Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, The Far East, Volume V

890F.515/76: Telegram

The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State

Jidda, January 7, 1944—3 p.m.
[Received 10:51 p.m.]

6. The second 2 million riyals minted in England mentioned in Department’s 113, December 20, 10 p.m.,³⁹ arrived here January 5, and were delivered to Finance Minister⁴⁰ against temporary receipt. Preparation of final receipts awaits Treasury certification of quantity of silver used. Legation already has such certification from London and Bombay mints.

Responsible officials indicate that further quantities of Lend-Lease silver will be requested in 1944 but that accurate determination of requirements awaits agreement between local and British authorities about disposition of pilgrimage “tariff items” now on deposit in sterling funds outside Saudi Arabia. See also my 5, January 7, 2 p.m.

Any developments will be promptly reported.

Moose

39. Foreign Relations, 1943, vol. iv, p. 919.
40. Abdullah Suleiman.