232. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
877. Joint State–USIA Message. FYI—Department expected announce May 2 Ambassador Richards will conclude current Me tour by visits Israel, Tunisia, Morocco. Announcement will indicate President’s desire confer Richards on preparations new Mutual Security Program in anticipation discussion with Congressional leaders May 9. Richards visit to Bonn confer with Secretary during NAC Meeting canceled because of time pressure. Arrangements for discussions with other ME states not visited by Richards Mission (Egypt, Syria, Jordan) re Doctrine will be made through normal diplomatic channels where firm interest in such discussion is expressed. End FYI.
USIA output should stick strictly to terms of official announcement when it is released. Additional points to be made are: 1) Richards Mission has completed visits to all ME countries originally included in scope of Doctrine which indicated firm interest in receiving him to discuss Doctrine. 2) If desirable in light questions arising from local reaction to US assistance to Jordan outside Doctrine, say this aid provided in response urgent request King Hussein to assist him maintaining independence and integrity Jordan and action within spirit of Doctrine. 3) Major results Richards Mission have been to give substance to US desire, as expressed in Doctrine, to assist in strengthening and maintaining integrity of those states in ME seeking cooperation in maintaining their independence against international communism.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/5–157. Confidential. Sent to Addis Ababa, Amman, Ankara, Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jidda, Kabul, Karachi, Khartoum, Tehran, and Tripoli.↩