S/ISA Files: Lot 52–26: “Near East”: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic and Consular Offices 1
727. You have been informed (Deptel 4093 to London Mar 92 rptd Arabs caps and Israel) of proposed NSC statement of US policy toward Arab States and Israel to supplement but not supersede previous policies.3 Pres approved this as national policy Mar 17.
Subsequently Dept has been formulating with Def and ECA comprehensive program to implement the new policies which are basically designed to (1) offset trend toward neutrality in certain parts area and (2) maximize will of states to cooperate with US and friendly countries to resist USSR penetration. Program now has Presidential approval and will shortly be presented publicly Congress. Underlying philosophy is so important success program that fol provided on secret basis for ur discreet use in taking Govt to which you are accredited into our confidence prior publication now scheduled about May 23 or 24.
1. USG has deep desire within limits its capabilities to help friendly countries to strengthen themselves, develop their resources, improve standards of living and facilitate participation in UN programs for collective security.
2. Prominent among factors contributing “soft” situation Arab States and Israel are (a) econ and social disabilities; (b) Arab refugees which constitute incubus on peace prospects; (c) despair and frustration resulting from feeling that Western nations have no interest in or plans for defense area, and (d) the absence of normal relations between Israel and the Arab States.
3. New program about to be submitted to Congress4 has econ, social and mil components but does not involve formal defense commitments to Arab States and Israel. US continues back Tripartite Declaration.
4. Social component program well advanced with recent sig contracts for Point IV assistance in all Arab States and Israel.
5. Econ component consists of massive attack on Arab refugee problem solution of which will be major contribution to both Arab [Page 142] States and Israel. Reintegration program (probably partly conducted for US directly by ECA under “banner of UN”) will be major contribution Syria, Jordan and Egypt as well as to Israel. For this purpose Dept seeking $50 million in hope that comparable increases Brit and Fr contributions will permit energetic and forthright handling of problem which Arab League members stated to be susceptible solution provided Western Powers give evidence determination push reintegration through to successful conclusion.
6. In keeping policy impartiality and as element balanced program, Dept seeking $25 million econ grant aid for all Arab States and an additional $25 million grant aid for Israel alone. Israel figure will be made public but apportionment between Arab States will be kept as confidential as possible to avoid jealousies. Needs Israel fully justify $25 million.
7. Mil aid component is new departure for US in area. It is undertaken at time when arms needs our Allies have never been greater. Consequently limited quantities arms will have to suffice for time being. Arms will be made available in correlation with UK and Fr. US mil aid will of course be subject bilateral agreements. FYI only we must extract from token deliveries mil hardware maximum psychological value in terms of indigenous will to resist aggression and where necessary polit and mil advantages which may be needed by Western nations.
8. Of first importance re mil aid is fact that if program goes through Arab States and Israel will be eligible (a) for procurement assistance re arms; (b) services of US personnel in training and advisory capacity and (c) to supplement purchases grant arms aid for all of the Arab States and Israel not to exceed $40 million. FYI approx $15 million of this tentatively earmarked for Saudi program. Grant aid will be used to supplement direct purchases and cash reimbursable programs. Dept well aware fact that grant arms assistance to states which have been purchasing supplies from UK and France cld adversely affect position and prestige those nations. For this reason Dept has recently informed UK and France general lines program we contemplate submitting to Congress in order that plans may be made to correlate all assistance to area and to obtain maximum benefit of both cash and grant aid irrespective its origin. (Dept Memos Conversation this subject with UK and Fr May 175 airpouched to you).
9. In presenting foregoing as advance notice of hoped-for but not certain program of USG you shld make it clear that this is not US bid to assume paramount power position in ME at expense Brit or Fr interests. Both these Govts given assurances this score and US hopes all phases its program can be correlated with the UK and Fr as well [Page 143] as with all states of the area. FYI some US–UK–Fr correlating agency will be required handle arms requests. Nature location this now under study.
10. Legislative uncertainties plus fact many operational details yet to be resolved make it impossible describe what final form program will be or when it will be approved by Congress. However, important that Govt leaders understand that this represents major US policy development. It is based on concept of balanced area approach and will be so administered. Also based on concept of impartiality and its formulation has resulted in part from careful and sympathetic appraisal of needs and desires of ME states as communicated by their leaders. Success of program, if and when it receives Congressional approval, will depend in large measure on willingness all interested states implement it in cooperative spirit.
11. Dept believes it important that Govt leaders be informed outlines program by US Chiefs of Mission before inaccurate reports gain any circulation. Where necessary you shld carefully explain Congressional machinery through which program must go before it receives final approval, thus minimizing over expectations leading to dangerous disappointments.
12. Contents this tel except Saudi mil aid figure shld be given ur Brit and Fr colleagues promptly. Dept informing UK and Fr here.
13. Leg Damascus requested inform Azzam Pasha personally and solicit his counsel re important step making outline program known to significant dels Arab League mtg even though their home Govts will be informed directly. Text pertinent portions bill to be submitted Congress will be sent soon as finalized.
14. Report action.6
- Drafted by G. Lewis Jones, Director of the Office of Near Eastern Affairs, and Samuel Kopper. Approved by Mr. Jones and cleared by Mr. McGhee. Sent priority to Baghdad, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Amman, Beirut, niact to Jidda and Damascus, and to London, Paris, Moscow, and Jerusalem for Ambassador Palmer.↩
- Not printed.↩
- NSC 47/5, p. 95.↩
- Reference is to the Mutual Security Program of 1951, submitted to Congress by President Truman on May 24, 1951. See editorial note, p. 150.↩
- See the memoranda of conversation by Mr. Kopper, pp. 130 and 134.↩
- See memorandum by Mr. Villard to Nitze, June 1, p. 152.↩