61. Letter From the Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Makins)1
Dear Mr. Ambassador: You will recall our previous conversations and your talks with Mr. Hoover regarding the question of United States adherence to the Baghdad Pact. I also discussed this matter with Mr. Macmillan in Paris.2
It has been my thought that it was not feasible for the United States to join the Baghdad Pact until there was a relaxation of tension between the Arab states and Israel.3 At that time we would be disposed to seek formal adherence. In the meanwhile, the Arab states in the area know of our support for the Baghdad Pact and we will continue to make this support known to them. We are also prepared to establish close liaison arrangements with the Baghdad Pact organization when it is set up.
Because of Prime Minister Eden’s interest in this matter I would appreciate your informing him of these views.
Sincerely yours,
- Source: Department of State, S/S–NEA Files: Lot 61 D 417. Top Secret. Drafted by Wilkins.↩
- During talks in Paris before the opening of the Geneva Conference, Secretary Dulles had told Macmillan on July 14 that the United States could indicate to Iraq that the United States could not join the Baghdad Pact or make any pact with Arab States until the Arab-Israeli question was settled. If a settlement could be achieved, Dulles maintained, the United States would be prepared to join the Pact. See the memorandum of conversation, vol. XIV, p. 295.↩
- In an earlier draft of the letter, filed with the source text, the following two sentences appeared at this point: “At the present moment it seems to us that current treaty arrangements between the United States and some of the states of the area are adequate. United States adherence does not therefore seem urgent.” Secretary Dulles removed the two sentences and inserted in their place the sentence beginning “At that time”.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩