Office of the Historian

890F.7962/12–1748: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Saudi Arabia

top secret   us urgent
niact
Washington, December 17, 1948—6 p. m.

472. Initial reaction re King’s proposal of tripartite agreement bet US–UK–SAG set forth 1st para Deptel 471 based on general policy avoidance such commitments. Furthermore, because text proposed agreement not yet recd comment based only on fragmentary presentation of case re Legtel 589, Nov 14 and related wires.

While it is likely that even after further study our response tripartite suggestion will probably be in negative, nevertheless, we appreciate what we understand to be friendly motives inherent SAG approach. Will you make clear in discussions with SAG that regardless action taken on this specific suggestion, we recognize mutuality of interest bet our two countries and wish explore thoroughly and sympathetically any measures conducive closer relations.

Strictly for your own info we have been approached by certain other countries, including Greece and Turkey, re formation somewhat similar pact.1 Dept’s position as follows:

Exploratory conversations continue re possible formation “Atlantic Pact”. There is general agreement that pact would be desirable but final decision can be made only after consultation US political leaders. Any steps toward US association for defense with nations outside Western Hemisphere constitutes radical departure from past Amer peace-time policies. USG proceeding with utmost care.

For these reasons, states such as Turkey have been told we prefer at this time they do not press for inclusion North Atlantic group and we also desire avoid being placed in position of either encouraging or discouraging creation of a Mediterranean Pact.

In light this reaction it is obvious we are hardly in position at this time encourage SA pact idea. At same time we wish avoid impression slamming door in their faces.2

Lovett
  1. For the attitude of the Department of State, toward the possible formation of an Eastern Mediterranean Pact, see telegram 203, April 23, to Ankara, vol. iv, p. 79.↩
  2. The texts of telegrams 471 and 472 to Jidda were transmitted on December 29 to London, which was authorized to pass on to the Foregn Office the gist of the Department’s thinking regarding the proposed tripartite agreement (telegram 4812, 890F.7962/12–2348).

    In a telegram of December 23, London advised that the initial Foreign Office reaction to the proposed agreement was favorable, the Foreign Office much preferring a tripartite arrangement to a bilateral United Kingdom-Saudi Arabian agreement (No. 5354, 890F.7962/12–2348).

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