Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

767.90G/6–847: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iraq

secret
priority

Washington, June 12, 1947—8 p. m.

227. Dept has no specific comment in mind for you to make in talking with King Abdullah (Embtel 241 June 8¹) but suggests you emphasize our general interest in progress Arab cooperation for common good and express hope no weakening stability in Near East may occur through possible failure maintain and develop mutual confidence adequately among Arab states in their relations with one another. You may take opportunity express informally our concern over continuing discordant effect Greater Syria agitation on Arab world.

The direction and purpose of recent Iraq-Trans Jordan, Turco-Iraq and Turco-Transjordan treaties are of definite interest and some concern to us. If treaties actually reflect high policy moves away from Arab League initiated by two Hashimite rulers with or without British approval or instigation, we should have fullest possible knowledge for orientation our policy. It would be particularly helpful if you could utilize Abdullah’s visit and anticipated Senate ratification Turco-Iraq treaty as occasions in conversations with Abdullah, Nuri² and others for ascertaining true motives behind these moves.³

Sent Baghdad as 227; repeated Ankara and Arab capitals.

Marshall

1. Not printed; it reported that the Turco-Iraqi Treaty of Friendship and related accords had been ratified by the lower house of the Iraqi Parliament the previous day. It cited also the current controversy whether the ratification “marks further high policy move by Iraq away from Arab League; first move having been recent conclusion Iraq–Trans-Jordan treaty which many old line nationalists as well as those of younger generation view as foundation for British controlled Hashemite Axis conceived in London, if not specifically to further King Abdullah’s Greater Syria ambitions, at least to sow discord among Arab states and thereby weaken Arab League front on questions of Palestine settlement and Egyptian treaty revision.” (767.90G/6–847)
2. Nuri as-Said, former Iraqi Prime Minister.
3. On June 12, in telegram 249, from Baghdad, Ambassador Wadsworth advised of two conversations with King Abdullah. He reported the King’s view that “Syria was as it had been throughout history, one country. Its people were one in race and aspiration. There was no place for personal ambitions and rivalries which but perpetuated fractionating forces”. As to federation of Iraq and Syria, the King’s “vision and goal was reunited Syria in federation with Iraq . . . . On the Hashemite House and strong fundamental oneness of national aspirations would success be built.” (501.AA/6–1247)