MIDDLE EAST REACTIONS TO TURKISH-PAKISTANI DEFENSE PLAN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80R01443R000200170001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: November 16, 2016
• Document Release Date: December 7, 1998
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: March 3, 1954
• Content Type: BRIEF

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MIDDLE EAST REACTIONS TO TURKISH-PAKISTANI
DEFENSE PLANS
I. Summary Statement
A. Middle East press reactions to Turkish-
Pakistani defense talks and grant of US
military aid to Pakistan generally
unfavorable.
B. Official reactions, however, varied from
favorable in Iraq to hostile in India.
C. Arab states' comment sparse due
preoccupation crisis in Egypt and Syria.
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D.
interested but noncommittal.
E. Reactions in Turkey and Pakistan
enthusiastic.
II. South Asia
A. India
1. Nehru's private reaction to
Ambassador Allen on 24 February
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surprisingly mild.
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2. Speech of 1 March, however, tirade
against American policy in Asia.
a. Rejected Eisenhower's military aid
offer India as "unworthy" of US.
b. Announced India no longer
recognizes neutrality of 32
American members UN observers team
in Kashmir and their presence
"improper."
3. Indian Foreign Ministry reportedly
leaked story Nehru note on US
observers Kashmir on way UN.
4. Foreign Office spokesman says US aid
for Pakistan probably not affect
India's acceptance US economic aid.
Indian 1954-55 budget announced 27
February anticipates $94,500,000
foreign aid; FOA preliminary 1954-55
program $115,000,000.
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B. Pakistan
1. Enthusiasm nearly unanimous,
ilitar
i
A
y
can m
mer
emphasizing receipt
aid rather than talks with Turkey.
2. Pakistan may be taking more careful
look at Turkish agreement since US
aid announced, but agreement not in
jeopardy.
C. Afghanistan
1. Afghan government privately indicated
desire join pact, if US guarantees
Afghanistan's frontiers.
2. Publicly announced 1 March favorable
view pact after long press campaign
against.
III.Arab States
A. Egypt and Syria
1. Anticipatory press comments hostile,
seeing talks as plot break up Arab
front.
2. Now preoccupied by domestic crises.
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B. Lebanon
01443R000200170001-2
1. Announcements overshadowed by
Egyptian and Syrian crisis; sparse
comment mildly favorable.
C. Saudi Arabia
1. Disapproves agreements which would
detract from Arab unity; no other
comment.
D. Iraq
1. Prime Minister Jamali indicated
desire join pact; announced would
make alliances regardless other Arab
states.
2. Press and popular opinion hostile.
IV. Others
A. Iran
1. Interested but recognizes conditions
unfavorable Iranian action.
I
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