POLICY OF U.S.

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28261, 26 April 1957, Page 11

POLICY OF U.S.

White House Statement

(N.Z. Press Association Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) AUGUSTA, (Georgia),

April 24. President Eisenhower and the Secretary of State, Mr Dulles, today discussed the Jordan Government crisis and declared that they regarded Jordan’s “independence and integrity as vital.” Mr Eisenhower, mixing work and a vacation in Georgia, talked by telephone to Mr Dulles, who was in Washington. Their view that the independence and integrity of Jordan is vital was conveyed to reporters by the White House. Press Secretary, Mr James Hagerty. Mr Hagerty took pains to point out that part of the language they used was taken from the Middle East resolution that Congress recently approved. ■pie Eisenhower Doctrine on the Middle East provides for extension of American military and economic aid to nations of that area threatened by Communist aggression—if such aid is requested. Mr Hagerty replied “Not to my knowledge,” when asked whether Jordan has requested United States aid. Asked then whether Mr Eisenhower or Mr Dulles had detected “signs of Communist activities in the Jordan dispute,” Mr Hagerty said: “No, I think that would be unfair to say.” The views of Mr Eisenhower and Mr Dulles came as violence shook Amman, Jordan, for 10 hours today as mobs of rioters and their Communist and proEgyptian leaders sought to topple the Government headed Dr. Hussein Khalidi as Prime Minister. A few hours after rioting had shaken Amman, Jordan’s King Hussein told American reporters that Jordan’s troubles could be bL med on international cmmunism and its followers. Eisenhower Doctrine On the United States Government regarding Jordan’s independence and integrity as vital, Mr Hagerty was asked whether that did not amount to “the Administration’s first citing of the Eisenhower Doctrine.” “Yes, I would think so,” he replied. “Do we regard Jordan as threat- , ened by Communist aggression?” Mr Hagerty was asked. “I would like to say more, but I cannot say more than I have,” Mr Hagerty replied. “Does this mean that if Jordan asks us for military or any other ( sort of aid that we will give it ' under the terms of the Eisenhower Doctrine?” a reporter inquired. “I have no comment that I can make on the question,” Mr Hagerty said. Mr Hagerty then was asked why the White House decided to make a public statement on the Jordan crisis. His only reply was: “Because the President and the Secretary of State discussed it.” Shortly after the President’s talk with Mr Dulles, bulletins from Amman reported that the Government of Dr. Khalidi had resigned. It was not known whether that knowledge was available to the President and Mr Dulles when they conferred. Officials in Washington declined immediate comment on the reported resignation of the Khalidi Government.