890F.24/8–644: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:19 p.m.]
235. This message briefly summarizes sense of King’s reply mentioned in my 229, August 4, 6 p.m.24
King acknowledges receipt of joint communication, expresses gratitude for past and present help, states that his Government has supplied detailed statements of country’s requirements and that circumstances have proven need for increased supplies of foodstuffs and transportation equipment. He has no alternative to acceptance of program but asks assistance of two Governments in finding solution following problems:
- 1.
- Joint supply program is insufficient. Country has consumed 1944 deliveries thus far, also stocks existing at beginning of year. Having exhausted stocks of foodstuffs and piece goods, how can reduced deliveries suffice in remainder of year, particularly in view of approaching pilgrimage; foodstuffs for remainder of 1944 should be greater in quantity than those received since January 1st.
- 2.
- Basra dates proved so unsatisfactory last year King would prefer to replace programmed dates with equivalent quantity of cereals.
- 3.
- There is immediate need for vehicles, tires and spare parts to ensure transport of pilgrims, travelers and foodstuffs.
- 4.
- Present financial plight of Saudi Government is of utmost gravity. Government is unable to pay obligations and official salaries are several months in arrears. King requests British Government to pay over 1943 pilgrimage revenues either in rials or in gold as the British Government promised to do.
- 5.
- While he would be glad to share cost of essential supplies for Saudi Arabia in proportion to predicted increase in revenues, King does not share optimism of American and British Governments about increases. He expects no improvement in Saudi revenues so long as economic transactions are restricted and trade is limited by war conditions.
- Not printed; in this telegram the Minister Resident reported that the United States-British joint communication was delivered to King Ibn Saud on August 1 (890F.24/8–444).↩