780.5/2–1754: Telegram
No. 195
The Ambassador in Iraq (Berry) to the
Department of State1
461. Reference Embassy telegram 456 to Department February 15, 1954.2
Turkish Ambassador met Prime Minister and Foreign Minister together this afternoon at 3 p.m. Immediately thereafter, he informed me that Iraqi officials had received his message with satisfaction, Prime Minister saying that he felt great joy and pride because he himself had put forward a similar suggestion last year.
Prime Minister asked if he could accept this information as an invitation to participate. Ambassdor replied, “are you awaiting an [Page 487] invitation.” Prime Minister said “yes.” Ambassador then said, “in such case you may accept this communication as an invitation.”
Prime Minister asked if he could see text of project agreement. Ambassador said that he himself did not have it but that he would inform his government of request.
Foreign Minister inquired if Iraq would be required to send Iraqi soldiers beyond Iraqi frontiers. Ambassador said that was a matter that would be worked out in course of discussions. Prime Minister interjected that if Israel were to be party to arrangement, Iraq could not participate. Ambassador said there was no plan to include Israel.
Ambassador inquired if, when news became public, Prime Minister would anticipate much popular opposition Prime Minister said opposition would come only from Communists and Istiqlal Party.
Ambassador told Prime Minister that he would inform me immediately of this conversation. Prime Minister said that he also would inform me.
- Repeated to Ankara and Karachi.↩
- Not printed; it advised the Department of State the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq had informed Ambassador Berry he had a joint appointment with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Iraq to inform them of the Turkish talks with Pakistan. The Turkish Ambassador promised to inform Ambassador Berry and the British Ambassador of the results of his conversation. (780.5/2–1554)↩