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

890F.20 Missions/11: Telegram

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

Jidda, May 3, 1944—4 p.m.
[Received May 4—4 p.m.]

144. Department’s 80, May 1, 5 p.m.⁹⁷ Colonel Garret B. Shomber was presented to King April 23 as chief of United States military mission. I fear grave weakening of American standing and influence with King Ibn Saud if United States mission now withdrawn and British-led mission replaces it. If Department intends effectively to defend oil reserves here such considerations cannot be ignored.

The King in discussing military mission never indicated any preference for Moslem instructors. Please confirm that Department wishes me in concert with British Minister to obtain King’s consent in change in mission.

Because of overwhelming American economic interests in Saudi Arabia, British should recognize American priority in economic and financial missions’ advisers and experts without necessity of bargaining.

Code text to Cairo airmail for Giles.

Moose

97. See footnote 94, above.