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

811.7490F/5–1345: Telegram

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

Jidda , May 13, 1945—10 p.m.
[Received May 14—2:20 p.m.]

206. Re Department’s 127, April 30, 6 p.m. Deputy Foreign Minister is securing in writing from British Minister¹¹ statement that Saudi Government already has secured right to modify contract with Eastern Telegraph at any time. Saudi Government will then notify us officially.

Saudi Government also has suffered from exorbitant rates and lack of competition and is determined to retain freedom in external communications. In my opinion they would welcome now a definite proposition re building for them a Government-owned radio station.¹²

Eddy

11. Laurence B. Grafftey-Smith.
12. In telegram 3896, May 17, 1945, 7 p.m., to London, which conveyed the substance of telegram 206, the Department stated that it was “arranging to have such a proposal made to Saudi Government in very near future”. (811.7490F/5–1345.)