NEAR EAST: JORDAN AID AGREEMENT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79R00890A000800030010-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 11, 2010
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: January 22, 1957
• Content Type: BRIEF

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/15: CIA-RDP79R0089OA000800030010-5
22 January 1957
NEAR EAST: JORDAN AID AGREEMENT
I. "Solidarity Agreement" between Jordan and ESS powers signed 19 Jan
in Cairo: Egypt, Syria. & Saudi Arabia will-replace UK as payers
of annual military subsidy to Jordan.
A. Jordan government sought agreement for internal political
purposes.
B. Nasr signed without usual haggling, valuing psychological
effect of evident confidence in his leadership of Arabs.
II. Significant terms of "Agreement":
A. Jordan to receive b(E) 12.5 million (normally about $36 million,
but much less at current rates) a year for ten years, in semi-
annual payments, beginning with ratification of agreement.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia each to contribute b(E) 5,000,000
($14,000,000); Syria, b(E) 2,500,000 ($7,000,000).
B. In lieu of cash, Jordan will accept military equipment of
Arab states' own production.
C. "Own production" phrase almost certainly inserted with eye
toward future US economic aid, which Arabs believe might be
barred to states accepting Soviet arms,
1.
in Egypt's case, such equipment
would come from British stores seized in Suez Canal depots
(although these stores scarcely "own production"),
D, In case ESS states default on payments, Nasr has grandiosely
promised Egypt will contribute whole amount.
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/15: CIA-RDP79R0089OA000800030010-5
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/15: CIA-RDP79R0089OA000800030010-5
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III. Signature of "Solidarity Agreement" makes it politically essential
for Jordan government to revise, or more probably terminate,
subsidy agreement with UK.
A. British have already approached Jordanians re revision, and
notified US that subsidy will end 31 March.
B. Arab press asserts Arabs themselves have "filled the vacuum"
which British are leaving.
1. In fact, Egypt's only resource at present is its stock
of British arms, while Syria has nothing.
2. Saudi Arabia is only one of ESS group with prospect of
cash to contribute.
C. Thus, opening is established for possible Soviet aid to Jordan
via Egypt, Syria or both.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/11/15: CIA-RDP79R0089OA000800030010-5