711.00111 Armament Control/6–749: Circular telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices 1
View UK desire permit supply certain quantities arms and ammunition to Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan and if necessary to other Arab states for internal security and training purposes, UK Govt recently approached US Govt re possibility lifting Near East arms embargo. Dept has informed Brit Emb that it is belief of US Govt that it would be untimely for UK to deliver “military equipment” to Arab states without change in SG truce res or without agreement of Bunche.
With regard to shipment of weapons and ammunition for internal police as opposed to military purposes, Dept suggested UK might wish discuss subject with Acting Mediator, Dept understands from Brits their reps subsequently approached Bunche and obtained his approval limited shipment of arms to Arab states for internal police purposes.
- At Arab capitals and Ankara.↩