129. Instruction From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
SUBJECT
- United States-United Kingdom Policy in the Middle East
While differences may arise between the United States and the United Kingdom concerning some aspects of policy in the Middle East the two governments have a basic identity of interests in the area and generally see eye-to-eye on the major problems of the Middle East. Whatever disagreement may occur is subject to frank, confidential [Page 299] debate. The friendly and fruitful conversations early this year between President Eisenhower and Prime Minister Eden illustrate the continuing value of periodic consultations between the two allies.
It is understood confidentially that British chiefs of mission in the Middle East have been instructed to stress, in their dealings with third parties, the general agreement existing between British and American policies. The Department believes that American officials, in their conversations with representatives of third countries, should refrain from discussing British and American differences, but should emphasize the similarity of United States-United Kingdom interests in developing reciprocally beneficial relations with the countries of the area. Although at times it may be in the United States interest to avoid identification with a British position, neither British nor American interests are served by assisting the many Near Easterners who traditionally attempt to play one country against the other.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 780.5/5–1856. Confidential. Sent to Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, Khartoum, Tel Aviv, and London.↩