U.S. Rejects British Flan for a Middle East Defense Organization

American officials here made it clear today that the British proposals for proceeding with organization of a Middle East Defense Command with or without Egyptian participation are not acceptable to the United States.

A statement to this effect was issued last night by the State Department. The statement emphasized the need for enlisting support of the Middle East states in the preparation of any military organization for the defense of the area. It indicated that the U.S. Government would come out with a counter-proposal.

“The United States,” the statement said, “has frequently stated its interest in promoting the strength and stability of the Middle East area. In November, 1951, the United States, together with the United Kingdom, France and Turkey, declared its intention to join in the establishment of an organization which would include both Middle Eastern states and other states with a substantial interest in the defense of the area and which would be a center of cooperative effort for the defense of the Middle East. This continues to be an important objective of United States policy.

“In the opinion of the United States, a fundamental feature of the proposed organization is its cooperative character and the opportunity it will provide for joining the efforts of both Middle East states and other states which feel a genuine concern for the security of the Middle East in promoting the common objective of area defense.

“The United States will welcome British proposals designed to give effect to the four-power declaration of November, 1951. In the course of developing the proposed organization, the United States will expect to consult fully with all interested states,” the statement concluded.