Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East: Jordan-Yemen, Volume XIII

246. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

Washington, August 31, 1956—12:32 p.m.

158. You may now resume discussions with King regarding Dhahran Airfield.² Following should be used as oral U.S. response to King’s comments in earlier conversation:

USG pleased receive King’s assurance his desire continue cooperation with US on basis mutual benefit. USG now prepared advance proposals which would supplement sale of arms as originally suggested and continuation present services at Dhahran. We believe King will recognize in new proposals sound basis for adding to strength of Kingdom and for continuing cooperation with US through next five years.

To widen cooperation in connection with extension agreement, it seemed natural to turn to vital aviation field. Dhahran itself with 3000 landings monthly is symbol importance of air age to Kingdom. (FYI: Actual landing figures should be checked with Com 2 Air Div. End FYI) Airplane ties together varied parts of land not yet linked by road or rail. King undoubtedly looks forward to day when his own subjects will carry complete responsibility for air services and air defense. Most appropriate role US can play would be through preparing Saudi Arabia to assume this responsibility by establishing provisions in Saudi Arabia for training in this vital field.

USG now prepared establish air training program by providing instructors and facilities including use of training aircraft for basic flight training. Ultimately to extent qualified candidates become available, USG also prepared assist with advanced training.

USG further prepared construct new air terminal Dhahran to house facilities airport operation and provide modern services to growing number passengers. (FYI: At cost not to exceed $5,000,000. End FYI)

While as King understands we do not intend measure our cooperation in terms of rent, it may assist King in measuring USG contribution through foregoing suggestion to know these proposals, combined with services currently being rendered at airport and through MAAG mission would represent a total of approximately $25,000,000 in USG outlay in next five years. We can assure His Majesty this figure compares favorably with services being extended to other nations in area where US enjoys air field rights. (FYI: This $25,000,000 intended as ceiling on total USG expenditures for Dhahran for five year period. End FYI)

Should foregoing meet King’s desires, we suggest following might be sequence of events:

1. King would agree exchange of notes extending agreement for five years from date such exchange.

2. USG would release immediately following exchange of notes letters of offer on $35,000,000 reimbursable aid order and make every effort provide delivery within six months.

3. US-Saudi technical groups would convene immediately to: (a) Draw up list of further arms which Saudi Arabia seeks from US for consideration by USG within framework basic equipment procurement figure of $85,000,000 (including $35,000,000 on order, but not including spare parts, ammunition and shipping cost); (b) Draw up plans for immediate establishment basic flight training facilities in Saudi Arabia to meet needs Saudi Arabian Air Force; (c) Prepare agreed plans for air terminal; (d) Discuss technical problems involved in operation of agreement and propose changes which might be accomplished by further exchange of notes.

Department must reiterate (see Deptel 83 August 8) that no economic aid in addition to air terminal can be included in our offer to SAG for continued facilities at DAF.³

Dulles

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56386A/8–3156. Secret. Drafted by Newsom and approved by Hoover. Cleared by OSD, ICA, U/MSA, and NEA. Repeated to London.
2. Wadsworth met with the King on July 25. He reported the meeting in despatch 26 from Jidda, July 25, and telegram 44, July 27. (Ibid., 611.86A/7–2756 and 711.56386A/7–2556)
3. On September 6 Wadsworth acknowledged receipt of the instructions in telegram 158 and inquired whether he might also mention to the King the possibility of U.S. aid in establishing a countrywide modern weather service and a mapping project. The Ambassador also reported that Saud would welcome his visit. According to the Embassy’s Arab consultant, Muhammed Massoud, the King also noted that if the United States would ship the $35 million in arms, he would grant an additional 6-month extension of the Dhahran agreement. Wadsworth noted that while the Department had not replied specifically to this proposal, he assumed it was not acceptable. (Telegram 125 from Jidda; ibid., 711.56386A/9–656) In telegram 177 to Jidda, September 8, the Department informed Wadsworth that it approved his idea of mentioning the projects to the King, provided the King understood the ceiling of U.S. expenditures. The Department added that it continued to believe that letters of offer on the $35 million in arms requests would be released only after Saudi agreement to extend the Dhahran agreement for an additional 5 years. (Ibid.)