213. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic0
2403. Eyes only Ambassador. Request you get following information to Nasser soonest: Now that Ambassador Bunker has obtained cooperation of both SAG and UARG in disengagement arrangement, USG planning undertake further training exercise in Saudi Arabia previously [Page 465] discussed with and approved by Faysal. Within next week or so a survey mission will be sent to Saudi Arabia to examine facilities and lay groundwork for arrival in late April of an air squadron. Purpose is twofold: 1) to carry out USAF training program for conducting long distance moves under difficult circumstances and, 2) to conduct training exercises with Saudi air force in cooperation with USMTM. This activity related to our continuing interest in internal stability and security of Saudi Arabia and our overall efforts through the years to improve Saudi forces. In low key public and private explanations United States will make brief but similar explanations. Impending prospect of liquidation of Yemeni conflict, which has been enhanced by UAR’s full cooperation with Ambassador Bunker makes this exercise possible without implication it related to Yemeni conflict. It is to avoid such implication we have delayed implementation.1
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, DEF 6–3 US. Secret; Priority. Drafted by Strong and Barrow on April 11; cleared by Quinn (DOD), Newman, Davies, Lloyd, and Smith (White House); and approved by Talbot. Repeated to Jidda, London, and Taiz.↩
- The Joint Chiefs of Staff informed CINCNELM of the content of these instructions in telegram JCS 9491, DTG 151800Z Apr 63. A copy sent to the Department of State is ibid., POL 27–5 SAUD-US. Badeau reported in telegram 1759 from Cairo, April 17, that he had delivered the substance of this telegram to Nasser on April 16. (Ibid., DEF 6–3 US)↩