867N.01/6–2548: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State
373. Following summary conclusions regarding Palestine from point view SAG:
- (1)
- King has issued orders enjoining strictest compliance by SAG with UN truce Palestine.
- (2)
- There are no signs King can be reconciled Palestine settlement involving Arab acceptance Israel.
- (3)
- Failure our part reply King’s inquiry (Legtel 307 May 221) regarding US-Palestine policy is being interpreted as further indication US is resolved weight scales favor Israel at expense Arabs and is resulting in less friendly land more rigid policy towards US interests Saudi Arabia (Shaikh Yusuf Deputy Foreign Minister has indicated this cooling off toward US Government which formerly enjoyed [Page 1147] unique position this country will not extend to impairment close personal relations between members government and US Chief Mission).
- (4)
- SAG policy Palestine will continue conform that Arab League and there will hence be no attempt at deviation therefrom nor will there be any pressure exerted in Arab League in favor moderate prudent policy as there was last year in effort to draw line between SAG’s economic and political interests. Once US cast die by recognition Israel SAG has cast die in turn with Arab League.
- (5)
- There is only faintest hope anything will come truce. If
hostilities renewed and US pursues policy susceptible interpretation
as substantial departure from one neutrality as between Israel and
Arabs vigorous counteraction may be anticipated by Arab League with
which SAG will conform including
taking such sanctions as may be available. These may include one or
all following or some modification thereof:
- (a) Transfer Dhahran air base to British; (b) cancellation Aramco concession; (c) break in diplomatic relations.
It is my considered view we have every reason to be deeply concerned regarding decline in our position in this area of such great strategical economic importance to US. Extent to which our position may be retrieved in part or even our impaired position conserved depends I believe entirely upon policy which US will pursue henceforth. SAG will look however to acts rather than verbal assurances and will be guided exclusively by former.
Sent Department 373; repeated London 110, Dhahran 195, pouched Arab capitals.