Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

780.5/3–2253: Telegram

No. 124
The Ambassador in Iraq (Berry) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Baghdad, March 22, 1953—11 a.m.

1158. Foreign Minister Tawfiq Al-Suwaidi asked me to call this morning. He said that recent conversations with Turkish Chargé (mytels 1053, 1107 and 1118)² had made Iraqis realize how very vulnerable their country was to a Soviet attack coming through Persia. Foreign Minister had discussed this situation with Cabinet with result Cabinet had decided to improve Iraqi defense as rapidly and completely as means permitted.

Currently Iraq had no external military responsibilities except those specified in Arab League treaty of mutual defense, the military clauses of which have not yet been implemented. Thus, until such time as these, and arrangements of mutual defense by Western powers, are completed Iraq is bound to supply its army with the means to meet situation. Therefore Iraq desired to commence forthwith in building up its army. Foreign Minister then outlined importance to Western world of Iraq both from viewpoint of resources and strategy and asked that US, with British, assess Iraqi needs to meet its obligations in defense of its own territory and Western world. Foreign Minister said that he would send Embassy written note³ expressing these thoughts. He said he planned similar approach to British Ambassador today.

I told Foreign Minister that I would report this conversation and forward to Department by airpouch his note when received. I said that I understood that his intention in present conversation was to start us thinking upon matter. If that were correct I felt USG might inquire as to why Iraqis had not availed themselves of means suggested to them by my note November 12 informing Foreign Minister that Iraq had been declared eligible to receive military equipment from USG under provisions of 408E of MDS act.⁴ As I had presented our note to acting Foreign Minister Baban I took occasion to repeat to Foreign Minister Tawfiq Al-Suwaidi remarks I made at time of presentation. Minister replied that Iraq Government expected to take advantage of this offer and that I could expect very soon an official reply from Iraq Government so stating.

I told him I was pleased with this information and also that Iraq Govt realized so thoroughly need to prepare against Commie aggression. I said it seemed to me appropriate that Iraq Government use its resources to meet needs since it did have considerable resources.

Foreign Minister commented that Iraq Government could maintain four complete divisions from its own resources but it would not arm and equip four divisions without jeopardizing its program for economic development. He added that if there were plenty of time he felt developing sound economy and building military strength could go forward together entirely with Iraqi means, but he doubted the wisdom in these times of slowing down building strong army to maintain planned economic development. Without economic development Communism would arise from within Iraq.

Foreign Minister confirmed to me Cabinet position on defense as reported in final paragraph mytel 1108.⁵

I am gratified that this government understands the Commie menace and is taking measures to meet it both at the present time internally and in the future at Iraqi frontiers. Furthermore, it begins to look as though this government is toying with the thought that participation in MEDO may be the approach to solution of their own defense problems.

Berry

1. Repeated to Ankara as 31, to Cairo as 68.
2. Telegrams 1053 and 1107, Documents 120 and 123; telegram 1118 is not printed.
3. Infra.
4. On June 12, 1952, Assistant Secretary Byroade had initiated action to have Iraq found eligible for reimbursable military assistance under the Mutual Defense Assistance Act. (Byroade memorandum to the Secretary of State, June 12, 1952, not printed; 787.5 MSP/6–1252) Subsequent exchanges between the Secretaries of State and Defense and the Director for Mutual Security, in September and October, resulted in the Nov. 12, 1952 démarche to the Iraqi Government described herein by Ambassador Berry. Documentation is in file 787.5 MSP.
5. Not printed.