The Revolution and pacts (8). 'The one who shattered Arab unanimity', The staunchest attack on the Turco-Iraqi pact from outside Egypt had come from Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian Gazette of February 12, 1955 carried a report by the Arab News Agency (ANA) echoing an address made by King Saud of Saudi Arabia 'to the Arab peoples'. Headlined: King Saud Denounces Alliances with Foreign Powers 'League is sole instrument for Arab unity' The Gazette front-page report said: “King Saud today repeated his determination to fight military alliances between the Arab states and foreign powers.” “In a special address to the Arab peoples, King Saud said that the Arab League was the sole instrument of the Arabs for achieving their long-cherished objective-unity. But the Arab League, the Saudi Monarch said, was now in a state of coma threatening total eclipse…… “In an indirect reference to Iraq's decision to sign a defence pact with Turkey, King Saud said that he and his government as well as like-minded Arab leaders were determined to oppose foreign alliances which conflicted with the interests of the Arabs. “We are determined to safeguard our independence and sovereignty and to fight for their preservation with our life, blood and money regardless of sacrifices….We shall fight together with those Arab states which share our views to secure the common objectives of the Arabs.” Apparently inciting the people of Iraq to rise up and abort the Turco-Iraqi pact, “King Saud appealed to every Arab to proclaim his conviction courageously regardless of threats or pressure”. The Gazette report went on to say: “King Saud warned the Arabs of becoming strangled through military pacts in wars which did not concern them' (a clear reference to on-going Cold War between the West and the Soviet bloc and potential regional wars in or around the Middle East/the author). “Addressing himself to the Arab peoples, King Saud said: 'Are you prepared to meet the Zionists in a common alliance, thus bringing upon yourselves the humiliation desired for you by your enemies who want to force you to make peace with the aggressive Zionists?' “Referring to the Iraqi premier without mentioning name or designation, King Saud said: 'One of you has gone against the unanimous views of the Arab nations. We have failed to convince him of the serious consequences of his policy (reference to the extensive and intensive Arab lobbying to convince Baghdad not to sign the pact with Turkey/the author), and the danger of the step he is about to take. Thus will he have to bear the responsibility before the Arab people for exposing us all to danger. My government and people are solidly behind the Arab League and we warn you to heed the terrible future that is being mapped out for you and me. Arab homes are exposed to destruction by a war in which we shall be involved for the sake of defending others.' “The Saudi Monarch ended his address by calling on every Arab to speak his mind and join the Arab caravan, for God supports those who unite. To keep quiet about treason is a crime which amounts to aiding and abetting. As for myself and my government and those who agree with our viewpoint, we shall combat foreign alliances and shall defend our independence and sovereignty.” [email protected]
