890F.515/2: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt ( Kirk )

143. The Department is glad to have the information and views set forth in your 110, January 18, noon and will bear them carefully [Page 858] in mind. For your information, both the Department and OLLA52 favor the extension of Lend-Lease assistance to Saudi Arabia and OLLA has so recommended to the President, before whom the matter is now pending. OLLA has been informed that, in the event of a favorable decision, it would be highly desirable to inform Ibn Saud of the matter and to obtain his reaction before public announcement is made. The Department agrees that it would be a mistake to encourage the Saudi Arabs to have greater hopes of Lend Lease assistance than we might be able or willing to extend.

Hull
  1. Office of Lend-Lease Administration.