890F.20/4–1745: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 17—11:25 a.m.]
171. ReLegs 82, March 2, 11 a.m.75 Deputy Foreign Minister told me today Saudi Government wants to contract for improvements of Jidda air field including night-lighting, runways, installations for maintenance and repair of planes. He inquired whether in my opinion such improvements would be undertaken by the Americans if requested officially. I replied that I would be happy to transmit such a request if made. He then inquired further whether in my opinion it would be more practical for such work to be requested jointly as an Anglo-American effort or from one friendly nation. I replied that the form of such a request would be for them alone to decide. He then asked me whether the Saudi Government could expect offers by the United States to cooperate in making improvements such as the Jidda airport or whether they should look elsewhere. I replied that I felt sure a request for such cooperation would be sympathetically considered by my Government but that I have no authority to anticipate my Government’s reply.
Comment: There is no doubt in my mind that a similar overture is being made to the British Minister. We need not be surprised if (failing an early overture along the lines of Legation’s 165, April 15, 11 a.m.76)we find the British Army soon engaged in constructing military and aviation facilities in Saudi Arabia.