Office of the Historian

76. Message From the National Security Council Executive Secretary (Smith) to the President’s Military Aide (Clifton)0

Washington, June 30, 1961.

CAP 5153–61. UK Foreign Minister told Bruce this afternoon:

(1)
Ruler of Kuwait has asked for UK military support.
(2)
In response, UK making extensive deployments and by tomorrow expects to have forces in Kuwait or nearby capable of handling any Iraq move.1
(3)
British action dictated by feeling UK Government had no option other than to accede to Kuwait’s request for support. UK regrets that it was not practicable to leave Kuwait affair to be settled between Arabs, but decided this course would have been too risky.

Mountbatten told Admiral Smith UK proposes to inform UN Security Council when first troops go ashore. Utmost secrecy requested prior public announcement.

CINCNELM staff contacts indicate UK planners foresee no request for U.S. support initially, but a possible request for air logistic support in latter phases.

CINCNELM reaffirms previous recommendation that U.S. make no military deployment until assistance requested by UK.

Note: Additional deployment details available if desired tomorrow.

  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Country Series, Kuwait, 6/61–7/61. Top Secret; Operational Immediate.↩

  2. The British Foreign Office during the morning of July 1 issued the following statement: “In accordance with H.M.G.’s obligations to the Ruler of Kuwait and at his urgent and formal request, a British force was today moved into the State of Kuwait and placed at the Ruler’s disposal. It is to afford him such assistance as he may consider necessary for the preservation of the independence of Kuwait in the face of recent developments in Iraq.

    “The Secretary-General of the United Nations is being informed.

    “H.M.G. earnestly hope that the necessity to make use of its force will not arise. It is intended that it should be withdrawn as soon as the Ruler considers that the threat to the independence of Kuwait is over.” (Telegram 2 from London, July 1; Department of State, Central Files, 686D.87/7–161)

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