378. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon1
766. For Henderson from Secretary. Urtel 567.2 We had assumed that Iraqi Crown Prince would be urgently returning from [Page 664] Turkey to Baghdad, after which it would be possible more accurately to evaluate prospects. … At moment it appears important element missing is definitive information on the attitude and plans of the Iraqi Government itself. Whether this can best be obtained by your return to Turkey or otherwise we leave to your discretion. You no doubt will be discussing it with Gallman. You can thus best decide yourself when you should return, although we certainly most anxious consult with you as soon as possible.
Through separate messages you have learned of expedited delivery to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan of military equipment under existing Military Aid programs. The military here are also urgently working on estimates of additional equipment necessary further to increase effectiveness of the Iraqi Army. However we do not want to assume commitment to the Iraqis or provide them with this extra equipment unless they … require additional strengthening of their forces. Therefore this information should be used, if at all, with discretion.
The President and I are grateful for the skill with which you have handled your delicate mission. You are discharging your responsibilities with the great ability and effectiveness which we have all learned to appreciate so deeply.
- Source: Department of State, S/S Files: Lot 66 D 123. Top Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Rountree and Rockwell and approved and signed by Dulles.↩
- In telegram 567 from Beirut, August 29, Henderson reported his plans to leave Beirut for Washington on August 30. (Ibid., Central Files, 110.13–HE/8–2957)↩