JORDAN AND IRAQI OIL

S E C R E T AMMAN 003174

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/11/2012
TAGS: PREL JO IZ
SUBJECT: JORDAN AND IRAQI OIL

REF: AMMAN 1782

Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDWARD W. GNEHM FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D)


1. (S) During the executive session of the U.S.-Jordan Joint
Military Commission (JMC) in Amman on May 28, DOD U/S for
Policy Douglas Feith, drawing on guidance prepared for his
trip, told the Jordanians that the U.S. would "work to fill
any gaps" should Jordan's oil supply from Iraq be cut.


2. (S) Post would appreciate information on what actions are
envisioned to actualize this commitment. Are there
contingency plans? Who in Washington has the lead? There
are a number of practical factors that will impact on our
ability to replace Jordan's aid supply from Iraq, some of
which are described in reftel. For example, the port of
Aqaba does handle crude oil, but essentially to load tankers
using gravity flow. If imports via Aqaba are foreseen, the
port will need to develop the means to lift oil and petroleum
products from ship to shore. We are prepared to work closely
with Washington planners to ensure that these and other
considerations are taken into account.
Gnehm