711.90F/2—2749: Telegram

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

top secret

138. All members SAG have been Riyadh some days where discussion took place SAG–US relations. Following return Prince Faisal and Acting Foreign Minister Jidda, I spent three hours today Foreign Office with latter. Yusuf said HM instructed him discuss SAG–US relations based on latest developments. He said: “International situation is as momentous as it was. Sole problem which US has had in connection Arab states in general, and SAG in particular, is Palestine. This situation is being dealt with through established procedure. HM would like to know view USG re US–SAG relations.

“Is USG still of opinion present situation does not permit any modification previously expressed view time not propitious discussion military and other aid SAG, including tripartite agreement.1 Whenever questions raised with USG, USG always referred SAG to UN. If USG does not favor tripartite [agreement], will it be more disposed bilateral agreement?” As far as SAG concerned, HM said we are ready to do everything which will help in strengthening friendship ties between US and SAG. We are ready to assure USG all their requests based on mutual interest will be met. USG should be certain SAG will cooperate with USG. Period of that cooperation is for as long as Saudi family in power. As HM has requested guarantees and commitments from USG, he is ready to give in return such guarantees and commitments. All facilities required by USG in air, on sea, and on land, will [Page 1582] be accorded in a manner which will assure sovereignty of country and not subject SAG to criticism of other foreigners that SA is colony of US.

HM says USG ought to reconsider its attitude re SA, because its common interests with SAG are not as those with any other country, so its attitude toward US should differ from that toward other countries. If USG believes has interests in SA vital and fundamental, and if USG would like to develop and strengthen such interests with SAG, we would be pleased to receive either special US delegation with US Minister Jidda or to send SAG delegation to US to be headed by one of Princes to discuss existing mutual interests between two countries. Such delegation should not be appointed unless we are sure USG prepared reconsider its attitude and is ready to do so. I said HM’s observations would be studied with great care, interest, and attention, by USG. I assured Acting Foreign Minister that purpose and desire of USG was to strengthen our relations with SAG. I added principal difference in my view between points of view USG and SAG was as to time and means of achieving an aim shared by both. I mentioned attention USG now largely concerned conclusion Atlantic Pact and if there was any delay in making known by my government to HM of our comments on his observations, this should not be attributed to any indifference our part or any lack of realization of the importance HM’s remarks.

Yusuf said he felt himself principal difference separating us this question was matter of time and added HM has said, “Time has come”.

Later on, Acting Foreign Minister mentioned HM expressed hope reply might be had within 10 days or so, as apparently SAG has other decisions awaiting reply this telegram.

Childs
  1. Between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia; see Foreign Relations, 1948, vol. v, Part 1, pp. 209 ff.