890F.51/3–245

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

My Dear Mr. Secretary: I refer to the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee’s document SWNCC 19 of February 7, 1945 entitled [Page 860] “Financial Assistance to Saudi Arabia”. There was set forth therein a project for the improvement of roads in Saudi Arabia by the United States Army.

I consider that such a mission is advisable and in the national interest. I recommend, therefore, that administrative arrangements be made for this project as soon as practicable and that this project be undertaken 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.40

Sincerely yours,

Joseph C. Grew
  1. In his reply of March 7, 1945, the Secretary of War stated that he was making administrative arrangements to implement the project along the lines recommended by the Department of State (890F.51/3–745).