Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

890F.248/7–2645: Telegram

The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State

Jidda, July 26, 1945—10 a.m.
[Received 6:55 p.m.]

283. 1. I believe better results will come from concluding first contract for military air field (re Department’s 214, July 24⁶⁹) which presents plenty of minor but delicate problems King is waiting to discuss (Legation’s despatch nr 124, May 13⁷⁰ enclosure 2). Both Dept and King have stated preference to have civil air rights negotiated later (same despatch enclosures 1 and 2).

2. I see no objection to submitting bilateral air transport agreement and air field management contract at same time provided military contract not dependent upon them. Otherwise I predict interminable delay and probable failure of all negotiations. British have certainly exacted promise from King that they will be consulted before any civil air rights are granted to us.

3. Neither Saudi Govt nor I have ever seen even a sample of any of the proposed contracts. Military contract could be presented with good chance of quick acceptance at Riyadh. Civil contracts will certainly be studied lengthily before reply (Legation’s 276, July 23) and might therefore be submitted through Saudi Foreign Ministry first.

4. Military contract should be signed before Ramadan Bairam feast and preoccupation with pilgrimage. Furthermore every delay throws suspicion upon war need for military air field which is all British have concurred in or King granted.

Repeated Cairo as 167 for Gen Giles and Air Attaché Curren.⁷¹

Eddy

69. Not printed; the Department tentatively proposed that “there be presented to Saudis at forthcoming meeting three contracts: Military contract, bilateral air transport agreement and, to assure US operation of airfield (Deptel 210), an airfield management contract”, and requested Mr. Eddy’s recommendations (890F.248/7–2445).
70. Not printed, but see footnote 2, p. 893.
71. In telegram 220, July 27, 1945, 6 p.m., to the Minister in Saudi Arabia, the Department stated: “Will abide by your judgment that bilateral air transport agreement and TWA airport contract should not be rushed.” It also advised that the War Department was anxious that the military contract be concluded and would send General Giles technical data for incorporation in the contract within a few days (890F.248/7–2645).