Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume V

711.4027/1–2649: Telegram

The Chargé in Iraq (Dorsz ¹) to the Secretary of State

secret

Baghdad, January 26, 1949—2 p. m.

36. During talk Embtel 35 January 26,² Rawi suspected Soviets making illegal overflights northern Iraq and mentioned cancellation Czechoslovak flight privileges (Embtel 698 November 13³).

With Department instruction January 5⁴ (received January 24) re NSC 15/1 in mind, I expressed thought neither Czechoslovaks nor other satellities would obtain flight privileges from Iraq. Rawi confirmed this view saying Iraqi authorities fully aware dangers inherent granting such privileges to Soviets or satellites.

In view fact Iraq Government has already of its own accord arrived at policy we desire, it would appear inadvisable to press matter. Joint Anglo-American approach might have negative results as follows:

a. Formal approach may lead criticism failure US prevent Czechoslovak flights Israel;

b. Reopening Iraqi contention and bitter criticism US support Zionism regarded by Iraqis as introduction Communism at their backs;

c. Prejudice US position in advocacy servicing Israel by US airlines.

I plan discuss foregoing with British Chargé earliest.⁵

Sent Department 36, London 15, Moscow 2.

Dorsz

1. Edmund J. Dorsz, First Secretary of the Embassy in Iraq.
2. Not printed; in it Chargé Dorsz reported on a long conversation the previous day with Iraqi Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sayid Admad Pasha Al-Rawi regarding Iraqi action to minimize Communist penetration (890G.01/1–2749).
3. Not printed.
4. See editorial note, p. 184.
5. Telegram 38, January 29, from Baghdad, not printed, reported that the British Chargé, Humphrey Trevelyan, fully concurred with the views set forth here (711.4027/1–2949). Department of State concurrence was contained in telegram 25, January 31, to Baghdad, not printed (711.4027/1–2649).