42. Memorandum From the Secretary of State to the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Allen)1
I have been concerned over our inability to resolve the problems facing us in the Middle East and South Asia, some of which are admittedly incessant. While I recognize the frustrations which we bear in tackling these issues, we must make every effort and apply our maximum resourcefulness to shape events in this area to our advantage. Therefore I feel that we must pursue a more arduous and expeditious re-appraisal of our policies and plans than ever before.
I therefore propose that we begin at once to analyze each of the problems facing us in this area and formulate policies and courses of action for their resolution. This undertaking merits your personal direction to the very maximum. I have set aside the major portion of Tuesday afternoon, June 14, to consider with you the results of this appraisal.2
I am aware of the extraordinary nature of this assignment. I am therefore asking Mr. Murphy to insure that all possible cooperation and assistance is furnished you and your staff by other areas of the Department. [1¾ lines of source text not declassified]
The many problems posed for us throughout the Middle East and South Asia are only highlighted by the following
Greece. Demands high-level aid be restored; pursues disruptive Cyprus policy.
Turkey. Demands extraordinary loan; dissatisfied with our area defense policy.
Egypt, Syria, Saudia Arabia. Covet neutralism and a harmful pact.
Israel. Threatens military action over Gaza; demands security guarantee (What action should we take to forestall hostilities and perhaps a renewal of the Israel-Arab war? The time may have come for the President or myself to make a policy statement on the Israel-Arab issue, constructively reviewing our position in the entire situation. If so, what lines should such a statement take?).
Iraq, Iran. Anxious for a clearcut statement of our military policy regarding this area. Want us to join in staff talks (What should our area defense policy be?).
[Page 63]Afghanistan. Looking to Moscow; friction with Pakistan progressively worse (mediation results an unknown quantity).
India. Disruptive neutralism; no Kashmir settlement in sight; numerous issues causing us trouble (charges of covert subsidization; unpredictable supply of monkies for polio vaccine; controversial shipping charges, etc.)
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.80/6–455. Top Secret. Copies were sent to Hoover and, Murphy.↩
- There is no record that such a meeting ever took place. Dulles’ Appointment Book contains no entry for a meeting between Dulles and, Allen on or around June 14. (Princeton University, Dulles Papers)↩