Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 2

780.022/1–1053: Telegram

No. 1501
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

secret

Washington, January 10, 1953—4:10 p.m.

418. Bruce made the following points to Saudi Arabian Ambassador January 8:

(1) Remarks constituted reply to Faisal’s request made to Secretary in New York December 2 for United States participation tripartite plebiscite commission. Ambassador requested pass message to Faisal since he unable call on Secretary (Department telegram to Jidda 408 London 4430 Dhahran 164²).

(2) In previous talk with Ambassador (Department telegram to London 2758 Jidda 219 Dhahran 107³) had expressed hope for settlement by direct negotiations but unfortunately such procedure had proved unacceptable United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

(3) United States as intimate friend both, not forgetting its treaty relationship dating to 1834 [1833] with Sultanate Muscat and Oman,⁴ most eager see dispute settled quickly and finally. By same token, intimate United States friendship for Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom dictates against direct United States involvement in settlement machinery which could require United States to attempt verify allegiances or otherwise exercise judgment.

(4) Accordingly, United States feels it should not participate on proposed plebiscite commission and strongly recommends Buraimi dispute be submitted arbitration in accordance time honored Arab as well as world practice. Arbitration should not be considered as court sitting in judgment at distance. Arbitrator or arbitrators should be given broad terms reference, should have complete freedom to travel in disputed area, should talk directly (not through anyone) with whomever wishes, using experts and interpreters, verifying all facts, studying all documentation and historic precedents and claims, and should seek and find lasting settlement based on first-hand knowledge. Person or persons chosen should include expert Arabist but should not include United States citizens; and arbitration more likely succeed if neither British nor Arab citizens chosen.

Reaction Saudi Ambassador during talk with Bruce noncommittal. However, in immediately following talk with Hart, Ambassador expressed concern regarding transmittal United States position to King because of King’s strong objections to arbitration Buraimi dispute and because King would interpret United States refusal to participate on plebiscite commission as United States unwillingness to help Saudi Arabia.

For your information, Department concerned to learn just recently that in talk with Faisal in New York in late November Eden spoke rather freely giving strong indication United States had agreed support arbitration. British have not volunteered any information on this meeting.

Acheson

1. Drafted by Sturgill and cleared by NEA and BNA. Repeated to London and Dhahran.
2. Not printed, but see the editorial note, supra.
3. Document 1487.
4. The text of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Muscat, Sept. 21, 1833, is in J. C. Hurewitz, Diplomacy in the Near and Middle East, A Documentary Record: Volume I, 1535–1914 (New York: D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., 1956), pp. 108–109.