208. Editorial Note
At the 426th Meeting of the National Security Council, December 1, Director of Central Intelligence Allen Dulles included in his briefing on “Significant World Developments Affecting U.S. Security” the following on Iraq:
“Mr. Dulles noted that the latest U.S. Embassy review of the situation in Iraq was gloomier than past reviews. Kassem was still in the hospital despite his recovery from the attempt to assassinate him, probably because he feels safer there. [3 lines of source text not declassified] In conclusion, Mr. Dulles characterized Kassem as an enigma and said he might hang on for several months longer.” (Memorandum of discussion by Boggs, January 26, 1960; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)
Dulles’ reference to “the latest Embassy review” was to telegram 1234 from Baghdad, November 25. (Department of State, Central Files, 787.00/11–2559)