218. Editorial Note
On April 7, at the 440th Meeting of the National Security Council, the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General Charles P. Cabell, included in his briefing on “Significant World Developments Affecting U.S. Security” the following on Iraq:
“Turning to Iraq, General Cabell reported that the army, with the support of Kassem, was spearheading a tougher policy toward communism. Kassem had made a number of moves against communism and was resisting communist demands. He had commuted some death sentences desired by the communists and had postponed some executions. Kassem had rejected a communist bid for the licensing of the Communist Party, had forcibly suppressed certain communist strikes, and had refused the communists permission to demonstrate. The army has increased its security precautions and its discipline had improved. General Cabell felt that the army was now the mainstay of the regime in Iraq, with Kassem’s dependence on the army steadily increasing. Recently Iraq has been showing some improvement in its attitude toward the West, with Iraqi officials becoming more friendly toward Western diplomats, and Iraq seeking bids by Western firms on its development program. The Soviet effort to counter this trend favorable to the West consists of Mikoyan’s visit to Baghdad, beginning tomorrow, in connection with a trade fair. Mikoyan will be the highest Soviet official ever to visit the Arab world. He is reported to be bringing with him an offer of assistance to Iraq.” (Memorandum of discussion by Boggs, April 7; Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)