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

780.022/4–153: Telegram

No. 1515
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

secret
priority

Washington, April 20, 1953—5:17 p.m.

595. Saudi Arabian Ambassador called on Byroade April 17 under instructions his Government (Embtel 794²). Following subjects discussed:

1. Secretary’s Near Eastern Tour³

Ambassador made strong plea for Secretary remain Riyadh at least until two p.m. May 19 thus making possible official luncheon his honor which Crown Prince might offer. Byroade stated Department will carefully consider this suggestion and if schedule as whole permits will try arrange accordingly.

2. Buraimi Problem

Ambassador expressed his Government’s growing concern British blockade activities Buraimi which causing severe hardship to inhabitants. He stated such activities in contravention traditional right inhabitants of peninsula travel and trade where they pleased regardless of political boundaries. He indicated King very upset and that relaxation British activities would improve atmosphere for talks between King and British Ambassador.

Byroade expressed Department’s great satisfaction over recent exchange cordial messages between Churchill and King and said we hoped nothing would be done prejudice success these talks. He stated we had said this to British and we felt same applied to Saudis. He referred in this connection to report received from Saudi Embassy regarding British interference with Saudi vehicle which recently left Buraimi for Ibri a point within Oman territory. Ambassador replied vehicle concerned was non-military and such travel customary, on other hand British activities involved movement military vehicles.

Byroade stated Department had given much thought to Buraimi and it was convinced that area was indeed disputed territory. He hoped both sides could reach agreement on steps to be taken to resolve dispute.

Ambassador speaking personally said he felt it would be most useful if both sides could agree establishment some type of investigative body which could enter area and investigate breaches of standstill agreement. If members such group succeeded in gaining complete confidence of King it was very likely he would ultimately agree their recommendations for procedures to resolve dispute. Byroade felt this approach had considerable merit and to be worth consideration.

3. B–25 or B–26 Aircraft for Saudi Arabia

Ambassador stated his Government unhappy because United States not supplying certain B–26 planes which had been “promised”. He was informed no such commitments had been made; that question of B–25 or B–26 planes for Saudi Arabia under consideration by Defense Department and General Grover; that aircraft these categories exceedingly scarce and that in absence of trained pilots Saudis would be well advised not acquire them. Ambassador suggested however Department consider making at least one or two such planes available as demonstration pieces.

Please use foregoing material on Buraimi in replying to Foreign Office concerning United States attitude (Embtel 785⁴) and at same time reiterate our belief in arbitration.

Damascus should be guided (Damascus telegram 650⁵) by Embassy Jidda’s recommendations in replying Amir Saud.

Department would appreciate receiving more precise information on “British military operations” in Buraimi area for possible use in future approaches to British. Department attracted by Embassy Jidda’s suggestion (Embtel 785) that mutual withdrawal be proposed, presumably as second step after parties have agreed on procedure which would doubtless include provisions regarding relaxation blockade. Does Embassy Jidda believe such withdrawal could be arranged without loss of Saudi prestige?

Dulles

1. Drafted by Fritzlan and cleared by E. Repeated to Damascus, London, and Dhahran.
2. Dated Apr. 14, not printed. It reported the Saudi Arabian Ambassador had been instructed to seek U.S. views on developments in Buraimi. (780.022/4–1453)
3. For documentation on the trip of Secretary of State Dulles and Mutual Security Administrator Stassen to the Near and Middle East in May 1953, see Documents 1 ff.
4. Dated Apr. 13, not printed. It reported on a briefing given to an Embassy official by the acting head of the Foreign Office. (780.022/4–1253)
5. Dated Apr. 20, not printed. It told of a visit from the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, who was on an official visit to Syria. He was leaving Syria on Apr. 23 and asked that further information on the U.S. position on Buraimi be given to him before he left. (780.022/4–1953)