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

780.5/10–954: Telegram

No. 231
The Ambassador in Turkey (Warren) to the Department of State¹

secret
niact

Ankara, October 9, 1954—2 p.m.

393. This morning I discussed with Zorlu, deputy Prime Minister and acting Foreign Minister, substance Deptel 430,² October 7. He said Prime Minister returns from Germany to Istanbul today to meet Nuri Said, Iraqi Prime Minister, who arrives this evening. Conversations expected last over next four days.

Zorlu then said there have been two developments in Iraqi attitude since my conversation with Prime Minister September 30 (Embtel 368).³ When Abdul-Illah was leaving Turkey Zorlu accompanied him to airport. In conversation at that time Abdul-Illah expressed view it would be desirable for Nuri Said and Prime Minister Menderes explore possibilities of reaching decision on Turco-Iraqi bilateral defense pact rather than attempt move Iraq at this time into Turco-Pakistan agreement. If this idea worked out then Iraqis would propose similar bilateral pact with Pakistan at suitable moment in future. The two pacts might be combined within framework of Turco-Pakistan agreement.

When Zorlu reported this conversation to Prime Minister it was agreed idea appeared worth exploring and Zorlu instructed Turk Ambassador London seek ascertain nature Nuri Said’s conversation there to verify if preparatory talks possibly leading in this direction.

Much to surprise of Turks they now advised from London that Nuri Said explored possibility quite new arrangement first with Eden, then with French Ambassador in London, and later with French Prime Minister in Paris. Such information as Turks have, indicates nebulous idea apparently based on effort by Nuri Said revive original MEDO concept in modified form. He suggested, according to the Turks information, that if French approved re Syria then he would explore defense arrangement to include Britain, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria and France.

While not expressed, it was implied that Turks and US would be requested give their support to idea. Turks understand Nuri Said formulated this idea following his conversations in Egypt when Nasir supposed to have expressed view that since Iraq more exposed than Egypt it might feel free enter into special defensive arrangements secure northern frontier against Soviet attack.

Since Prime Minister absent in Germany Zorlu sent for British Ambassador and inquired if he knew anything about Nuri Said’s conversations in London. Bowker told him in first interview that there appeared be some nebulous plan afoot but he not aware of details. He would inquire of London and inform Zorlu early as possible. Yesterday Bowker visited Zorlu again and confirmed substance Nuri Said’s conversations with Eden in London and with French Government in Paris. He intimated Nuri Said has draft proposal which he may bring to Menderes’ attention when they meet in Istanbul. Zorlu said Bowker expressed view this idea still nebulous. In his London conversations, Nuri Said had considered it worthwhile developing since, if carried out, it would permit UK conclude new defense arrangement with Iraq under umbrella of proposed area defense arrangements and would not require Nuri Said present new Anglo-Iraq bilateral security pact to Iraqi parliament with incidental risk of bitter debate. Bowker said that as alternative to this arrangement Nuri Said might suggest to Turks pact between Iraq, Pakistan and British, followed at later date by bi-lateral pact between Iraq and Turkey.

Zorlu’s reaction to these proposals is negative. He feels strongly that best feature of Turco-Pakistan agreement is indigenous initiative as against outside sponsorship and participation which made MEDO proposal sound appealing to Middle East countries. In his opinion it desirable that Menderes in forthcoming discussions with Nuri Said move towards bilateral arrangement between Turkey and Iraq calculated promote security their common frontier against Soviet aggression. He perceives no objection, if this can be done, to Iraq seeking bilateral agreement with Pakistan. Should this be done he believes situation would be possible at suitable moment to tie both agreements into Turco-Pakistan agreement. He believes further that forthcoming conversations in Istanbul must take into account weight of British power and importance British interests in Middle East and said Turks realize these facts and will do nothing impede British participation in development of Middle East defense area. He does have strong reservations on value modified MEDO proposal put forward by Nuri Said. He considers it unfortunate Nuri Said has made overtures to French and has attempted associate Iraq and Syria in this proposed arrangement.

Zorlu promised keep me currently informed of conversations as they develop in Istanbul.

I had not yet seen London’s 1724, October 5⁴ to Department when I had my conversation with Zorlu this morning. Bowker and I had lengthy conversation last night at dinner given by Turkish Chief of Staff for Marshal Montgomery. Conversation dealt exclusively with inquiries by Bowker re current Turkish financial and economic difficulties and did not touch on any political subject.

Warren

1. Repeated to London, Paris, Tehran, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, Beirut, Baghdad, and Karachi and was transmitted in two sections.
2. Supra.
3. Not printed, but see footnote 2, supra.
4. Not printed, but see footnote 3, supra.