King Saud Declares: “The Iraqis Are Our Brothers and Our Sons”
Iraq Can Join the New Pact by Abandoning Its Alliance with Turkey
The Turkish–Iraqi Pact Is an Indirect Agreement with Israel
London, March 13 — W.A.A. — The Sunday Times today published a dispatch sent by its special correspondent, Mr. Slade Baker, from Riyadh, containing written answers from King Saud to a series of questions he had submitted to His Majesty. Among the King’s statements was the assertion that Iraq could undoubtedly join the Egyptian–Syrian–Saudi union if it abandoned its alliance with Turkey.
The Basis of Arab–Western Agreement
Question:
Is there hope that this new Arab union might conclude a treaty with the West?
King Saud:
“If Western governments agree to the resolutions recently adopted by the Arab Foreign Ministers’ Conference—resolutions calling for the settlement of all political disputes between the Arabs and the West—then we would, willingly and by choice, be able to reach agreement with the West in all political fields.”
An Indirect Agreement with Israel
In another response, His Majesty stated that the pact concluded between Iraq and Turkey—a country bound by agreements with Israel—amounts to an indirect agreement with Israel, which is at war with the Arabs. Moreover, Turkey is tied to Western powers, some of which still refuse to settle the outstanding issues between them and the Arabs.
“A Brother Betraying His Brothers”
Question:
Are Turkey’s commercial relations with Israel the reason behind Arab objections to the Turkish–Iraqi pact?
King Saud:
“The resentment toward Turkey stems from the fact that it maintains relations with Israel—whatever the nature of those relations may be. In this situation, Turkey resembles a brother who betrays all his brothers. Its case is not like that of distant countries with which we share only the basic ties that bind all human beings.”
Israel’s Aggression in Gaza
The Saudi monarch described the Gaza incident as “one of the most atrocious border attacks launched by Israel, and further proof that Israel respects no agreement and honors no pledge.”
He added that Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly support Egypt in any action it deemed necessary.
“The Iraqis Are Our Brothers and Our Sons”
Question:
If war were to break out with Israel, and Iraq wished to assist the Arab states under attack, would it be allowed to extend such aid?
King Saud:
“Whether war breaks out or not, no one can prevent a brother from helping his brother, no matter how great the differences between them. The Iraqis are our brothers and our sons; we belong to them, and they belong to us, under all circumstances.”
Source: Al‑Ahram Newspaper
Al‑Ahram Center for Documentation and Microfilm
Date: March 14, 1955