170. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq 1
343. Ref. NIT-6583/Noforn.2 Department is persuaded that Kurdish participation in any scheme to overthrow Iraq government would not guarantee establishment regime more sympathetic to Kurdish aspirations. Nasser could hardly be expected continue his current role in favor peaceful solution and agreement between GOI and Kurds, particularly in event plot involved Iran. Furthermore even with new government Kurds would still be faced with problem obtaining agreed settlement.
Kurds would have exposed themselves as willing collaborators with Iranian intrigue against government Iraq thus earning deepened Arab suspicion and resentment of Kurdish ambitions. Until now many Arabs have some sympathy for Kurds. No successor Iraqi government could be expected either deal magnanimously or leniently with Kurds or excuse Iranians. Iranian connection with plot bound be uncovered sooner or later, and in view reports recent close GOI monitoring of communist and Baathi attempts overthrow GOI (various CAS reports) there is good reason believe GOI already privy to Iranian subversive activity.
Embassy’s view solicited re whether it could or should find way, without revealing knowledge, let appropriate Kurds know how we would view any plans participate in coup d’etat. Attempt seems to us bound backfire and to worsen Kurdish position vis-a-vis GOI.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 23-9 IRAQ. Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Dinsmore on December 11; cleared in draft by Deputy Director of the Office of Greek, Turkish, and Iranian Affairs John M. Howison and by Davies; and approved by Talbot. Repeated to Tehran.↩
- Not found.↩