No. 1444
Editorial Note
The second stage of negotiations for the Military Assistance Advisory Group Agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia were held in Riyadh from October 4 to October 13. Despatch 103 from Jidda, October 19, transmitted the record of the discussions, and suggested that a reading of the report was essential for an understanding of the redrafted text of the agreement. (786A.5 MSP/10–1952)
Despatch 104 from Jidda, October 20, transmitted the redrafted text and an analysis of the changes. The Ambassador advised the Department of State that he and General Grover considered the sections of the agreement in which they were able to gain their objectives much more important than those sections where they were not. They recommended approval of the text as it stood, considering it a workable agreement with which the United States could live. (786A.5 MSP/10–2052)
The agreement covered the conditions that would govern the United States Military Assistance Advisory Group to Saudi Arabia, in implementation of the agreement for assistance in procurement of military arms concluded between the United States and Saudi Arabia on June 18, 1951. The first five paragraphs dealt with administrative matters concerning the Advisory Group. Paragraph 6 covered tax exemptions granted by the Saudi Arabian Government to supplies and personal property of the military personnel of the Advisory Group and civilians attached to the group, provided that official bills of lading and manifests were submitted for personal effects; that the quantities would be within reasonable limits. and that appropriate authorities of the Saudi Arabian Government would be notified in cases where personal articles were sold, so that taxes could be collected.
Paragraph 7 stated that the Advisory Group and all United States civilians and personnel attached to the Group, together with [Page 2426] their dependents, were responsible for complying with Saudi Arabian laws. An offense committed by any individual, excluding military personnel, would be subject to the local jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia.
Other paragraphs of the agreement stated that the Saudi Arabian Government would provide living accommodations and offices for the Advisory Group, while the United States would pay their salaries and transportation expenses to Saudi Arabia for members and their dependents. Military mail was to be exempt from customs duties, except that postal parcels would be governed by the provisions of paragraph 6. Members of the Advisory Group were required to possess valid passports or identification papers and Saudi Arabian visas, and the Advisory Group was required to expel or replace any member of the group considered undesirable by the Saudi Arabian Government. The agreement was to enter into force as soon as it was signed and would remain in force until one year after notice of termination by either party.