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

780.5/1–2754: Telegram

No. 185
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Berlin¹

top secret

Washington, January 27, 1954—3:56 p.m.

Tedul 4. After full exchange views with Turks, they have agreed take lead in working out with Pakistan arrangement involving consultation on political, economic and security questions. We still await word extent Turks willing emphasize security element. Have also authorized Ambassador Karachi inform Pakistanis (in confidence), we are prepared furnish military aid to Pakistan within framework of Turkish–Pakistani agreement.

Thus, announcement US military assistance to Pakistan would follow joint Turk–Pakistan announcement plans to develop cooperative arrangements. Plans agreed with Turks call for careful diplomatic preparation each announcement. Proposed steps and estimated calendar follows:

I. Joint Turk–Pakistani announcement to be made after following steps.

1. Turks will approach Pakistanis Karachi with proposal two Governments undertake promptly negotiation agreement providing for consultation political, economic and security matters of mutual interest. US Ambassador will offer secret assurances that US ready provide aid within framework such agreement. We expect Turk approach will be made during present week, and hope for joint announcement next week.

2. Prior public announcement, Turks would sound Iraqis as to their interest joining proposed arrangements. We would inform Iraq of our support arrangement, our hope Iraq will feel able cooperate, and our intention supply Iraq military assistance.

3. Two–three days prior joint announcement, Turks (and presumably Pakistanis) would inform Iraq, India, Afghanistan. Turks would make special effort, which we would support, to reassure Afghanistan.

4. Turks would make explanatory statement NAC not later than day joint communiqué. We would support Turk position, and hope British and French would do same. (British already fully informed and French will be briefed by Turks and Department within next day or so.)

II. Announcement US intention supply military assistance Pakistan would be prepared by following moves:

1. US would comment favorably on Turkish–Pakistani communiqué but in manner consistent our purpose emphasizing indigenous character development. Hope persuade British, French offer similar comment. Several days later Pakistan would publicly request US military aid.

2. Prior our reply Pakistan (perhaps by one day), India would be informed of decision, and personal letter from President would be handed Nehru.

3. Public announcement US reply to Pakistan request would be in form Presidential statement. Would be issued within two or three days receipt Pakistani request.

President being kept informed.

Smith

1. Drafted by Daspit and cleared by NEA.