890F.24/8–1644: Telegram
The Minister Resident in Saudi Arabia (Moose) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 17—2:07 a.m.]
251. Message concerning maintenance at all times in Saudi Arabia of 3 months’ stocks of cereals, tea and sugar contained in next to last paragraph of Department’s 158, August 14, 7 p.m.32 was today conveyed both verbally and in writing to Minister of Finance, now Acting Foreign Minister. He expressed pleasure and predicted that King would be gratified at action of United States Government. In response to question Minister opined that if plan is put into effect promptly and if Saudi Government can draw requirements from stocks in Arabia plan for purchase of food stuffs described in my 247 August 14, 5 p.m. will be dropped.
Aramco representative greatly relieved since he thinks Saudi Government will relax pressure for additional help from oil company.
My British colleague was informed of the message before it was delivered. He protested verbally stating that action of United States Government was not cooperation and that he could not agree to acceptance of King’s statement of needs. He also produced figures to show that with joint supply of cereals limited to 40,000 tons, cereal imports into Saudi Arabia this year will total 68,700 tons. A despatch33 will explain why I consider his figures misleading.
Repeated to Cairo for AEMME reference Cairo’s August 15, 1 p.m.