Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 2

787.5 MSP/4–1954: Telegram

No. 1413
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Iraq¹

secret
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Washington, April 19, 1954—6:06 p.m.

588. After further study, Department has decided authorize signature of MDAP agreement with Iraq on condition proviso can be attached indicating that US will take into account international position in area in determining amount, character and timing of aid. Believe this can be accomplished unobtrusively by amending introductory paragraph agreement (Deptel 438²) as follows: In second sentence, put period after “Government of Iraq” and strike remainder of sentence. Insert new sentence as follows: “Such assistance will be provided subject to the provisions of applicable legislative authority and will be related in character, timing and amount to international developments in the area.” Iraqis should understand that it may be necessary publicize agreement at time signing announced.

They should also understand that the agreement will be publicly criticized by various factions in this country and that the Secretary will have to justify the action in terms of defense against communist penetration and possible aggression. In response to attacks the Department will state its concern over the lack of defensive capabilities in the Middle East and its desire to see northern tier states strengthened against the possibilities of such dangers from the north. It would be stated that this and maintenance internal security are sole objectives of US assistance to the area. We would say that military aid is not given for any other purpose, and firm assurance has been obtained from Iraq, as from all other recipients of US military assistance, that her policy is one of legitimate self-defense. We would recall that in his statement of February 25 regarding US aid to Pakistan, the President re-examined the attitude of this Government regarding the misuse of US military aid for aggressive purposes. Should there be developments in the Near East showing that the policies of any government in that area receiving our military aid were no longer based on considerations of legitimate self-defense, the United States Government would immediately re-assess not only its aid program, but its basic policy towards the countries concerned.

This proposed new language in preamble could be put to Iraqis on ground that it designed to replace reference to Tripartite Agreement, eliminated at their request, and that it is minimum needed reassure US public opinion that program of arms assistance will not be permitted further inflame situation NE. Ambassador might point out Iraqis that we have moved considerable distance from usual pattern aid agreements in effort meet special problems of Iraqis and hope that they able go this far in meeting problem real concern to US.

If Iraqis willing accept this language, Ambassador authorized propose concessions on details set forth in Deptel 586,³ which we believe should meet remaining points outstanding.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Jernegan and cleared by NE and U.
2. Regarding telegram 438 to Baghdad, Feb. 18, see Document 1404.
3. Dated Apr. 19, not printed. (787.5 MSP/4–154)