890F.24/21a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt ( Kirk )
Washington
, February
20, 1943—5 p.m.
291. On February 18 the President declared the defense of Saudi Arabia vital to the defense of the United States, thus rendering Saudi Arabia eligible to receive Lend-Lease aid.
Please instruct Jidda to convey this information immediately to King Ibn Saud and to ascertain whether this finding of the President is agreeable to him.
Jidda should report promptly directly to the Department, in as much as publicity regarding the matter is being withheld pending notification to the King.
Hull