890F.248/8–445: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy)
233. Vice President TWA, Jack Nichols, will arrive Cairo about August 9th on general Middle Eastern business. While there he desires to initiate Saudi negotiations. War and State approve in principle an American civil airline attempting to make separate contract with King providing for operation and maintenance of Dhahran airfield when U.S. Army control ends 3 years after V–J day.86 TWA is logical candidate since it is the only airline certified by CAB87 to stop at Dhahran. Army might subcontract operation and maintenance of field to an American civil airline before expiration of 3-year period but subcontract would have no connection with proposed TWA-Saudi negotiations. Nichols understands Saudis cannot be rushed and that Department will abide by your judgment on all aspects relating to TWA proposal. He requests conference in Cairo with General Giles, Air Attaché Curren and yourself after military contract signed. If convenient suggest you return to Cairo with Giles for Nichols conference. Otherwise notify Nichols through Giles of alternate date. Travel authorization follows.88
Repeated to Cairo for General Giles and Air Attaché Curren.