890F.248/7–2345: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State
Jidda, July 23,
1945—11 a.m.
[Received 10:15 p.m.]
[Received 10:15 p.m.]
276. Re Department’s 210, July 21.
- 1.
- I do not believe contract for civilian operation of airfield can be rushed through now. With absolutely no experience in commercial aviation Saudi Government would wish to study any proposition and compare with contracts in neighboring countries Acting Foreign Minister told me in Riyadh, therefore, I recommend TWA representative and Curren open negotiations separately and after military airfield is under construction.
- 2.
- I believe Arabian confidence in greater United States efficiency and safety in aviation will assure us operation of field after the war. This will be the first major cooperative enterprise between the two Governments and will go far to establish our serious future interest in Saudi Arabia, I do not believe the King would prefer third power to operate the field. Since stipulation would be against Department’s general policy I recommend that during negotiations the King be simply informed of Department’s understanding that the field is built by us for him to inherit but not for any third power to acquire or operate.
- 3.
- Giles is pressing for admission of materials which must await final negotiations.
… Sent Department as 276, repeated Cairo for General Giles as 163.
Eddy