890F.248/5–2945: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 31—8:47 p.m.]
222. ReDept’s 149, May 26. Saudi Govt not prepared to negotiate terms on which commercial air services would operate on Dhahran air field. They wish time to study agreements in force in neighboring countries and competitive rates. They promise only non-discriminatory terms to US whenever commercial services are authorized.
As stated in my despatch 124, May 13,21 I believe it would be most unwise to request definite concessions for commercial air service before US economic aid is forthcoming to Saudi Arabia. If, however, Dept wants negotiations now the commercial rights will have to be bought and Air Attaché Curren22 should come down from Cairo armed with data for negotiations.
King has indicated he wishes me to visit Riyadh again to discuss details of services offered by Army but not until his mind is made up on what he wants and does not want. Curren could come then if Dept so instructs.
Saudi Govt expects to open field to US commercial aviation at end of war but to propose bluntly use of field by US commercial aviation as soon as field is completed would arouse suspicion that military need is secondary to commercial purpose. This would be a very bad time to make such proposal.