Office of the Historian

202. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Kuwait1

Washington, January 2, 1964, 4:45 p.m.

169. Embtel 292.2 You should, as you propose, play customary COMIDEASTFOR visit to Kuwait in low key. Should Amir query re future USG role in support Kuwait integrity, you should state that view UK-Kuwait defense treaty, we consider UK has primary responsibility for military protection Kuwait’s integrity (Deptel 21).3 You may call attention to past USG public statements of support for Kuwait’s integrity (made in UN in connection Kuwait’s application for UN membership) and record of cordial relations between two countries. In event Amir probes further, you authorized indicate USG always in close consultation with UK and supports UK position in Gulf.

You should not question Amir as proposed numbered paras 1 and 2. We do not consider appropriate for us to question Amir on aspects and implications GOK-UK defense commitment. Re para 3 (Jordan waters), you will receive separate instruction.4

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL IRAQ-KUW. Secret; Immediate; Limited Distribution. Repeated to COMIDEASTFOR. Drafted by Seelye; cleared by Davies, NEA/NR Officer in Charge of Politico-Military Affairs Donald W. Bunte, and Judd (BNA); and cleared by Jernegan.↩
  2. In telegram 292 from Kuwait, January 2, Ambassador Cottam asked for instructions on how to deal with likely query of the Amir on January 6 about U.S. intentions to defend Kuwait in the event that the United Kingdom was unable or unwilling to do so. (Ibid., DEF 1 KUW)↩
  3. Dated July 31, 1963. (Ibid., Central Files 1961-63, DEF 4 KUW-UK)↩
  4. See circular telegram 1176, January 2. (Ibid., POL 33-1 JORDAN RIVER)↩