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