890.0145/11–349: Telegram
The Chargé in Saudi Arabia (Hill) to the Secretary of State
642. Embtel 626, October 26 [25]. ARAMCO informs that following receipt by SAG of Judge Hudson’s drafts re Saudi Arabian-Bahrein claim controversy King’s special committee drafted new communication. In place four separate notes as proposed by Hudson, however, SAG prefers send only two, one each to Bahrein and BAPCO. Each note will incorporate statement re both Arabia [Arabi] and Fasht Abu Saafa trespassing incidents, Saudi Arabian Government understood have questioned desirability including Arabian [Arabi in] note after being advised of Shaikh Bahrein’s alleged verbal disclaimer of ownership but finally prevail upon by ARAMCO include same.
New draft generally follows lines Hudson’s drafts which Embassy assumes have been shown to Department by ARAMCO. Only major difference to date is that instead of impersonal note between governments new communication is to be personal letter from King to Shaikh Bahrein which will be delivered through British Embassy Jidda. After usual expressions esteem and community interests both parties, note adroitly reminds Shaikh latter is trespassing on Saudi Arabian-claimed territory and cites instances mentioned above, but indicated preparedness negotiate question in accordance Article 8 his territorial waters proclamation.
Second note is to be addressed to BAPCO and is similar in content, but to be signed by Bin Jiluwi1 rather than King.
Both drafts are now before King awaiting his final approval.
Sent Department 642, repeated Dhahran 192.
- Amir Saud bin Jiluwi, Governor of Al Hasa province of Saudi Arabia.↩