Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

800.24/1–2745: Telegram

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

Washington , January 27, 1945—7 p.m.

24. From Department and FEA for Eddy and Await.¹⁵

1. On January 20 Department and FEA proposed to British representatives here that Saudi Arabian Supply Program be continued for first six months of 1945 on same basis as 1944 Joint Supply Program. British have apparently viewed proposal with favor. London is being consulted, but we anticipate early agreement.

2. Proposal contemplates that first half 1945 Joint Supply Program will cover same items (except for currency) as 1944 program and that quantities of these items to be supplied will be one-half agreed 1944 quantities.

3. Since no decision has yet been reached regarding method of financing U.S. contribution to Saudi Arabia after July 1, 1945, above proposal has been made to insure uninterrupted movement of supplies into Saudi Arabia during next six months while this problem is under consideration.

[Here follows discussion of shipments of cereals to Saudi Arabia.]

Sent to Jidda, repeated to Cairo. [Department and FEA.]

Grew

15. Fred H. Await, Economic Analyst at the Legation in Saudi Arabia; acted also as Territorial Representative of the Foreign Economic Administration in Saudi Arabia and Jidda Representative of the Middle East Supply Center (MESC).