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

251. Telegram From the Consulate General in Dhahran to the Department of State¹

Dhahran, November 26, 1956—5 p.m.

242. From Ambassador Wadsworth. Deptel 179² and Contel 241.³ 1. At informal dinner audience November 22, King Saud read President’s letter of November 16. It was, he said, “a good message and most welcome” he was gratified by its substance and grateful for continuing opportunity exchange views with President; he would be glad discuss substantive matters with me next day; he was particularly pleased with President’s “invitation that we may meet for general review of problems of common interest” which he was “delighted to accept.”

Later but with apparent association ideas, King cited, as outstanding characteristic chiefs of state should possess, avoidance of extremism; it had guided him at recent Beirut conference.⁴ His grandfather Faisal had added, “the ruler should be religious and avoid evil; it is all too easy for any human being to commit evil but difficult to stand away from it”. The implication seemed clear; President Eisenhower fully met these standards.

2. At formal audience November 23 after discussion substantive matters (reported in immediately following telegrams) King asked, “do you think I should answer President’s letter now?” I answered that, as he had already given me most helpful comment and as important developments in situation might well occur within next few days, I ventured suggest brief delay.

King concurred but added, “I would especially wish him to know that, with regard to my meeting with him, I would indeed like to discuss the overall common interests of our two governments and world problems in general.”

3. On November 24 when receiving Davies and Ohliger of Aramco, King said was very glad share with them good news of President’s invitation and his acceptance.

Carrigan

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 786.11/11–2656. Secret; Priority; Presidential Handling. Repeated to Jidda. A notation on a White House copy of the telegram reads as follows: “President has seen 29 Nov 56” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, Dulles-Herter Series)
2. Telegram 179, November 16, transmitted the text of a letter from the President to King Saud. Responding to Saud’s messages to the President of November 4 and 11 which dealt with the Suez crisis, Eisenhower expressed his hope that the King would continue to support U.N. resolutions on Suez. Expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to exchange views, Eisenhower concluded: “I hope that in the months ahead these exchanges may continue, and that perhaps we will have an opportunity to meet for a general review of problems of common interest.” (Department of State, Central Files, 684.86/11–1656)
3. Telegram 241, November 26, conveyed a brief summary of Wadsworth’s 4-day visit to Riyadh. The Ambassador informed the Department that the “King’s attitude and general atmosphere throughout were markedly friendly and cooperative and appreciative USG policy in Suez crisis.” (Ibid., 611.86A/11–2656)
4. Beginning on November 13, King Saud, King Faisal, King Hussein, President Chamoun, and President Quwatli met in Beirut for a conference of the Arab Chiefs of State.