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Guide to Countries
More Resources
Countries
Saudi Arabia
A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Saudi Arabia
Summary
The United States recognized Saudi Arabia in 1931
and signed a provisional agreement regarding diplomatic and consular
representation in 1933. The first permanent diplomatic mission and full
diplomatic relations between the countries were established in 1940, with the
Kingdom’s acceptance of Bert
Fish as American Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. The
U.S. Legation opened in Jeddah in 1942 and
was elevated to an Embassy in 1949. In 1984, the Jeddah embassy became a U.S.
consulate general when the embassy was relocated to Riyadh. The U.S. consulate general in Dhahran opened in 1944.
Modern Flag of Saudi Arabia
Recognition
The United States recognized the Kingdom of Jejaz and Nejd and its Dependencies on May 1, 1931, when the American Minister at London Charles G. Dawes conveyed this information to the Hejazi Minister at London. The name of the state was changed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a decree of September 18, 1932.
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations were established on February 4, 1940, when Bert Fish presented his credentials as American Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. He also was accredited to Egypt and was resident at Cairo.
The American Legation in Jidda was established on May 1, 1942, with James S. Moose, Jr., as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
The Legation was raised to Embassy status on March 18, 1949, when J. Rives Childs presented his credential as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
On Sep 26, 1984, the U.S. Liaison Office in Riyadh was raised to the rank of Embassy while the Embassy in Jidda (now Jeddah) became a Consulate General.
Resources
- Department of State Background Note: Saudi Arabia
- Department of State Country Information: Saudi Arabia