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

780.5/10–2354: Telegram

No. 236
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Turkey¹

secret

Washington, November 11, 1954—12:17 p.m.

548. Ankara’s 441² and replies to Depcirtel 211.³ We hopeful series conversations planned by Menderes may assist on Middle East defense and Arab–Israel problems. Ankara requested convey to Menderes following on confidential basis:

1. We appreciate opportunity work with him. We believe he will agree that matter complicated by lingering Arab sensitivities carried over from Ottoman days and Arab resentment realistic Turkish policy toward Israel.

2. We concur with his concept of interrelationship Middle East defense and Arab–Israel problems. Tactically necessary tackle both simultaneously avoiding moves which may accelerate progress on one to detriment of progress on other. Because of factors mentioned under (1) preferable for Turkey at present direct its main efforts at area defense matters leaving in abeyance for moment Arab–Israel problem. Also we entertain doubts re certain elements Arab–Israel solution mentioned by Menderes and wish to consider whole matter further.

3. We continue support fully northern tier concept as offering best prospect creating area strength but see nothing against step by step approach to Iraqi adherence to Turkey–Pakistan Pact through for example bilateral agreements between Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan. We would be pleased to see Iraq sign bilateral agreement with Turkey during Menderes’ forthcoming visit to Iraq.

4. We question practicality endeavoring at this time bring Syria into defense picture. Also because limited appropriations we not able plan this time allot any funds to Syria for military assistance.

5. We believe it would be premature to bring any pressure on Iran just now. Suggest Iran situation be reviewed sometime next spring. FYI Our views more fully stated forthcoming telegram to London rpted Ankara. End FYI.⁴

6. In talk with Nasir we believe Menderes should endeavor stimulate eagerness on part of RCC for association with Turkey. Hints that Iraq considering bilateral arrangement would generate Egyptian desires move that direction. We believe Egyptian-Turkish bilateral arrangement would constitute best method associating Egypt with northern tier grouping. Suez Base Agreement⁵ provisions for reactivation in case of attack on Turkey provide peg for move in desired direction.

7. We recognize Israel will oppose defense arrangements excluding her in short run but participation of Turkey should lessen Israel apprehensions. In addition Arab association with Turkey should help allay real Arab feeling of weakness vis-à-vis Israel and lessen intra-Arab pressures based on fears of Israel.

8. We concur Menderes views on ALCSP and believe he should discourage Nasir from hopes West will base Middle East defense on ALCSP. Past anti-Israel history of pact and practical difficulties dealing with Arab states as bloc make it unwise base defense strategy on ALCSP. At same time because of Arab sensibilities and genuine if latent Arab yearning for unity open opposition to Arab League should be avoided.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Burdett and cleared by NE, NEA, Defense–OFMA, and GTI (Ambassador Henderson, paragraph 5). Repeated to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Tehran, Damascus, Jidda, London, Karachi, and Paris.
2. Document 233.
3. Not printed, but see footnote 3, ibid., and Document 234.
4. Presumably this reference is to telegram 2657 to London, infra.
5. For documentation on the final and formal Anglo-Egyptian Agreement of Oct. 19, 1954, see Documents 947 ff.