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

890.0145/11–849: Telegram

The Chargé in Saudi Arabia (Hill) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

Jidda, November 8, 1949—11 a. m.

653. ARAMCO official informs Eilts in conference that King’s note to Shaikh Bahrain re boundary problems delivered to British Embassy, Jidda, on November 5.¹ No changes from text as sketched Embtel 642, November 3. Letter to BAPCO approved November 6 and has now been forwarded to Bin Jiluwi for signature.

Be Deptel 421, November 1. It would appear, therefore, that despite ARAMCO truculence and pressure for drastic action, SAG has on its own initiative most wisely preferred despatch relatively temperate communications to both Bahrain and BAPCO. In latter instance, SAG has even seen fit remove any reference to a terminal date by which BAPCO would be required cease all operations in disputed territory as had initially been proposed by Hudson.

However, despite this apparently favorable development due largely to SAG’s tact, Embassy will nevertheless informally advise SAG of US Government’s hope that outstanding SA–Bahrain boundary matters can be solved in an amicable fashion by friendly discussion between parties concerned, but would prefer to do so when Yusuf Yassin² returns, in view of the hopelessness of accomplishing anything at the Foreign Office while it is in charge of Khairradin Bey.³

Sent Department 653, repeated London 90. Pouched Dhahran.

Hill

1. A British note of November 2 to the Saudi Arabian Government stated that Fasht Abu Saafa and Arabi were claimed by the Shaikhs of Bahrein and Kuwait, respectively. It suggested that should the Saudi Arabian Government wish to claim these areas, the matter be made one for negotiation between the interested parties, which might best be undertaken after the present boundary talks were concluded. In the meantime, the hope was expressed that there would be no objection to continued BAPCO operations, pending settlement of the controversy.

   The Saudi Arabian Government replied on November 8, confirming its claim to both areas but expressing willingness to negotiate a settlement and a desire to conduct the negotiations immediately but independently of present boundary discussions. It also insisted that the BAPCO cease its operations in the disputed areas pending settlement. The note made no reference to the Kuwaiti claim to Arabi but spoke only of talks with Bahrein (telegram 656, November 12, 11 a. m., from Jidda, 890.0145/11–1249).

2. Saudi Arabian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
3. In reply on November 21, the Department stated in part: “In event BAPCO fails comply cessation [it] is hoped Bin Jaluwi had King’s instr not resort forceful measures to which previously inclined.” (Telegram 447, 890.0145/11–849)

   On November 22, Jidda advised of information from Garry Owen of ARAMCO that the Saudi Arabian Government had received two replies from BAPCO. The first note observed that the Saudi Arabian Government’s protest concerning the Fasht Abu Saafa shoals had been passed to the Sheikh of Bahrein for his consideration. The second note emphasized the temporary nature of the BAPCO installation on Arabi and contended that “the island was found to be uninhabited and that since the Sheikh of Bahrein did not lay claim to it, BAPCO felt no permission was required.” The Company disclaimed “any rights for itself re the island or any minerals which may be thereon as well as any attempts to infringe upon the rights of the legal ruler of the island, whoever he may be.” (airgram 441, 890.0145/11–2249)