890F.7962/27: Telegram
The Chargé in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 31—9:02 a.m.]
55. Referring to Legation’s 49, August 20, 10 a.m.,31 the King’s reply was delivered verbally by Shaikh Yusuf Yassin this morning. After expressing a desire to be helpful to the American Government the King assented to nonstop flights across Saudi Arabia along the following routes:
(Firstly) From the Red Sea to Bahare in passing south of Birk and Bisha thence in a northeasterly direction leaving Suleil to the south and east thence in a more easterly direction passing midway between Suleil and Aflaja and thence in a more northerly direction to Bahare in leaving Hauta Hofuf and Oqair to the north; (secondly) from Aqaba passing over midpoint of the Wadi Sirhan passing north of Jauf and south of Qariyat thence in a more or less direct line to Wadi Basra. He suggested that planes be sent over singly or in small groups and that they fly as high as practicable.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shaikh Yusuf said that flights could begin at once.
He could give no plausible explanation of the material alteration of northern route and slight change in southern route from those suggested by Finance Minister. In my opinion those changes are Shaikh Yusuf’s contribution to the negotiations.
In the King’s reply the American and British Governments were treated on the same basis and the distinction formerly made was not mentioned.
Repeated to Cairo.
- Not printed; it explained the delay in the King’s reply pending determination of localities over or near which routes would pass (890F.7962/25).↩