Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

890F.7962/3–2649: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia

secret

Washington, April 1, 1949—5 p. m.

niact

us urgent

132. Fol is part one of two part message.¹ Re tentative test revised DAB Agreement as worked out by you, Col O’Keefe² and SAG, re Dhahran’s 107 Mar 24, 110 Mar 26,³ plus amendments and corrections, you shld approach SAG along fol lines:—⁴

Depts State and Air have studied tentative text carefully and appreciate care which has gone into drafting, problems involved affecting SAG position Arab world and spirit cooperation shown SAG. USG has made important contribution econ development SA by construction, maintenance and operation Dhahran Airfield which has been open past three years commercial traffic at expense USG. Our actions making these facilities freely available have demonstrated scrupulous respect USG for SA sovereignty. We are sure that SAG appreciates benefits which accrue from operation this SAG owned base.

USG and NME most grateful confidence King evidenced toward US activities Dhahran and toward CO in requesting his appt as SA Rep civil av matters DAF. USG regrets it cannot accept this gesture of friendship goodwill because not possible US mil officer active duty serve such capacity. Assure SAG this shld not be construed meaning CO DAF cannot undertake these duties but he must do so as officer USG and not as SAG Rep. NME has learned by experience that efficient operation major airport which is jointly used civil mil purposes requires single administrator. It is therefore urged King delegate admin airport USG which will in turn authorize its Rep to act in this capacity. US Congress cld not be expected appropriate the substantial funds necessary maintain and operate an airbase over which USG exercises only partial control.

End of part one. Part two fols.

Acheson

1. Part two, sent as telegram 133, is not printed. It contained specific suggested word changes to the text of the tentative Dhahran Air Field Agreement.
2. Col. Richard J. O’Keefe, Commanding Officer of the Dhahran Air Field.
3. Neither printed.
4. Ambassador Childs conveyed these instructions to the Saudi Arabian Foreign Office April 3 (telegram 248, from Jidda, 890F.7962/4–349; not printed). The Ambassador’s note was transmitted to the Department with despatch 89, April 4, from Jidda (890F.7902/4–449); not printed.