890F.248/3–2445
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Stimson)
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I refer to the desire of the War Department to secure rights in Saudi Arabia for the establishment of an air route directly from Cairo to Dhahran and thence to India, and for the installation of a flying field at Dhahran and other necessary facilities; and particular reference is made to telegram no. 122, dated March 24, 1945, 11 a.m., from Jidda, a copy of which was forwarded to the War Department.
In preparing instructions for the guidance of the Legation in Jidda in its impending negotiations for air rights, it is believed that consideration should be given to a recent indication by the Saudi Government of its desire to improve the Jidda airport, including the installation of night-lighting, runways and maintenance and repair facilities.
When negotiations for the Dhahran field and route are begun, the Saudi authorities may be expected to bring up the subject of the desired installations at Jidda in that connection, and, with a view to expediting the negotiations, a decision on this point might be made by the War Department beforehand.
It is therefore suggested that in addition to offering the assistance described in the telegram mentioned above, the Legation at Jidda be given discretionary authority to agree that the Army will carry out the desired improvements at Jidda if, in the Legation’s opinion, such agreement is necessary to secure the field at Dhahran and the required transit rights.
Sincerely yours,