Office of the Historian

460. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Iraq1

Washington, July 31, 1957—7:23 p.m.

237. Baghdad for Ambassador. Department has been asked by Defense consider possible change current US adherence policies set [Page 1059] forth US–UK Memorandum of Understanding re military aid to Iraq.2 Defense refers message Chief MAAG 9–124 May 27,3 in which you are noted as concurring, and suggests immediate consultation with UK as well as informing Iraq at appropriate time that US military aid program being developed in concert with UK in order avoid duplication, assure practicable degree standardization and efficient logistical support.

Your further comments general problem desired. We inclined believe it neither desirable nor feasible for US attempt replace UK as primary source support Iraqi armed forces as suggested Chief MAAG message. Department prepared however work out within framework continuing cooperation with UK, any problems of operation or practice which currently impede realization effective military assistance program.

London comments requested re British reaction without consultation UK officials.4

Herter
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 887.00–TA/7–3157. Secret. Drafted by Newsom and approved by Berry. Also sent to London.↩
  2. In a letter dated July 16 to Murphy, Deputy Secretary of Defense Donald A. Quarles stated that the Department of Defense believed that “discontinuance of United States adherence to the policies of the terminated secret U.S.-U.K. Memorandum of Understanding would be in the best interest of the United States.” Quarles noted that the Department of Defense requested the Department of State to “initiate action to provide for the immediate open cooperation of the United States, United Kingdom and Iraq in the support and training of the Iraqi Armed Forces, and to provide for modification of strict adherence to the Memorandum.” The Department of Defense specifically expressed concern about the adequate training of Iraqi forces, Iraqi air defense capabilities and requirements, and coordination of U.S. and British aid programs to Iraq. (Ibid., 787.5/7–1657)↩
  3. Not found in Department of State files. According to Quarles, however, this message “strongly urged” discontinuance of U.S. adherence to the policies of the terminated 1954 U.S.–U.K. Memorandum of Understanding. (Letter from Quarles to Murphy cited in footnote 2 above)↩
  4. The reply from the Embassy in London stressed, among other things, that the British reaction would be influenced by a desire to continue as a source of supply for the Iraqi armed forces, and by concern not to lose any prospect of selling equipment under offshore procurement arrangements. (Telegram 962 from London, August 7; Department of State, Central Files, 887.00–TA/8–757)↩