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

780.5/12–3154: Telegram

No. 241
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Egypt¹

secret

Washington, December 31, 1954—5:34 p.m.

1002. Department disturbed note Nasir has twice to our knowledge taken line with other Arab leaders that US Government has “given up” idea of Arab adherence to Turkey–Pakistan pact (Cairo tel 312 Sept 8)² or supports idea that Arabs should “collectively take initiative for regional defense” presumably to exclusion non-Arabs (Beirut tel 599 rptd Cairo as 96).³

Unless you perceive objection you should take earliest opportunity explain US position to Nasir. Department suggests you tell Nasir that during discussions in recent months on Middle East Defense problems we have become aware of some misapprehension as to what our position is. An erroneous view seems to have gained currency in some quarters that US favors idea Arabs should collectively and exclusive of non-Arabs, take initiative for regional defense. You should emphasize we support fully northern tier defense concept as offering best prospect creating area strength.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Allen and Frye and cleared by NEA. Repeated to Baghdad, Beirut, Amman, Ankara, Damascus, Jidda, London, Paris, and Tehran.
2. Document 228.
3. Not printed, but see footnote, supra.