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

890.014/6–2149

Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. Richard H. Sanger of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs

secret

[Washington,] June 21, 1949.

Participants:	Mr. Thomas Bromley—First Secretary, British Embassy
	Mr. Mattison—NE
	Mr. Sanger—NE

Mr. Bromley said that the British had decided to negotiate with the Saudi Arabian Government regarding the boundary disputes which affect that country and the sheikhdoms of the Persian Gulf which are in treaty relations with Great Britain, and that the British Charge had gone to Riyadh for this purpose. In this connection, he said the Foreign Office hoped that the Government of Saudi Arabia would not turn to the United States for support in these disputes, and that if that did happen the United States would not encourage the Saudi Government to believe that it would receive U.S. support.

Mr. Mattison replied that the Saudi Arabian Government had already put out a feeler on this subject and that the American Ambassador at Jidda had been instructed, on May 13th, to inform the Saudi Arabian Government that the United States Government hoped that the various Persian Gulf boundary disputes may be settled by direct negotiations between the parties concerned. However, if such a solution is not possible it was suggested that the interested parties consider the appointment of a neutral boundary commission to settle the question by arbitration. It was further pointed out that the U.S. Government was ready to suggest this to both parties. Under these circumstances Mr. Mattison felt that we had already indicated to the Saudis that we were not interested in being brought into the dispute.

Mr. Bromley said that London would be pleased to hear of the United States position. He said the British envisaged three types of disputes. The first would be between two of the British protected sheikhdoms, and thus to be handled by British officials representing both parties to the dispute. The second would be between a British protected sheikhdom and an independent country such as Saudi Arabia. The third would be between two independent countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.¹

1. Mr. Sanger, on July 22, had a further conversation with Mr. Bromley on the question of frontier negotiations affecting Saudi Arabia. The latter advised that King Ibn Saud would welcome a British delegation to discuss the subject but that the Saudi Arabians wished to delay talks “until after Ramadan (July 27)” (memorandum of conversation by Mr. Sanger, 890.0145/7–2249).