890F.51/68: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 19—3:44 a.m.]
114. My 106, April 13, 8 a.m. No agreement has yet been reached on extent and kind of aid to be given by British Government to Saudi Arabia in 1944. Few days ago King Ibn Saud sent letter by British Minister in Jidda expressing gratitude and friendship toward British Government, stating in substance that after full and frank discussion of Saudi needs King was uncertain of extent British aid and asking written statement of aid British Government is prepared to give. Then, continued letter, Saudi Government will know where it stands, and if intended aid is not sufficient, other possibilities such as securing help from Oil Company will be examined. British Minister proceeding to King’s camp tomorrow for further conversations but high Saudi officials think he will not make written answer nor will he offer assistance which King’s advisers consider adequate. If British Minister persists in present policy of drastic economy now, it may soon be time to consider point at which harmful political effects of such policy outweigh beneficial economic effects.
Code text airmail to Cairo for Landis.