97. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq0
2086. Embtel 1327.1 Request you speak to King as follows:
Nuri has approached Embassy with certain suggestions of US air support which he has apparently previously discussed with King in context formation new government and possible Soviet reaction thereto.
US considers organization Iraqi Government purely internal matter to be carried out in line normal constitutional processes. US prepared continue render appropriate cooperation to Iraq Government.
US understands Iraqi concern over Soviet opposition continuance Iraq’s forthright stand against communist imperialism. Eisenhower Doctrine2 designed provide concrete evidence availability US support against aggression by communist or communist-controlled state against states in ME. US believes existence Doctrine has served as effective deterrent communist military adventures in ME.
Re air assistance, US sending survey mission. Its findings will assist US to determine specific way in which US may best contribute to strengthening of Iraq’s defenses in aviation field.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 787.5/2–1258. Top Secret; Priority. Drafted by Newsom and approved by Berry.↩
- In telegram 1327, February 12, Ambassador Gallman reported that Nuri Said informed him that King Faisal wanted Nuri to form a new government and that the amount of air support from the United States would be a factor in the King’s acceptance of the new government. Nuri anticipated a strong Soviet reaction to his return to office. When Gallman reminded Nuri of the U.S. air survey mission, which was on its way, Nuri stated that it would not meet the urgent problem of Iraq’s inadequate air strength. What Iraq needed was two squadrons of U.S. jet interceptors with personnel to train Iraqi pilots. Gallman observed that this looked like a “fast maneuver” to “stampede” the United States. (Ibid., 787.02/2–1258)↩
- For text of the “Eisenhower Doctrine,” see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1957, pp. 829–831.↩