890F.248/8–345: Telegram

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

231. [Here follows information on airport requirements, air routes and other technical aspects of planning concerning the Dhahran airport, sent by the War Department to General Giles, and on the measures to be taken by the Arabian American Oil Company to assist in the construction of the airport.]

Conversation with Prince Faisal, 1 August,81 indicates desirability of clarifying agreement of 12 May 1945, signed by Yusuf Yassin,82 with respect to Dhahran airport. Agreeable that airport, together with fixed installations, may be transferred to Government of Saudi Arabia immediately after war is over. However, right of United States to use, operate, maintain and control airfield for subsequent 3-year period should be covered. Present agreement provides only for “Use”. Inasmuch as Saudi Arabian nationals not qualified to maintain field at required standards, believe it essential that provision [Page 939] be made to insure United States operation, maintenance and control. Anticipated that prior to expiration of 3-year period actual work of maintaining and operating field may be performed by TWA as certificated carrier under contract to War Department. Use by military aircraft during 3-year period should be without cost.

Although this government cannot insist upon use to which field will be put after expiration of 3-year period it should be made clear that unsatisfactory to turn over operation and control of field to another foreign power after expiration of 3-year period. If Saudi Arabian nationals not able to maintain and operate Dhahran after the expiration of the 3-year period, believe United States should be asked to assume this responsibility.

During 3-year period, ATC83 would permit use of field by any commercial airline of an Allied power upon same basis as an American carrier, provided that they adhere to local airport regulations, including security restrictions and payment of established charges.

Grew
  1. For documentation on the Amir Faisal’s visit to Washington for discussions with Departmental officers, see pp. 1000 ff.
  2. See footnote 2, p. 893.
  3. Air Transport Command.