[THE BAGHDAD PACT] Security in unity: CENTO exercise Midlink Three.
(CENTO) CENTRAL TREATY ORGANIZATION., Central Treaty Organization Public Relations Division., Ankara, Yeni Meclis, Turkey, [1961].
Original wrappers. Oblong 4to. (21 x 27 cm). In English. [14] p., b/w photos.
Scarce photographic booklet documenting the maritime exercises under the code name "Midlink Three" in the Arabian Sea, of thirty-five warships from the navies of CENTO (Central Treaty Organization) countries, participated in during two important weeks in October and November of 1960, which was the third in a series of annual CENTO naval exercises. This book was printed in Ankara, where is the organization’s headquarters from 1958 to 1979 thereafter in Baghdad, Iraq from 1955 to 1958.
The booklet includes 30 b/w photographs with descriptive texts and documents the process of the operation began on October 25 at Pakistan Naval Station Karsaz, near Karachi. Cover photo shows a bugler sounding the opening of Midlink Three as senior staff and ships' officers arrive for a preliminary briefing conference at Pakistan naval station Karsaz. Interior photos show warships of the Iranian navy (Shahrukh and Shahbaz) equipped with flags of all member countries of CENTO., Rear admiral A. R. Khan and F. L. Ainsworth for a briefing conference.; Royal navy "Sea Hawk" jet fighter aircraft aboard American carrier Essex during the first sea phase of Midlink Three.; etc. Most photographs are full-paged.
The Middle East Treaty Organization (METO), also known as the Baghdad Pact and subsequently known as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), was a military alliance of the Cold War. It was formed in 1955 by Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom and dissolved in 1979. US pressure and promises of military and economic aid were key in the negotiations leading to the agreement, but the United States could not initially participate. John Foster Dulles was involved in the negotiations as United States Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1958, the US joined the military committee of the alliance. It is generally viewed as one of the least successful of the Cold War alliances.
Eleven copies in OCLC 123251373, 654418496.