205. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq1
1681. Inform Richards. Baghdad’s 1579.2 Department has read with interest Nuri’s suggestion for organization pro-American Doctrine nations. In event Nuri or other governments should raise this possibility you might wish indicate Department’s view that Congressional resolution envisions no such formal organization and American Doctrine does not have as purpose organizational lining-up of NE nations on basis Doctrine. We believe such an effort would be harmful to purposes Doctrine in area as it would provide basis for charges re US attempts to dominate and commit states in area by attaching strings to US assistance.
Any move commit Saud to formal organization would be undesirable as it might lessen his influence in Arab world. Department inclined believe Saud’s influence, on balance, beneficial and that Saud moving slowly in direction closer cooperation with pro-Western states. Any effort spotlight or accelerate this move through formal alignment with these powers might retard present progress. In recent weeks as example Saud has cordially received Shah of Iran and Chamoun, has agreed to visit Iraq, has expressed warm welcome for Richards Mission and has encouraged other Arab states receive Mission and has used [Page 475] influence restore normal flow oil to Western Europe. Believe preferable continue to encourage such moves as individual steps and not seek encourage Saud’s adherence more formal pattern.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/3–2357. Secret. Drafted by Newsom and approved by Rountree who signed for Dulles. Repeated to Jidda, Beirut, Karachi, London, Tehran, Ankara, Cairo, and Damascus.↩
- In telegram 1579 from Baghdad, March 23, Gallman reported that Nuri Said had suggested to Lebanese President Chamoun that Chamoun sound out King Saud on taking the initiative in lining up, within a formal framework, governments in the area that responded favorably to the Eisenhower Doctrine. (Ibid., 120.1580/3–2357)↩