Israel Maintains Blackout on Security Decisions; Keeps Eye on Jordan

A complete blackout was maintained today on the results of the deliberations of the Cabinet meeting during which a possible pro-Nasser revolution in Jordan affecting Israel’s security was discussed.

The blackout was seen as prompted by the consideration not to disclose details of whatever decisions might have been reached both in the field of security preparedness and diplomatic action. It was noted here that while Premier David Ben-Gurion’s oft-repeated statement that Israel would not remain idle if the status quo in neighboring Jordan was radically altered still held good, recent developments had made the exact definition of the meaning of a change in the status quo more complicated.

The view seemed to be that although King Hussein of Jordan had managed to so far control the drive of Nasser elements against his throne and that this had brought some relaxation of tension, Cairo’s stepped-up anti-Jordan radio campaign spreading false reports about demonstrations in Jordan and openly citing to revolt were considered a grave omen.

The announcement by the Dutch Foreign Ministry that the Dutch Government had “promised to support Israel in the event of an attack by the Arab nations” was viewed as the first of that kind which might be expected from a number of European countries. However, the key to the danger was viewed as being in Washington.

It is understood that Washington stressed in talks with Israel, Egypt and Jordan that the United States remains firmly in support of King Hussein, However, Israel would like to see the United States come out with a more firm and public statement aimed at making as clear as possible the United States attitude and its support of Hussein, accompanied by a stern warning to President Nasser of Egypt to leave no room for any “miscalculation” on his part.