131. Editorial Note
In a telephone conversation on July 25 at 8:43 a.m., Allen Dulles and Secretary Dulles discussed whether the former should testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Iraq. According to the transcribed memorandum, the discussion on Iraq was as follows:
“AWD is being pressured hard to go before the FRC re Iraq—there is great pressure for early recognition. He called Russell and he would not give him support not to go. He thought AWD should go. AWD does not like to go but does not know what to do about it. The Sec asked what do they know about what bears on it and AWD said nothing—that is why they want him to come up. The Sec said if it is in our interest we recognize it. AWD is not arguing for it. The Sec is suggesting considerations which are not particularly in his competence. Do they want us to recognize Iraq if that is regarded by our allies as a disloyal act? We intend to work to recognition as rapidly as we can without giving serious offense to our allies. AWD said the intelligence side would support [Page 334] what the Sec says. He would not rush into it.” (Eisenhower Library, Dulles Papers, General Telephone Conversations)
In a July 30 memorandum to the President Secretary Dulles stated that he believed the United States should shortly recognize the new government in Iraq. Although the United States deplored the brutality of the coup, the new regime had quickly restored order, was in full control of the country, and apparently faced no organized opposition. The new Iraqi officials had privately asserted that they wished to continue “close friendly relations as well as economic cooperation, particularly in oil matters” with the West. Dulles noted that he had discussed the issue with officials of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey who indicated their understanding of the advisability of U.S. recognition “without delay so as to be in the best position to protect United States interests in Iraq and exert constructive influence upon the new regime.” Lebanon and Jordan expressed similar appreciation privately. Other Arab states, such as Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, had already extended recognition. Eisenhower gave his approval to U.S. recognition. (Department of State, Central Files, 787.02/8–258)