Quite literally. I guess the idea doesn't sound so far fetched anymore.
LONDON, Jan. 1 — The United States government seriously contemplated using military force to seize oil fields in the Middle East during the Arab oil embargo 30 years ago, according to a declassified British government document made public on Thursday.
The top-secret document says that President Richard M. Nixon was prepared to act more aggressively than previously thought to secure America's oil supply if the embargo, imposed by Arab nations in retaliation for America's support for Israel in the 1973 Middle East war, did not end. In fact, the embargo was lifted in March 1974.
The declassified British memorandum said the United States considered launching airborne troops to seize oil fields in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, but only as a "last resort."
Uh-huh. I've heard Chimpy McSmirkster descripe the present war in the middle east in the same terms. "Only as a last resort."
Of course oil was a factor in this war. It may not have been the primary factor, but a factor nonetheless. Some interesting hypotheses in this declassified memo examining the consequences of a seizure scenario.
The British warned in their assessment that any occupation of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi might have to last as long as 10 years. The use of force would also alienate Arab countries and irritate Moscow, although a military confrontation with the Soviet Union would be unlikely, the document said.
Discontent among Western allies was also cited as a possible consequence of military action. "Since the United States would probably claim to be acting for the benefit of the West as a whole and would expect the full support of allies, deep U.S.-European rifts could ensue," it said.
Hmmmmm
Britain Says U.S. Planned to Seize Oil in '73 Crisis
Posted by mike at January 1, 2004 09:39 PM