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

780.5/2–2554: Telegram

No. 197
The Ambassador in Turkey (Warren) to the Department of State¹

top secret
priority

Ankara, February 25, 1954—6 p.m.

888. Embtel 870, February 19.² Foreign Office has received report from Turkish Ambassador Karachi that Pakistan Foreign Office now states cooperation agreement will not be concluded before one month. Turkish Ambassador being instructed express surprise, recall Zafrullah’s initial favorable reaction to Turkey draft text memorandum re issuance joint communiqué (Embtel 848),³ state Turkish have therefore, thought full agreement existed in principle and only minor details form and language to be decided, and inquired reasons for indicated delay.

Indications at least casual attitude on part GOP re proposed agreement and misleading interpretation given it after issuance communiqué (Embtel 878, February 22)⁴ suggest desirability we emphasize to GOP importance we attach prompt and effective implementation cooperation agreement with Turkey, which considered basis extension US military aid. Rapid tempo developments Egypt and Iraq also emphasize again desirability take advantage favorable situation created by Turkey–Pakistani initiative. To this end believe agreement between two countries should be completed soonest (Embtel 864⁵ and 870).

Warren

1. Repeated as 52 to Karachi.
2. Not printed; it reported the Foreign Office of Pakistan had informed the Turkish Ambassador in Karachi that the draft cooperation agreement was under urgent consideration. (780.5/2–1954)
3. Dated Feb. 14, not printed. It reported the Pakistan Foreign Minister told the Turkish Ambassador in Karachi his initial reaction to the Turkish draft of the cooperation agreement was favorable, although he would have some suggestions on form and language. The Turkish Foreign Office was proposing the issuance of an announcement of the agreement on Feb. 19 or 20. (780.5/2–1454)
4. Not printed; it reported the Turks disliked implications the Turkish–Pakistan agreement might be made the basis for a pact of Moslem states based on religion. (Ankara Embassy files, lot 59 F 72, 400 MED, 1953–54)
5. Dated February 18, not printed. It reported that if Iraq was really prepared to join at once in a tripartite agreement the Turks would welcome the action, but if Iraq suggested a delay Turkey and Pakistan would go ahead and allow Iraq to adhere later. It commented also that the report from the Turkish Ambassador in Baghdad had not mentioned the extent of popular opposition in Iraq. (780.5/2–1854)