786A.56/9–350: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia
90. Embtels 1261 and 127, Sep 3.2 Defense and Dept understood O’Keefe planned to raise single subject of creation bomb dump DAB (Deptel 76, Aug 293). In view Embdesp 29, Jul 20,4 it was thought King might welcome measure. It might also be assumed training activities and fuel tank wld be similarly considered by SAG.
Dept believes it might be useful 1) to recall Collins’5 and McGhee’s6 conversations earlier this year, which were followed by temporary DAB extension to Feb 1, 1951, and 2) to emphasize that USG now has question cash reimbursable mil assist under serious consideration.7 [Page 1187] At same time, Dept appreciates depth of SAG feeling re this question but believes SAG may not fully realize numerous steps required within USG before it may be in position definitively to negotiate with SAG.
In view remarks by King and Sheikh Yusuf reported Deptel [ Embtel ] 126, Sep 3, Dept considers you shld take early opportunity to hint to SAG that 1) since signature MDAP legislation by Pres Jul 26, real progress has been made by Defense and State on plan for reimbursable mil assist and 2) Amb Hare hopes following his arrival SA 8 to commence discussions on this subject as well as DAB. You shld not, however, commit USG or Amb Hare in any way.
FYI, JCS recommendations have been reed. USAF now preparing draft DAB agreement. Dept now seeking designation SA as eligible under MDAP legislation (Public Law 621) for cash reimbursable mil assist.
- Not printed, but see footnote 1, supra.↩
- Supra.↩
- Not printed, but see footnote 2, supra.↩
- Not printed; it reported a meeting in which the King asked if Dhahran Airfield had sufficient military equipment to defend itself (786A.5/7–2050).↩
- For an account of Collins’ visit, see excerpt of his report, p. 1158.↩
- For an account of McGhee’s visit, see p. 1131.↩
- For information on cash reimbursable military assistance, see editorial note, p. 1182.↩
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J. Rives Childs, United States Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Minister to Yemen since 1946, submitted his resignation from those posts on July 7, 1950. He left Jidda on July 21 for leave in Europe before returning to the United States, and Heyward G. Hill assumed charge of the Embassy until the arrival of the new Ambassador.
President Truman approved Childs’ resignation on August 1. An announcement is in the Department of State Bulletin, September 25, 1950, p. 516. On August 28, 1950, the White House publicly announced the appointment of Raymond A. Hare as the new Ambassador. Hare arrived in Jidda on October 19 and presented his credentials at the court in Riyadh on October 24.
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