WASHINGTON: The Nixon Government is ready for an intervention in Jordan at any time — should the situation warrant it, informed sources said today [Sept 18].

Contingency plans for evacuating the 400-odd US nationals, rescuing the Palestinian hostages and preventing the war from expanding through an Iraqi or Syrian intervention, have been agreed by the White House and the Defence and State Departments.

Up to now officials have been very cautious in all their comments, avoiding possibility of armed intervention. But observers here agree that there is a clear possibility of such an intervention....

Opinions vary regarding the form it could take. Defence Secretary Melvin Lard said measures now being enforced have no other aim than the evacuation of American nationals from Amman.

White House spokesman Ronald Ziegler said today that “as of now there is no decision one way or the other to involve US military personnel....” But he ... emphasised that President Nixon had been very conscious of his obligation to protect US citizens. “We view the situation as serious. We are concerned about the safety of those held by the guerillas. We have contingency plans for many things and must be prepared to meet any situation....,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2020