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

890F.248/12–1345: Telegram

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

Washington, December 13, 1945—6 p.m.

356. Although Brit have been hoping to give us a reply on airport before Bevin’s departure for Moscow⁴¹ no word yet received from London. Terms of Presidential directive and understanding with Congress put Dept in position which makes further delay in obtaining King’s approval impossible.

You should therefore, in company with General Giles negotiate with Ibn Saud on terms stated Dept’s 334 Nov 22, 11 a.m. [noon] to Jidda, repeated to Cairo as 2161. You may desire to explain situation fully to your Brit colleague before departing for Riyadh.

We are still hoping that Brit reply will reach you before conversations with King begin.

Sent to Jidda. Repeated to London^41a for transmission of contents to Brit Govt. Repeated to Cairo for Giles.

Acheson

41. To participate in the meeting of Foreign Ministers, December 16–26, 1945.
42. As No. 10775.