501.BB Palestine/1–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
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260. Following is text of proposed Bevin statement referred to Deptel 259 today.
“His Majesty’s Government and the United States Government have long been united on the basic policy of increasing the economic wellbeing and sense of security of the Middle East and have sought to speed the return of lasting peace to Palestine. We are keeping in close touch with one another about these objectives. The fact that we and the Americans have similar interests and objectives in this [Page 697] vital area is a matter of great importance. There has been the constant danger that the Middle East might become a second Balkan area, torn by internal dissensions and international rivalry. We are determined to do all in our power to prevent this happening and believe that the Americans hold similar views.
This links in with the important declaration made by President Truman in his inauguration speech in favour of a bold new programme for assisting other countries in economic and social development. This declaration is in line with many discussions I have had with Mr. Byrnes and Mr. Marshall. President Truman’s aim and ours are the same. One of my first actions on taking office was to call home our representatives throughout the Middle East to discuss what contribution Britain could make in that area. The British Middle East Office has given valuable assistance, among others, in the fields of forestry, statistics and labour matters. I am glad to say that among others Iraq Government is preparing large scale plans for irrigation and flood-control which, if successfully applied, may nearly double the cultivable areas. The Persian Govt is about to embark on the first stage of their seven year development plan. In this and other projects we are willing to give all possible assistance. The Americans have also been interested in these projects and the World Bank is showing itself ready to help.
The basic policy on which we believe we and the Americans hold similar views is not merely a matter of words. I would remind the House of the common approach which we and the Americans have made to the problems of Turkey and Greece, and of the significance of this fact in the field of security. American aid and support to Turkey and Greece in close agreement with ourselves is an extremely important contribution to the stability and security of the whole area. American interest and help in Persia, also side by side with ourselves is equally important.”