890F.0011/123
The Minister in Egypt (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 14, 1944.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that Their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal and Prince Khaled of Saudi Arabia recently spent ten days (December 13–23) in Cairo on their return journey to Jidda following their official visits to the United States and Great Britain.
During their stay here the Princes were entertained by the Minister, the British Ambassador, the Minister of State for the Middle East, the Egyptian Prime Minister, the Presidents of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, the Minister of Public Works and at a reception given by the Saudi Arabian Legation on the eve of their departure. Princes Mansour and Fahd, who were present in Cairo at the time, also participated in these functions.
During his stay here Prince Faisal gave two press interviews of considerable interest, the first to a correspondent of Cairo’s Al-Misri of which an account is transmitted herewith,41 and the second to a representative of the Arab News Agency of which the following is a summary:
Prince Faisal said that he had not engaged in any political discussions in either the United States or Great Britain regarding the Middle East or the future of the Arab countries but he observed that he had nevertheless noticed the interest which the Americans were taking in this area and he added that the Middle East had certainly attained a position of importance in the course of the war. “The future of this region,” he said, “is in the hands of its sons. We should occupy ourselves with our own affairs by ourselves. No longer should Europe serve as our guardian.”
Prince Faisal, went on the article, denied that he had had any discussions regarding oil in Saudi Arabia and, emphasizing that King Ibn Saud was making every effort to assure the progress and prosperity of his people, said that the mineral resources of the country undoubtedly held favorable prospects to that end.
Speaking of Arab union, the Prince was reported to have declared that the Arabs were originally a united people but to have suggested that federation would have to come gradually and that the Koran should be taken particularly into consideration therewith in view [Page 852] of its religious, social, commercial and even political aspects and its advocacy of cooperation for the common good in all that makes for a better life. “Some may protest,” he added, “that there are Christians among the Arabs but they were always a part of the Arab nations. They are good citizens and good friends. The Koran gives everyone the right to worship God as he thinks fit. But besides the religious part of the Koran there is the part that contains advice on administration of laws, on the conduct of trade, on economics, on everything in life. All should abide by these laws.”
It may be noted in conclusion that on the various occasions which brought the Minister and members of the Legation staff in contact with the Royal party the latter were unanimous in expressing satisfaction with their visit to the United States and their appreciation of the hospitality accorded them, which they seemed genuinely to feel had been as whole-hearted as it had been generous.42
Respectfully yours,
Counselor of Legation