890F.24/170: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 3—2:30 p.m.]
138. My 135, April 29, 11 p.m. Achievement of equality with British in aid to Saudi Arabia will help but alone will not assure protection of US interests. Anti-locust campaign and Jordan’s recent activities relating to military mission, financial expert, road work, dismissal of local officials, administrative reforms and retention of pilgrimage revenues look remarkably like attempt to establish British influence here. My despatch 153, April 13.92 It is difficult to reconcile Jordan’s acts with Halifax statement cited in Department’s instruction 127, March 27.93
In my opinion US interests can be adequately protected only if United States Government is ready if necessary to take over entire problem of Saudi supply and finance until oil royalties substantially increase. With assurance of such help the King will be able to resist British pressure. Without it he is vulnerable.
True reasons for US interest in Saudi Arabia is obvious to all particularly to British. Now that Saudi supply problem is to be discussed [Page 697] with British it might be useful for Department to consider the ultimate aim of policy recently manifested by Jordan.
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed; an enclosure to the instruction reported a conversation between the Under Secretary of State and the British Ambassador on March 10 as follows: “Lord Halifax mentioned having lunch with Hurley and having had a frank discussion with him relative to the political activities of the British in Saudi Arabia. Halifax stated they had no desire to promote such activity and would I please reassure my associates.” (741.90F/24) Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hurley was Personal Representative of President Roosevelt in the Near and Middle East at various times in 1943.↩