Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East: Jordan-Yemen, Volume XIII

374. Telegram From the Consulate General in Istanbul to the Department of State¹

Istanbul, August 26, 1957—6 p.m.

205. From Henderson.

1. Following luncheon meeting August 25 with President Bayar, Menderes and other GOT officials at which Turks expressed some pessimism at possibility useful and decisive action by Iraq and Jordan to solve Syrian problem, Warren and I met in evening with Turks and Iraqis, including King, Crown Prince, Minister Defense and Chief-of-Staff.

2. At Prime Minister’s request I outlined US views in Syrian situation and purposes my Mid-East mission along same lines as previously. I stressed dangers inherent in Syrian situation and US readiness to support Turkey, Iraq and various Arab countries in their efforts solve Syrian problem. I emphasized any action taken must be of nature that could be justified in UN.

3. Crown Prince stated he prepared personally assure Saud Iraq had no territorial or political ambitions re Syria. He asked that we arrange his interview with Saud but readily agreed when I said I considered it preferable he use his own channels.

4. After short discussion various aspects of Syrian question, Crown Prince said he considered matters so urgent he was returning to Iraq August 26 to begin consultations and planning. Contrary to impression given earlier by Prime Minister Menderes Iraqis appeared desirous take effective action to solve Syrian problem.

Miner

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 110.15–HE/8–2657. Top Secret; Limit Distribution. Repeated to Ankara.