Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXI, Near East Region; Arabian Peninsula

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

Washington, October 8, 1966, 3:56 p.m.

62624. FYI. Following summary of Secretary’s meeting with Pachachi October 5² is drawn from uncleared memcon and is FYI, Noforn and subject to review.

1. Kurdish Problem. Pachachi stated Iraq had been able solve this. Iraq had hoped US could do something about Iranian assistance to Kurds. Pachachi will meet with Aram in New York. Stated, “It would be gesture of great help if US could aid in reconstruction in Northern Iraq.”

2. Economic Affairs. Pachachi stated GOI hopes ratify Investment Guarantee Agreement. Hopes USG will work with HMG and US companies involved in IPC to press them to seek agreement with GOI.

3. Arab-Israel Problem. Pachachi complained US arms sales to Israel made US appear pro-Israeli. Stated his Govt rather unhappy about further US reductions in its contributions to UNRWA. Re refugees themselves, noted no genuine attempt had ever been made to ascertain refugees’ own views. Attempt by Joseph Johnson good effort, but weakened by linking consultation with implementation. End FYI.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 23-9 IRAQ. Secret. Drafted by Kinsolving, cleared by Atherton, and approved by Handley. Repeated to Beirut and Tehran.
2. The Secretary’s meeting with Foreign Minister Pachachi took place at the United Nations. The memorandum of conversation recording their discussion of the Arab-Israeli problem is in Foreign Relations, 1964–1968, vol. XVIII, Document 323. Other memoranda of conversations are at the National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Conference Files: Lot 67 D 305, CF 83.