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

890F.24/9–444: Telegram

The Appointed Minister to Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State

Jidda, September 4, 1944—8 a.m.
[Received 4:47 p.m.]

264. Jordan told me today:

1. Highly qualified Indian Muslim already selected and available for financial adviser to King whenever our two Governments agree.

2. British Military Mission at Taif being reinforced by mobile repair units and 22 personnel.

3. Eastern Bank has requested Saudi Government for permission to open branch in Saudi Arabia on Persian Gulf, obviously a move to match National City Bank.⁴⁴

4. He rejects proposal to explain budget to Saudi officials. (See Department’s 166, August 23, 9 p.m.⁴³)

5. He proposes MESC plan to supervise food reserves in controlled warehouses.

6. He declines to leave statement of present food reserves and overall needs to MESC Jidda, claiming they lack experience and facts.

MESC conference in Jidda this week will be crucial in determining Jordan’s ability to dominate MESC British personnel and in arriving at satisfactory supply program.

Details by pouch.⁴⁵

Eddy

44. The National City Bank of New York had requested permission from the Saudi Arabian Government to open a branch at Ras Tanura.
43. See footnote 39, p. 730.
45. Despatch 4, September 5, not printed.