800.24/1394b
The Department of State to the British Embassy
Aide-Mémoire
Reference is made to the Embassy’s aide-mémoire of October 30, 1943,11 suggesting that one or more high-ranking American officials proceed to London to participate in an informal exchange of views regarding Middle Eastern questions. A reply to this communication will be made in the near future.
It is believed that, irrespective of such arrangements as may be made for an exchange of views on questions affecting the Middle East in general, immediate consideration should be given to ways and means whereby the Government of the United States and of the United Kingdom may assist the Government of Saudi Arabia in the solution of pressing fiscal and currency problems with which it is confronted. In view of the urgency of these problems and in the belief that their solution is not dependent upon an exchange of views regarding questions pertaining to the Middle East in general, it is suggested that the technical aspects of these problems be discussed informally in Washington in the near future by officials of the Government of the United States and of the United Kingdom having a special knowledge of financial matters.
It would be appreciated if the Government of the United Kingdom would provide an expression of its opinion in regard to this suggestion.