123 Fish, Bert/168: Telegram
The Minister in Egypt (Fish) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:24 p.m.]
76. Your 40, July 12, 4 p.m. The Legation is informed by [apparent omission] Legation that the Bang is now in Riad and that he receives Ministers Plenipotentiary for the purpose of presenting letters of credence only in Jedda. The King does not ordinarily go to Jedda until the pilgrimage month begins, remaining through it and for a short time thereafter to receive Moslem and other notables. The next pilgrimage month is from January 11 to February 8, 1940. It would seem therefore that an appropriate time to present credentials would be about the end of the pilgrimage month. The weather is least burdensome during January, February and March (see Morris’ report11). Even if it were possible to arrange for presentation to the King prior to February, unless the Department perceives some objection, I would suggest that serious consideration be given to the Minister making plans to proceed to Jedda in February.
I suggest the Department may wish to give consideration to the designation of Farrell12 as Secretary to accompany the Minister.
An estimate of expenses will be forwarded later.