191. Letter From the Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Makins)1
Dear Mr. Ambassador: I refer to our conversations and correspondence concerning Centurion tanks for Iraq.
Off-shore procurement of Centurion tanks faces us with serious financial difficulties because of recent appropriation cuts by the Congress. Nevertheless, we are prepared to purchase in the United Kingdom for Iraq, as part of our grant aid program for the current fiscal year, 10 Centurion tanks if the United Kingdom will provide two. Also, we will explore the possibilities of expediting deliveries to Iraq under our current program and of adding certain other additional items to this program. Our action with respect to the tanks is not intended to set a general pattern for the Near East but only to meet a specific special situation.
Members of our staffs can discuss the question of the manner and time for informing the Iraqi Government.
Because of the personal interest Prime Minister Eden has expressed to the President, I would appreciate your bringing this letter to his attention.
Sincerely yours,