890F.7962/1–2449: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia ( Childs ) to the Secretary of State
54. Legtel 52, January 22.1 Deputy Foreign Minister called late twenty-second and said he had discussed Dhahran with King and Faisal. From his conciliatory manner I am convinced King has intervened exercise moderating influence on Faisal. Yusuf began by repeating statement he has frequently used recently that HM did not set any term or limits on friendship with US. He expressed strong desire to reach Dhahran agreement without any arguments. “I realize,” he said, “importance Dhahran to us and its defense needs in present international situation. It is our wish however stay US in Dhahran will not have appearance occupying that area. For outward appearance, we propose new agreement on a nominal lease basis.” (He first mentioned rather jocosely “from one dollar to ten million” but later more seriously said compensation for lease would be pro forma and character compensation would be left to conscience US. SAG recognized arms embargo2 precludes military equipment as compensation and are thinking in terms such items as airplane engines of which there is great need.) Yusuf said SAG recognized difficulty would be encountered in obtaining from Congress funds under short term lease. Ability to obtain funds would be measure of US confidence in SAG. He emphasized it was in our mutual interest renewal be in form new agreement to (a), include such provisions of existing agreement which it might be mutually desirable to retain [Page 1578] and (b) certain general provisions which he would outline. Yusuf then read memo covering above of which following rough translation:
“With reference previous conversations between US and SAG re DAB and in accordance desire expressed by US Govt to benefit from DAB, in view its urgent needs and in accordance desire SAG maintain uninterrupted friendship US, SAG desires offer as one of several proofs its friendship everything which may assist US Govt at DAB.
“It is known DAB terminates March 15 and entire airport with all its fixed installations will be property SAG in accordance provisions DAB agreement.”
SAG prepared to leave facilities which US Govt can use at DAB at present for period one year under following conditions: (a) agreement upon an annual lease (b) training number of Saudi students at DAB and in US (c) rehabilitation DAB in accordance with agreement between two governments.
SAG has been and still is discussing with US Govt with view reaching agreement which would insure integrity SA and make available to SA military equipment enabling SA defend itself. In view difficulties hindering reaching agreement on this subject SAG does not wish make use requested conditions as condition giving US right use DAB one year and SAG hopes during coming year it may be possible reach an agreement by which SAG hopes help to maintain the integrity of country and obtain what it has requested for defense its country.
Sent Department 54, repeated London 18, Dhahran 12.
- Not printed; it reported that Amir Faisal, Saudi Arabian Minister for Foreign Affairs, had returned from a United Nations meeting in Paris annoyed with the United States and intending to influence the Saudi Arabian Government to pursue a more exacting policy towards the United States (890 F.7962/1–2249).↩
- For references to documentation on the embargo on shipments of armaments to the Near East, see index entries in this volume under “Palestine, Arms Policy for Palestine and the Near East.”↩