Office of the Historian

378. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon1

Washington,November 2, 1955—4:40 p.m.

679. In accordance with suggestion from the Secretary addressees authorized in their discretion as appropriate to make points given below in discussions with officials Governments to which accredited. [Page 693] Missions at Tel Aviv, Ankara, London and Paris should inform Governments:

1.
US believes recent developments give evidence of determination by Soviet bloc direct its attention and efforts at subversion in Middle East as it has previously done elsewhere in world. Can be little question but Soviet bloc will endeavor exploit and extend its influence by shipment of arms via Czechoslovakia into area. US does not question right of Soviet bloc to sell or right of Arabs to buy. We do point out arms sales are never purely commercial transactions and have never been permitted by Soviet bloc except with political motivation. We also point out communism is and would be mortal enemy of Moslem religion and we assume it is not desire or intention of any of Arab Governments to collaborate with communist bloc in its effort at penetration of area.
2.
US believes a rapid and large-scale increase in modern offensive weapons by either or both sides of Israel-Arab controversy holds great danger for civilian populations of area. US does not intend contribute to such a development. It has been willing provide moderate amounts arms to either side for internal security and legitimate defense. It will do everything it can to prevent all-out arms race.
3.
Present policy US is in accordance with Tripartite Declaration of 1950 both re preventing arms race and prevention aggression by either side. Our policy re further security guaranties for area was set forth in Secretary Dulles’ speech August 26. We have no present intention giving any special security guaranties other than in conformity with that statement and 1950 Declaration.
Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/11–255. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Burdett and approved by Allen, who signed for Hoover. Also sent priority to Baghdad, Cairo, Amman, Jidda, Damascus, and Tripoli. Repeated to Tel Aviv, Ankara, London, and Paris.↩