890F.24/10–3145
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Saudi Arabia (Sands)
Sir: I refer to a memorandum sent recently by the President of the United States to the Joint Chiefs of Staff concerning the issuance of lend-lease munitions of war and military and naval equipment to Allied Governments. Besides outlining the general terms for such [Page 965] issuance, the President directed that “maintenance items” for United States equipment now in the possession of allied armies might be issued, for purposes other than those specifically approved as eligible, against payment on terms and conditions to be determined by the Department of State and the Foreign Economic Administration in accordance with established procedures.
I hereby advise you that until further notice, the War and Navy Departments may issue such maintenance items on the understanding that the government of Saudi Arabia will make full cash payment upon presentation of a bill by the Foreign Economic Administration. In view of the current readjustments in procurement by the Government of the United States of munitions and military and naval equipment, it is suggested that this Government should be informed of the requirements of the government of Saudi Arabia for the maintenance items in question.*
Very truly yours,
- The information in this instruction may be communicated by you to the appropriate authorities of the Government of Saudi Arabia. [Footnote in the original.]↩