421. Editorial Note
On August 5, President Eisenhower, in response to a British proposal, agreed that the United States would fund the offshore procurement for Iraq of 10 Centurion tanks on the assumption that the British would contribute 2 tanks. Eisenhower also agreed to indicate an intention to seek funds for the offshore procurement of approximately 40 more Centurion tanks for Iraq during the next fiscal year, to be matched by the United Kingdom, and to accelerate deliveries under the current Iraqi aid program, increasing the number of scout cars and similar articles. (Memorandum of conversation by Dulles, August 8; Department of State, S/S–NEA Files: Lot 61 D 417) During a conversation on August 11, President Eisenhower informed Secretary Dulles that it was preferable that the United Kingdom deal directly with Iraq concerning the Centurion tanks. (Memorandum of conversation by Dulles, August 11; Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, Meetings with the President)
This decision was made in conjunction with planning for project “Alpha,” a joint U.S.–U.K. effort to encourage an Arab-Israeli peace settlement, which had begun in December 1954. For documentation on “Alpha,” including information concerning Iraq, see volume XIV.