890F.7962/1–1049: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Legation in Saudi Arabia
18. Nat Mil Estab has arrived at following positions re US rights Dhahran:
US would still strongly prefer occupy base on tenure at least twelve years, especially because highly improbable that under shorter tenure NME could secure Congressional approval any appropriations new construction. Even if rights granted for twelve or more years, no estimate could at present be made funds which might be available expansion Dhahran. Developments affecting NME suggest Air Force budget may be cut. This means all-around reduction Air activities and plans for Dhahran may suffer proportionately. Since Air Force not now in position even estimate how much it may be able spend Dhahran no reference figures can be made. Funds minimum maintenance operation and present training assured but any budget for new construction and increase training and other activities would require Congressional approval.
If, as pointed out Legtels 11 Jan 4 and 26 Jan 10,1 longer tenure cannot be obtained without substantial quid pro quo NME will accept tenure on less than 12-year but at least one-year basis from March 15, 1949, subject to extensions of at least twelve months in absence of 12 months’ notice from either Govt to other of intention terminate agreement. It should be clearly understood that under such tenure US would probably not be able to do more than maintain Base in state insure its delivery sound condition SAG upon eventual expiration agreement with expenditure such sums as may be necessary for that purpose and to continue but not expand present training program Dhahran and continue but not increase facilities being afforded in US service schools in connection that training.
You are authorized present to SAG your note proposed Legtel 648, Dec 18,2 with fol changes:
[Here follow the suggested word changes. The note in its revised form is printed infra.]
For your background Dept recognizes US required register agreement with UN pursuant Article 102 Charter within 6 or 8 months after adoption. It is planned, therefore, once renewal has been obtained, remind SAG our mutual obligation under Charter and importance which US attaches meeting this obligation as indicated circ instr Apr 9, 1948.3 If SAG then objects registration renewed agreement it [Page 1576] should be possible work out substitute simplified form and publish. You should accordingly avoid making commitments to contrary.
- Latter not printed.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. v, Part 1, p. 260.↩
- Not printed.↩