The rising popularity of the youthful Monarch of Jordan and the seething indignation at the attempted capture of King Hussein by Syrian fighter planes on Nov. 10, were more than evident when the King's plane was forced to turn back from its flight to Europe. The King was flying to the West for a three-week holiday in a Dove aircraft piloted by his British pilot, Wing Commander Dalgleish. As the plane flew across Syrian territory Damascus airport ordered it to land.

When it became evident that the plane was turning back to Jordan, two Syrian MiG fighter planes buzzed it. Wing Cdr. Dalgleish took evasive action, flying low on the valley floor. The Dove arrived back at Amman airport, feathers ruffled but none the worse for its adventure, two and a quarter hours after take-off.

When word flashed round the capital that the Syrians had made an attempt on the life of the young Monarch, thousands of delirious Jordanians rushed to the Royal Palace. The scene, as these people ran along the main road, was full of evidence that the Jordanians were solidly behind King Hussein.

Outside the palace the King mixed with the ecstatic crowd and related his experiences in the Dove aircraft. He spoke clearly, simply and with the courage that his rallied his people round him.

Jordan no longer appears as a house divided against itself. From Bedouin tribesmen to Amman business tycoons the people are acclaiming King Hussein, Ruler of Jordan.