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

890F.51/3–245

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

Washington , March 2, 1945.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I refer to the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee’s document SWNCC 19 of February 7, 1945 entitled “Financial Assistance to Saudi Arabia”.³⁷ There was set forth therein a proposal for the despatch of a United States Military Mission to Saudi Arabia.

I consider that such a mission is advisable and in the national interest. I recommend, therefore, that this mission be established administratively as soon as practicable and despatched to Saudi Arabia at such time and under such circumstances as may be considered appropriate, following recommendations regarding the matter from the American Minister at Jidda and subsequent negotiations with the Government of Saudi Arabia with respect thereto.³⁸

Sincerely yours,

Joseph C. Grew

37. See paragraph numbered 5 of the Report by the Ad Hoc Committee of the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee, p. 852.
38. In his reply of March 7, 1945, the Secretary of War stated that he was taking action to establish and despatch the Mission as recommended (890F.51/3–745).