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

780.022/1–2053: Telegram

No. 1502
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

secret

Washington, January 22, 1953—6:57 p.m.

444. Embtel 559 rptd London 42 Dhahran 204.² Dept agrees that approach supporting arbitration might better be combined with discussion other pending matters and that representations should be made initially at least to Crown Prince, since Yassin already aware our position. However it would appear likely that opportunity would also arise to support arbitration in subsequent talk with King.

Dept informed today by British Embassy that persistent rumors from Buraimi indicate Turki shortly to be joined by Bin Mahdi (possibly Abdul Aziz Bin Mahdi, relatively minor figure among Saudi officialdom) or other prominent Saudi. Embassy representative added Pelham has been instructed by Foreign Office to express to SAG hope these reports unfounded and to add that such move would appear to be breach of standstill agreement and could not fail to have serious effect on already delicate situation.

British Embassy expressed hope you would, after consultation with Pelham, speak cautionary word to SAG.

In accordance with suggestion last paragraph reftel you may wish consider proceeding at early date Dhahran “ostensibly on other business” but use opportunity support arbitration with Crown Prince³ and at same time endeavor ascertain basis if any for information provided by British Embassy. Dept would appreciate Embassy evaluation importance Bin Mahdi visit if rumor substantiated.⁴

Dulles

1. Drafted by Fritzlan and cleared by NE and BNA. Repeated to London and Dhahran.

2. Telegram 428 to Jidda, Jan. 15, informed the Embassy a British Embassy representative in Washington had suggested that the Department of State request the Ambassador in Saudi Arabia to urge the King to accept British proposals for arbitration of the Buraimi dispute, and asked the Ambassador’s view on the best way to gain the King’s acceptance. (780.022/1–1553)

   Telegram 559 from Jidda, Jan. 20, agreed it was desirable to support arbitration and appreciated the reservations of the Department on the manner and method of U.S. support. Ambassador Hare saw a clear differentiation between the British concept of a “common front. against the Saudis and the U.S. concept of an “honest broker. between two friends. Although the King was well aware of the U.S. position, the Ambassador was willing to add some arguments in support of arbitration even though he did not agree his action would have the effect the British hoped for. He suggested it might be better for him to go to Dhahran, rather than Riyadh, and discuss arbitration with the Crown Prince rather than the King. He also considered it advisable to combine a discussion of arbitration with other subjects pending with the Saudi Arabian Government. (780.022/1–2053)

3. Telegram 585 from Jidda, Feb. 3, reported on the Ambassador’s visit to Riyadh, where he had had two lengthy talks with the Crown Prince. Hare explained that the United States did not support arbitration because it was sponsored by the British but because it seemed the most logical move in a situation where previous approaches had proved unsuccessful. He informed the Department of State it was obvious the Crown Prince felt strongly on the matter and there was no indication at the end of the talks that he was more favorably disposed to arbitration than he had been before. There seemed to be no doubt in Saudi eyes that the United States appeared to be joining forces with the British, and Hare considered the situation to be one which involved a heavy drain on the U.S. reserve of good will with little favorable return. (780.022/2–353)
4. A memorandum delivered by the British Embassy to the Department of State on Jan. 22 said there were persistent reports from Buraimi that Turki would shortly be joined by another prominent Saudi, perhaps Bin Mahdi; and the Embassy requested the Department to instruct the Ambassador in Saudi Arabia to caution the Saudi Arabian Government against such action. (641.86A/1–2253) Telegram 577 from Jidda, Jan. 28, reported the Ambassador had raised the question of the rumored appointment of Bin Mahdi to Buraimi and had received a reply from Riyadh that there was no foundation to the story. (780.022/1–2853)