780.022/3–2753: Telegram
No. 1507
The Secretary of
State to the Embassy in Saudi
Arabia1
secret
Washington, March 27, 1953—7:32
p.m.
559. Under Secretary received Prince Faisal and Saudi Ambassador March 252 in order expand on United States position Buraimi dispute and grant military aid for training. During meeting General Smith stated he was speaking on behalf Secretary with whom he had discussed problems. Following points made:
A. Boundary Problems
- 1.
- After careful consideration United States Government had concluded it should not change its previous stand in favor arbitration as best machinery for settling Buraimi and other boundary problems.
- 2.
- United States Government had no desire mediate or arbitrate in such disputes.
- 3.
- Arbitration procedure might well include principle of plebiscite since investigation would undoubtedly cover present allegiance of inhabitants.
- 4.
- Regarding allegations of aggression it was made clear this charge could cut both ways.
- 5.
- Prince Faisal stated in reply that he now understood clearly United States position and inquired concerning possible steps United States might take to stop British violations standstill agreement.
- 6.
- Under Secretary stated he had raised question with Eden and British Ambassador and both had categorically assured him United Kingdom would scrupulously observe agreement.
- 7.
- Under Secretary added he was willing however renew similar representations but wished state he had received firm Saudi assurances that they too would respect agreement. Faisal gave this assurance.
B. Grant Military Aid
- 1.
- Under Secretary emphasized necessity basic military training as prerequisite to effective use modern military equipment.
- 2.
- He clarified Saudi thinking on subject of grant training assistance which was based on belief such assistance limited to training costs those students now in United States.
- 3.
- Under Secretary emphasized training program unrelated to and broader than this and pointed out its scope could be determined only after conclusion agreement on subject as required by legislation, after submission of Saudi requirements, after consultation between Saudi Defense Minister, United States Ambassador, and Grover, and after availability funds established.
- 4.
- Faisal expressed regret for earlier misunderstanding scope grant aid which had led to his expression of disappointment to Secretary.
Dulles