890F.24/8–644: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
Jidda, August
6, 1944—1 p.m.
[Received 6:45 p.m.]
[Received 6:45 p.m.]
238. This message continues my 237, August 6, noon. A further indication of King’s disappointment at supply program is fact that Finance Minister has informed Aramco that further assistance from oil company will be necessary.
King has asked upward revision of cereals program. In considering this request following factors might be considered: [Page 725]
- (1)
- Aramco is vulnerable to pressure from Saudi Government and is sure to be asked to make up deficiencies in program.
- (2)
- King’s good will may be worth many tons of wheat when he answers request recently made by U S Army for permission to survey air route direct from Cairo to Dhahran27 or when pipe line projects discussed with him.
- (3)
- British aims with regard to Saudi Arabia are not yet clear but it was not by accident that Sir Maurice Peterson omitted all reference to comparative investments in his recent attempt to show that British economic interests are preponderant in Saudi Arabia.
- (4)
- Consideration might be given course to be pursued should it be necessary to choose between a joint supply program and an adequate one.
- (5)
- Care might be taken that joint supply program and proposed other joint activities do not tend toward joint military concession.
Moose