Ankara Embassy Files, 1949, 120 Chiefs of Mission Conference
Statement by Assistant Secretary of State George C. McGhee
Today the Istanbul Conference of the United States Chiefs of Missions in the Near East has ended. The general nature of our discussions was announced to the press on Monday.
As we close, I wish particularly to emphasize that the primary objective which we have sought has been to elaborate a program for the effective implementation of the basic policy directive voiced by President Truman when announcing two months ago the appointment of Mr. Gordon E. Clapp as Chairman of the United Nations Survey Mission to the Near East.
On that occasion the President said in part:
“Traditional American cultural interests in the Near East have in recent years been reinforced by expanding economic and commercial ties and by recognition of the important role of that historical cross roads between three continents in the maintenance of peace and security of the world of today.
“This steady expansion of our relations with the Near East has given rise to a natural interest on the part of this government in the welfare of the governments and peoples of that area.
“In so saying, I wish to emphasize that now as in the past we have no axe of special privilege to grind.
“We do, however, have an obvious community of interest with the countries of the Near East.
“It is proper that we should give that relationship the careful and understanding consideration which it merits.”
A major theme of the Interim Report which the Economic Survey Mission has submitted to the United Nations has been that through economic and social development lies the most promising path to area stability.
With this view we are in full accord; appreciating in fullest measure the differences which exist and which have deep and ancient roots tending to inhibit essential unity of constructive purpose.
In no country of the Near East is the realization of such purpose estopped or even seriously impaired by Communist agitation or propaganda. Again to quote the President: “These states have become their own masters.”
We feel that application of the President’s Point 4 Program, notably for the extension of technical assistance to underdeveloped areas, would be of material assistance to this end.
To answer a question frequently posed, we perceive no present need for American association in any regional military or mutual defense pacts designed to assure greater protection against aggression.
[Page 179]We emphasize the desirability of persisting in the policy which has guided American efforts in this area during recent post-war years, i.e. the Truman Doctrine supplemented, as need be, by the programs for European Recovery and for Military Assistance.1