711.90F27/12–2745: Telegram

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

380. 1. As interim measure Dept will accept as air transport agreement an exchange of notes containing undertakings along lines indicated in your 440 Dec 27, provided rights are on a non-discriminatory basis and undertaking includes 6 months advance notice of termination. Confidentially Dept would reluctantly accept 3 months period if necessary.

2. Information available to Dept does not confirm inference made urtel 438 Dec 27 that Arab League is holding common front on bilateral air agreements pending clarification of Allied policies toward Arab states.

3. Egypt has already granted provisional air operating rights on 6 months basis and conclusion of permanent bilateral agreement with fifth freedom rights is expected shortly.

4. Iraq has granted temporary operating rights to US air services including limited fifth freedom privileges pending conclusion permanent agreement which is expected to be on broader basis.

5. Dept has not pressed for conclusion of bilaterals with Lebanon and Syria since there are now no adequate airports in those countries. However Dept believes that satisfactory fifth freedom rights can be obtained from Lebanon and Syria when 4-motor operations are possible.

6. Iran has granted interim operating rights including fifth freedom privileges but has refused to conclude permanent bilateral agreement at this time because of the presence of foreign troops in Iran.

7. In Turkey negotiations for a permanent fifth freedom agreement are proceeding favorably.

8. Dept deems undertaking paragraph “1” this telegram will meet requirement “1” Dept’s 334, Nov 22, and upon receiving information in immediate future that you have received it in writing will so advise War Department and recommend completion of work on airport.

Acheson