TEXT OF STATE DEPT. ANNOUNCEMENT ON U.S. PACT WITH IRAQ
The State Department today issued the following official announcement on the understanding reached between the United States and Iraq with regard to supplying Iraq with free American munitions:
“In March 1953, the Government of Iraq approached the U. S. Government with a request for military assistance in order to strengthen its forces for the defense of its territory against possible aggression. In requesting assistance to enable it to defend its independence, the Government of Iraq linked this objective with the defense of the vital resources of the free world.”
“The request of the Government of Iraq has now been favorably acted upon by the United States and an understanding reached. The President’s statement of February 25 gives general background on the subject of United States policy with respect to U. S. military assistance to certain countries of the Near and Middle East.
“The understanding reached between the two governments was effected by an exchange of notes in Baghdad on April 21. Included in the understanding is a provision that ‘assistance will be provided subject to the provisions of applicable legislative authority and will be related in character, timing and amount to international developments in the area.'”
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