890G.24/57: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Iraq (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
226. Reference Department’s No. 176 of September 14, 8 a.m. Continued illness of British Ambassador has made serious discussion business matters impossible. From informal talks with another in his Embassy having his confidence and discussions with my own assistants as well as a casual remark to me by Nuri, I am inclined to the opinion further effort to secure an agreement on basis existing Iraqi legislation will prove unproductive. The present Cabinet crisis (reference my 222, October 6, 5 p.m.19) seems to preclude for time being discussions with Nuri pending which opportunity I would welcome receiving suggested wording of draft agreement mentioned closing sentence Department’s telegram. I would also like to be informed if in referring to a “formal agreement” which would become effective as an “executive agreement” the Department seeks to avoid using the term treaty in connection with whatever agreement is finally arrived at with Iraqi Government whose ideals of their national status may view the signing of a treaty as of greater significance.
- Not printed.↩