Office of the Historian

71. Telegram From the Office of the Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Department of State1

Paris, October 26, 1955—9 p.m.

Polto 649. Geneva for Secretary Dulles. Re Washington Tosec 13,2 repeated Ankara 746, Amman 175, Baghdad 297. Secretary saw Turkish Foreign Minister Zorlu at latter’s request for 15 minutes this afternoon. Zorlu explained that President Bayar planned seek Jordanian adherence Baghdad pact during forthcoming visit to Jordan, and asked for Secretary’s views. Secretary replied that up to present time US had opposed southward extension Baghdad pact for two reasons:

1.
Would antagonize Egypt (remarked this factor perhaps less important now);
2.
Adherence countries bordering Israel would be viewed as giving anti-Israeli character to pact and inhibit US support to pact. On other hand, Secretary remarked, if pact did not assume anti-Israeli character but took form of promoting settlement Jordanian border, might make a difference.

Zorlu then advanced idea of US security guarantee to Israel and simultaneous adherence Baghdad pact and went on to advance same arguments contained reftel, stressing particularly importance strengthening position Western-oriented countries such as Iraq and Iran. This [Page 177] connection Zorlu urged that US not offer arms or other aid to Egypt or take any other actions which Iraq and Iran could construe as indicating Egypt following sound course. Foundations Baghdad pact not yet very deep and members must see Egypt’s policy does not pay.

Secretary informed Zorlu that he would give question Jordanian adherence careful consideration but could not give him an answer until he had consulted his advisers. Said that our position would be communicated to Turks in Washington. In response to Secretary’s query, Zorlu said he had discussed idea with Macmillan and that British favored it.

Secretary remarked in passing that Syria was pretty far gone. Zorlu agreed, added that situation in Libya was deteriorating and again expressed hope that US would enter Baghdad pact soon. Secretary’s response was that US would have observers at pact meeting November 20.

In parting Secretary urged that Turkey go easy with Greece on Cyprus question. Zorlu responded that there was no room for compromise, without specifying on whose part. Secretary rejoined that there was always room for compromise.

Secretary left for Geneva immediately after meeting and has not seen this message.

Perkins
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 780.5/10–2655. Secret. Repeated to Ankara, Amman, Baghdad, London, and Geneva.↩
  2. In Tosec 13 to Paris, October 24, the Department of State informed Secretary Dulles that Turkish Ambassador Haydar Gork, acting under urgent instructions, had told Department officials that when President Bayar visited Jordan during the first week of November, he planned to urge Jordanian adherence to the Baghdad Pact. Gork emphasized that the action was necessary to prevent the spread of Soviet influence in the Middle East and that Turkey would do everything it could to prevent Arab aggression against Israel. (Ibid., 780.5/10–2455)↩