Office of the Historian

143. Memorandum From the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Schwartz) to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (Warnke)1

I-22215/68
Washington, April 22, 1968.

SUBJECT

  • US Arms Sales in the Persian Gulf

When the British announced on 16 January that they would, by the end of 1971, withdraw their forces and commitments in the Persian Gulf, a US spokesman said publicly that we would “not fill the vacuum.” It has been ISA’s position since that we will indeed not “fill the vacuum.” We will, of course, continue our relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran. Relations between those states, and ours with each of them, involve us quite enough without becoming further involved with other riparian states.

When this subject was discussed in February at the IRG/NEA,2 there were proposals from the State Department that we might consider selling arms to some of the riparian states other than Iran and Saudi Arabia. I objected on the grounds that this is a good way to begin a process contrary to our publicly stated, as well as intended, position. What finally was put in the IRG record was the following paragraph:

“The Group agreed that although the Soviets will try to increase their presence and influence in the Gulf area, the key to the future of the region in the next few years will be developments within and among the various Gulf states themselves. It is neither politically feasible nor desirable for the US to ‘replace’ the British presence in the Persian Gulf. Our policy should be directed along the lines of (a) encouraging the British to maintain as much of their present special role in the Gulf as they can, as long as possible (including their role as principal arms supplier to various Gulf states); (b) encouraging the Saudis and Iranians to settle their outstanding differences regarding the median line and other issues; (c) encouraging greater political and economic cooperation generally among the Gulf states; and (d) avoiding an undue military buildup by Gulf littoral states.”

Now we have a request from Kuwait for 60 “open troop carriers.” The telegraphic exchange is attached.3 The working level at State just can’t bring themselves to say “no.” Regardless of what we say, I believe [Page 293] we should sell no arms to these states. Since I know your views on this subject, this memorandum is largely informational. Given Paul Nitze’s work load, I hate to bother him now and suggest we could go to him when and if necessary for support on this policy.

Approve above4

Go to Paul Nitze now

See me

Harry H. Schwartz
  1. Source: Washington National Records Center, RG 330, OASD/ISA Files: FRC 72 A 1498, Persian Gulf 000.1—1968. Secret.↩
  2. See Document 131.↩
  3. Not found attached.↩
  4. Warnke initialed this option on April 23.↩