335. Memorandum of a Telephone Conversation Between the Secretary of Defense (Wilson) and the Secretary of State, Washington, October 6, 1955, 6:48 p.m.1
TELEPHONE CALL FROM SEC. WILSON
The Sec. returned his call, and the Sec. said he is still dubious about urging the Iranians into the Baghdad Pact now. The Sec. told re the British Amb.’s call. W. said he understands the Pres. promised the Shah another 25 million for ’57 and ’58 is in the wind. W. said that is our previous position of the military—they regard it as important and the Iranians now have only sufficient power to maintain law and order in their own country. The other would imply the neighbors would come to their help too. W. said he sees the Sec.’s point. W. said if he is asking for more than our commitments, the Sec. could let it slide. The Sec. said our people said they don’t think the Shah knows the actual figure. The Sec. described his worries in the matter. W. said he respects the Sec.’s judgment in the matter, if he thinks the timing is not right. The Sec. said the Shah said he can do it later in a month or so—the Sec. is inclined to take that gamble. W. said he can go along with that. W. said he wouldn’t worry if they think it is because the Pres. is sick2 that it is being delayed. W. said we know if you thought it right, we would do it. Looking at it purely as a military thing, they are anxious and it is our objective. The Sec. said he agrees but there are new factors and the paper needs to be reviewed. The Sec. will see if Chapin thinks it could be delayed and if so, will let him do it. If they do it anyway, we will issue a statement supporting them. It has to be done today. W. suggested without quite saying he is going to sign, he could [Page 782] go on record that he favors cooperation with his neighbors—prepare the groundwork. The Sec. thinks that might be better if we can get him to do it that way.