Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V, Part 1

890F.7962/12–1848: Telegram

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

top secret

Jidda, December 18, 1948—1 p. m.

649. Legtel 648.¹ Obligation spend minimum $5 million is one already devolving upon US Government if we are to fulfill strictly provisions existing air base agreement. Maximum figure $25 million is understood to be amount Department Air has budgeted for Dhahran for fiscal year 1950.

Would appreciate Department’s comments earliest possible on this and two preceding telegrams. Would be most helpful in negotiations to have indication from Department Air description new construction plans.

Sent Department 649; repeated London 185, Dhahran 313.

Childs

1. Supra.