780.5/11–254: Telegram
No. 1422
The Chargé in Iraq (Ireland) to the Department of State1
276. Prime Minister has given Embassy copy of summarized minutes of recent discussions held with Menderes and staff in Ankara.2 Although full translation being despatched, substance of report follows.
Nuri expressed his basic position by stating Iraqi security tied to that of Turkey and Iran. He had always emphasized to Arab League States necessity of cooperation with Turkey. Egyptian Government’s acceptance of thesis that an attack on Turkey would be reason invoke reoccupation clauses of Anglo-Egyptian Suez agreement indicative that Egypt too desires closer ties with Turkey. He had personally made it clear to Egypt that great harm might be done to Iraq should any delay occur in realizing cooperation with Turkey, and believed Iran and Syria should likewise participate soonest. Such action would catalyze other Arab States to follow suit. Process of effecting such cooperation would be facilitated if Turkey seized every opportunity to demonstrate its sincere feelings towards Arabs.
Menderes reportedly expressed his satisfaction over Nuri’s remarks and stated Turkey determined show its friendship for Arab States. Any past shortcomings on this score regrettable and caused only by its failure understand fully reaction which certain acts might produce in Arab States if he himself had responded at once to Jamal Abdul Nasser’s recent “positive. statements re Turkey. Turkish objective is to insure defense of area comprising Turkey and Arab States and consolidate Turko-Arab cooperation, which is in accord with Turkish-Pakistan pact. Such cooperation, he opined, would enhance possibility US and UK aid to area.
After foregoing exchange of basic positions, Nuri and Menderes reached agreement on following:
- 1.
- Security of Turkey and Iraq hinges upon establishment of cooperation with their neighbors. Best means realize this is for Arab States join with Iran and Pakistan. Iraq and Turkey should consult on all attempts they may make to attain said objective and take all measures to this end jointly.
- 2.
- Effort will be made in forthcoming Iraqi and Turkish discussions with Egypt to persuade latter joint proposed grouping, or at least enable latter adhere subsequently.
- 3.
- Turkey and Iraq will consult on any efforts they may make re Syria, Iran and Pakistan.
- 4.
- Nuri defined role of Iraq in defense of area in following terms: (a) safeguard Iraq’s eastern boundary and passes against enemy land forces, (b) take defense measures re air or atomic attacks on its oil wells, (c) facilitate arrival of any assistance which may be despatched to Turkey via Iraq.
- 5.
- Nuri emphasized to Menderes that constant measures should be taken to check Communist and Zionist propaganda which opposes any rapprochement between Turkey and Arab States and asked Menderes “several times” that Turkey tangibly demonstrate its cordial feelings towards Arab States. Menderes reportedly replied he would be pleased take all measures in this sphere and expressed his satisfaction over action taken to date against Communists by Iraq and Egypt.
- 6.
- Two Prime Ministers agreed re necessity rendering mutual assistance in economic field and implementing provisions of economic and cultural agreements of 1946 which have thus far been dormant.