890.0145/10–2549: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Saudi Arabia 1
421. For your info Dept disturbed peremptory nature notes drafted by Hudson for transmittal by SAG to Sheikh Bahrein and BAPCO re jurisdiction dispute Abu Saafa. Duce showed drafts Dept after their transmittal Jidda. Dept believes inadvisable ARAMCO submit Hudson drafts SAG present form and so advised Duce. Dept expressed specific objections (1) ultimatum, (2) demanded disavowal of BAPCO claims, (3) truculent phraseology, and suggested ARAMCO modify notes to create atmosphere most conducive earliest amicable settlement claims, or, if drafts already delivered, express to SAG same objections described above and urge phraseology more suited to friendship existing between Ibn Saud and Sheikh Bahrein and more appropriate to Arab traditions. Duce unwilling modify on fiction Hudson acting directly for SAG not ARAMCO.
Dept gratified learn (re urtel 626, Oct 25) of moderate attitude Feisal Comite, but disturbed over apparent ARAMCO pressure for more drastic action.
Further developments include: (1) SAG claims to six-mile marginal sea which affect area current Abu Saafa operations open serious question within Dept. and (2) BAPCO structural drill operations Abu Saafa shoals completed Oct 28 and moved to another shoal. Sheikh Bahrein instructed BAPCO continue operations in area but stated prepared order suspension operations and discuss claims if SAG (not ARAMCO) so requests.
Unless you perceive objections, informally advise SAG and ARAMCO of Sheikh’s tractable position pointing out that it appears that difficult problem can be solved by simple request of SAG to Sheikh of Bahrein.
- This telegram was repeated to London and Dhahran.↩