Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Arab-Israeli Dispute, 1955, Volume XIV

209. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Turkey¹

Washington,August 20, 1955—7:53 p.m.

279. For Ambassador. Re Francis Russell’s ltr to you of July 22.²

Secretary will make public statement on Arab-Israel problem on Aug 26. Final text will be telegraphed separately.

Please plan see PriMin³ and/or FonMin⁴ Wed. Aug 24 and advise him time and subject of Secretary’s speech and tell him advance text will be available to him shortly. (Do not make appointment until receipt subsequent instruction that effect.⁵) You should say this statement reflects long intensive study of problem by Secretary personally. It is feeling of this Govt, which is shared, we are sure, by Govt of Turkey, that interests of all nations of North Atlantic community and their allies, as well as, of course, interests of peoples of Near East themselves, require an early and effective reduction of Arab-Israel tension. Secretary’s statement will deal with general principles. (You should not give any indication of content of proposed statement other than above.)

We hope Turkish Govt will study Secretary’s statement and give consideration to supporting US views with Arabs and Israel and with other friendly countries. Turkey’s participation in Turk-Iraq Pact and other area considerations will probably make it desirable Turkey effect her support in private and diplomatic sphere rather than by public statements at this time. It is our feeling that Turkey, by reason her history, influence and position can contribute to a détente in present impasse which impedes our common effort strengthen area but we would not wish her jeopardize her important role in area defense by any current action in Israel-Arab dispute. We look forward to consultations with Turks as to manner in which our efforts can best be coordinated.⁶

FYI: Dept has worked very closely with British in this matter and you should coordinate your action very closely with that of your British colleagues who will be receiving similar instructions. Dept informing French in general terms and seeking French support. At your discretion you may advise your French colleague of your activities but only in most general terms. End FYI.

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2055. Top Secret; Alpha; Limited Distribution. Drafted and approved by Russell, who signed for Dulles. Repeated to London, Paris, Baghdad, and Karachi.
2. Document 169.
3. Adnan Menderes.
4. Mehmet Fuat Köprülü.
5. The Department instructed Ambassador Warren on August 21 to make his presentation as soon as feasible. (Telegram 281 to Ankara; Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/8–2155)
6. Warren reported on August 24 that he spoke with Prime Minister Menderes in Istanbul on August 23 while Foy Kohler, the Counselor of the Embassy, saw Nuri Birgi, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Ankara. “While Birgi expressed chagrin that Turks not consulted in advance, both Prime Minister and he assured us statement would receive careful sympathetic study.” (Telegram 262 from Ankara;ibid., 684A.86/8–2455)