did not intend to put troops anywhere but in Lebanon. If the presence of U.S. troops would do good, however, the Secretary said he was willing to consider it.

Mr. Lloyd said it was important to avoid any appearance of division between the U.S. and the U.K. on this matter. Marshal Dickson pointed out that Jordan had also asked the United States for help.

The Secretary promised to think further about the matter.