762.90G/14: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Turkey ( MacMurray )
104. Your 227, December 27, 4 p.m. The Department instructed Mr. Knabenshue on December 3 to inform the Iraqi Government that any action or decision of the Government of Iraq which might result in a less cooperative attitude in its relations with Great Britain could not fail to create a most painful impression in the United States. At the same time, the Department discussed the Iraqi situation with the Turkish Ambassador in Washington, with the idea that his Government might possibly desire to take parallel action. The Department has not had in mind a joint démarche. Our action was taken independently, in keeping with the American Government’s traditional policy in such matters, and it was contemplated that any action Turkey might desire to take would also be taken independently.
According to Mr. Knabenshue’s latest report, dated December 24,16a the difficulties between Great Britain and Iraq had not been settled … The Department naturally is not concerned with Iraq’s conduct of its government and does not contemplate instructing the Legation [Page 727] to make any further representations to Iraq in the matter at the present time. It will keep you informed of any further developments.
- Not printed.↩