Office of the Historian

890F.20 Missions/9–2944

The Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Stimson)

Washington, October 5, 1944.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I refer to your letter of September 19, 194465 stating that the United States Military Mission to Saudi Arabia will be continued at least until January 1945 and requesting an expression of my opinion regarding the need of continuing the Mission after that time.

The American Minister in Jidda has been asked to submit his recommendations regarding the continuance of the Mission after January 1, 1945. In this connection he has expressed the following opinions:

1.
The Minister recommends a continuance of the United States Military Mission of Instruction after January 1945.
2.
The Saudi Arabian Government and people deeply appreciate the Mission, which has been successful. The political effect of the Mission has been helpful in Saudi Arabia as well as have been the professional achievements of the Mission.
3.
The Military Mission is beng instrumental in overcoming prejudices against travelling freely in the interior of Saudi Arabia and is also overcoming suspicions of infringement upon sovereignty or of military encroachments.
4.
The British Government at present is strengthening its comparatively ineffective Mission, and the Government of the United States ought to maintain the lead which it has at present.
5.
The United States Military Mission could also include the proposed Air Mission which is to provide training for Saudi Arabian mechanics and pilots. The Minister believes strongly that one continuing Military Mission is to be preferred to separate missions of a temporary character.

In view of the foregoing, it is strongly recommended that the Military Mission be continued after January 1945. It would be appreciated if it might be stated that it would be possible to do so.

Sincerely yours,

Cordell Hull
  1. Not printed.↩