197. Circular Telegram From the Department of State to Certain Diplomatic Missions1
753. Baghdad Pact. During forthcoming ME visit Amb Richards may at his discretion inform Baghdad Pact govts on confidential basis (beginning with Turkey) US prepared join Baghdad Pact Military Committee if invited to do so by Pact Ministerial Council. Richards would emphasize that proposed step represents further evidence US [Page 460] willingness assist Pact countries combat Communist threat. Public announcement (probably in Ministerial Council’s final communiqué) not expected until formalities of joining completed.
Dept desires various interested non-Pact countries be informed this decision on confidential basis soon as practicable but believes timing and details such communication best be left to Richards in light developing situation. Accordingly Richards being asked advise certain of above addressee posts take whatever action he deems appropriate as Mission proceeds. Upon notification by Amb Richards you may take action he requests without further reference to Dept. Notify Dept and Richards urgently as action completed.
Under no circumstances should foregoing be revealed to any foreign govt.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/3–1257. Secret; Limit Distribution. Sent to Ankara, London, Baghdad, Karachi, Tehran, Paris, Paris (for Perkins), Jidda, Tel Aviv, Cairo, Damascus, New Delhi, Moscow, Athens, Beirut, Khartoum, Tripoli, Kabul, and Addis Ababa.↩