Office of the Historian

226. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in France1

Washington, May 3, 1956—8:45 p.m.

Tosec 22.2 For Rountree. Saudi Arabian Ambassador talked with me today, reporting SAG impression talks with UK. You may wish suggest to Secretary he review matter with Lloyd.

Jidda’s 506 repeated Paris 19; Jidda’s 507 repeated Paris 20,3 and Aramco message sent you today summarize respectively Saudi, UK and Aramco versions recent talks.

Saudi Ambassador believes British complaints represent preconditions for talks. He stated SAG expected discuss Buraimi, was surprised by introduction Baghdad Pact, Locust Mission, gun distribution Aden, other items.

We have stressed to him this merely first phase talks and believe progress is possible and successful conclusion will be reached. Saudi Ambassador said SAG cannot accept prior discussion various anti–British actions as prerequisite for wider talk. We have impression however SAG might be willing discuss Buraimi and British points simultaneously. We suggested Saudis might wish make gesture such as requesting removal particular individuals on Locust mission who may be objectionable, but retaining mission itself. Similarly, British might make some gesture.

Believe opportunity might be taken stress to UK: 1) Saudis continue talk about taking matter to SC if UK not willing discuss main issues within short time.4 As we stated to UKG in memorandum handed Shuckburgh January 19, difficult see how US could oppose resolution in SC incorporating principles peaceful settlement or support UK position which offered no alternative settlement; 2) US on verge important negotiations with SAG over extension rights at Dhahran Airfield and related problem, SAG request for arms. Prompt resumption negotiations will assist US in approaching these [Page 365] issues, and 3) prompt continuation these talks in both US and UK interest; delay not likely help and might harm.

Hoover
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 641.86A/5–256. Secret. Drafted by Newsom and approved by Hoover. Repeated to London and Jidda.↩
  2. Dulles was in Paris attending the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the North Atlantic Council.↩
  3. Telegram 506, May 2 reported the highlights of the April 29 conversations as conveyed to the Embassy by Ambassador Parkes. According to the Embassy, nothing “tangible” was accomplished toward bringing the two sides closer together. (Department of State, Central Files, 641.86A/5–256) Telegram 507, May 2, conveyed the Saudi version of the minutes of the talks. (Ibid.) The complete record of the talks was transmitted in despatch 202 from Jidda, June 2. (Ibid., 641.86A/6–256)↩
  4. On May 5, the Embassy in Jidda informed the Department that it was not as convinced as the British appeared to be that Saudi Arabia would be hesitant to carry the Buraimi issue to the Security Council if all other measures failed. (Telegram 513; Ibid., 641.86A/5–556)↩