CAB129-37 — Page 91

An Agreement on Aid to Turkey was signed in July 1947 between the Turkish and United States Governments. On 18th March, 1949, Mr. Acheson, introducing the text of the Atlantic Pact, said:

It is our policy to help free peoples to maintain their integrity and independence, not only in Western Europe or in the Americas, but wherever the aid we are able to provide can be effective. Our actions in supporting the integrity and independence of Greece, Turkey and Iran are expressions of that determination. Our interest in the security of these countries has been made clear, and we shall continue to pursue that policy."

General Strategic Approach

24. In the event of war there is no alternative to the use of Egypt as the main base. Cyrenaica and Transjordan can afford adjuncts but not a substitute. Airfields are important in Iraq and desirable elsewhere, particularly in Saudi Arabia, in Dhahran (where there is a United States airfield), and in Cyprus. Air warning facilities and possibly airfield and port facilities are desirable in Syria and the Lebanon. The United States wish for a fighter base in Tripoli- tania or Cyrenaica.

Problems of Defence

25. It is for consideration whether the objective of preventing the Middle East from falling under Communist domination would be promoted by the conclu- sion either of a Middle East Pact somewhat on the lines of the Atlantic Pact, or alternatively by some other and new form of treaty or agreements.

Analysis of Political Situation

26. The Arab Countries.-The liberation of the Arab countries from centuries of Turkish rule was accompanied by a movement in favour of Arab unity, which found expression in the loose association of the Arab countries in the Arab League. On the other hand, any movement towards unity has to face, among other obstacles, the jealousy and distrust between King Ibn Saud (Saudi Arabia) and the Hashemite Royal Houses of Iraq and Transjordan (King Abdullah of Transjordan is the uncle of the Regent of Iraq); the fact that Syria and the Lebanon are Republics; the existence of a separate dynasty in Egypt; and the varying degrees of political and economic development in the various Arab countries.

Existing Mutual Arrangements in the Area

27. The only two existing international agreements between the States in the area are the Saadabad Pact between Turkey, Iraq, Persia and Afghanistan and the Arab League, consisting of Egypt, the Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Transjordan, Saudi Arabia and the Yemen.

28. The Saadabad Pact concluded in 1937 amounts to little more than an agreement to consult, and it has had hardly any practical application. There has been some discussion lately on the part of the Persians of the possibility of strengthening it, but it is unlikely that any real progress in this direction will be made for some time to come.

29. The Arab League was formed in 1944. It is a league of sovereign States with a secretary-general and some other central organs without executive power. It provides for regular consultation on political, economic, financial, social and cultural matters. So far its activities have been almost entirely political, and it has only shown cohesive power in opposing Western "imperialist" States, e.g., with regard to the independence of the Levant States and Anglo-Egyptian relations. It was unable to co-ordinate Arab operations in Palestine, but was at the same time largely responsible for the intransigent attitude adopted by the Arab representatives in all the discussions leading up to the end of the British Mandate. Palestine has gravely shaken the position of the Arab League, and its future is most uncertain.

30. The underlying wish for the unity of the Arab world, which is a constant factor in politics, has sought to find expression in other ways as well. The most immprises are the so-called Greater Syria Plan (union between Syria and Trans important jordan and the Union of the Fertile Crescent (unif Between Praq, Syria and Transjordan, with or without the Lebanon). King Abdullah has never abandoned his idea of uniting Syria and Transjordan under himself. Nuri Pasha, Prime