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

890F.24/9–844: Telegram

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

Jidda, September 8, 1944—2 p.m.
[Received 11:07 p.m.]

270. I have agreed to joint recommendation that grain shipped under subsidy program for 1944 should be increased from 40,000 tons to 50,000 tons. This represents net increase of 7,000 tons cereal since it includes 3,000 tons grain substituted for dates (re MESC Cairo’s telegram August 26⁴⁹). In addition to the 50,000 tons is 1,500 tons grain, 300 tons sugar and 12 tons tea for the pilgrimage and 3 months’ reserve stocks, arrangements and location of which not yet agreed.

Agreed also that 50,000 tons grain constitute provisional basis for 1945 supply and shipping purposes to be revised up or down according to developments. Pilgrimage requirements and reverse stock is to be addition to the 50,000 tons.

MESC Cairo will cable complete text.⁵⁰ Immediate joint instructions on their paragraph 2 needed to end anxiety of Saudi Arabian Government who would be informed urgently.

Comment follows in separate telegram.⁵¹

Eddy

49. Not printed.
50. This was done by the Minister in Egypt in telegram 2687, September 8, 6 p.m., not printed.
51. Telegram 271, infra.