39. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq1
497. You should inform Nuri (Deptel 4892) we unable in absence MDAP agreement with Jordan provide that country directly or through intermediary of Iraq rifles, machine guns and blankets which he asked for. However, we can understand Iraq’s desire assist Jordan by making available from Iraqi supplies certain desired military items. For our part we wish to assure Nuri of our desire to help and we would be prepared support later inclusion within currently budgeted military aid program for Iraq of items considered by both countries as necessary to enhance effectiveness of Iraqi forces.
(FYI: We wish avoid having aid we may provide Iraq in foregoing categories labelled as replacement for equipment Iraqis may give Jordan. We unable indicate precisely when such aid might be forthcoming but we would exert every effort insure Iraqi requirements met as promptly as possible. Important that Nuri understand any such aid will have to come from funds earmarked for Iraqi portion MDAP funds. End FYI)3
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 685.87/10–156. Secret; Niact. Drafted by Fritzlan and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Amman.↩
- In telegram 489 to Baghdad, September 30, the Department informed Gallman that the question of small arms and blankets for Jordan was still under consideration. (Ibid., 685.87/9–3056)↩
- In telegram 546 from Baghdad, October 2, Gallman reported that he had conveyed the substance of the first paragraph of telegram 497 to Nuri. According to the Ambassador, the Prime Minister expressed surprise that the United States “could not help even with some blankets.” (Ibid., 685.87/10–256)↩