Office of the Historian

2. Telegram From the Embassy in Iraq to the Department of State1

Baghdad, January 5, 1955—10:09 a.m.

408. Although Embassy pouching2 its detailed observations on Department’s CA–3378, November 22,3 a brief telegraphic summary of our views on subject may be helpful.

We agree attempt at settlement Arab-Israeli problem needs again be undertaken and concur in specific objectives cited in reference instruction. We strongly urge, however, that concept of regional defense on one hand and of Arab-Israeli settlement on the other be kept apart with priority of emphasis assigned to former. While we recognize area of overlap exists, fact remains they are basically distinct problems, and deserve to be pursued separately even if concurrently. Any effort unnecessarily entangle them likely impede progress in forging regional defense.

We recommend, too, that Iraq no less so than Egypt be among states with which initial discussions on subject are to be begun. As leading contender with Egypt for hegemony in Arab community, any approach to one alone is likely be seized upon by other to push its [Page 3] own case for leadership in Arab community. Conversely, realization of this possibility likely cause either state be reluctant participate in settlement talks unilaterally. If these two states are approached jointly, possibility exists of fusing any “Arab side” which does not really exist at present time but which appears to us be necessary prelude to possible utilization Trieste technique.

Various inducements cited in instructions all have value, but none by itself likely be compelling. We believe that cardinal point in any projected settlement will have to be willingness on part of US Government, no less so than UK, to give public undertaking to underwrite terms of settlement, employing unusual measures if necessary. US–UK cooperation in projected efforts seems desirable, but participation by any other state (including Turkey) had best be avoided in initial phases.

Gallman
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/1–555. Top Secret; Limited Distribution—Alpha. Received at 10:09 a.m. “Alpha” was the Department of State’s code word for materials pertaining to a U.S.-British effort, initiated in November 1954, to develop proposals for a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace settlement. Concerning this effort, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. IX, pp. 1683–1741 passim. Distribution of documents labeled “Alpha” was highly restricted; see ibid, pp. 1730–1731.↩
  2. In despatch 296 from Baghdad, not printed. (Department of State, Central Files, 684A.86/1–455)↩
  3. For text, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. IX, Part 1, p. 1695.↩