121.5767/1: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt (Kirk)
1027. Mr. John W. Gunter, a representative of the Treasury Department, has just departed from the United States by air for Cairo on an important confidential mission to investigate financial conditions in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for the Treasury. He will proceed from Cairo first to Tehran, next to Jidda and then to Ankara, where he will remain as Financial Attaché. Please assist him in arranging for his transportation by air onward from Cairo.
While in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Gunter will consult with King Ibn Saud to ascertain what arrangements can be made for this Government (1) to make silver available to alleviate the currency shortage and (2) to assist the Saudi Arabian Government in establishing a sound currency system. He has been instructed to consult with you and Hare en route regarding these matters and such background information and advice as you may give him will be appreciated. If you consider it advisable he may wish to discuss with Moffat the possibility of making greater quantities of consumers goods available to Saudi Arabia as a means of alleviating currency difficulties.
Please repeat to Jidda, advise Ankara appropriately and keep Jidda, Ankara and Tehran currently informed of details of Mr. Gunter’s itinerary.