890F.24/8–644: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received 2:37 p.m.]
237. Conversations with Jordan during trip to Riyadh disclosed that (1) he doubts sincerity of King; (2) he remains hostile to Abdullah Sulaiman25 and; (3) he estimates annual Saudi consumption of cereals at 48,000 tons and contemplates 1945 program based on that figure.
That King is disappointed in supply program seems evident from reply summarized in my 235, August 6, 10 a.m. Jordan predicted King would be fairly well satisfied and still maintains that view.
King’s demand for payment of pilgrim revenues reported in 4th paragraph of cable above cited may be justified. Jordan once said he had a telegram from King authorizing payment of funds to UKCC.26 Saudi officials disclaimed any knowledge of such message and asserted that King had had no such intention. I shall endeavor to see telegram in question. All other evidence seems to support King’s demand.
In view of circumstances surrounding supply program it is important to retain confidence of King by making deliveries in full and on time. Entire 10 million riyals should be delivered before end of year and at least 5 million should be delivered early in October for stabilization of exchange during pilgrimage. It would be desirable to begin discussion of 1945 Saudi supply program as early as October 1.