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

780.022/11–653: Telegram

No. 1540
The Chargé in Saudi Arabia (Jones) to the Department of State¹

secret

Jidda, November 6, 1953—4 p.m.

205. In conversation November 5 Khalid Bey Gargoni gave lengthy but moderate review Buraimi issue, stating in dealing recent developments SAG confronted three alternatives: (a) Meeting force with force; (b) referring issue to UN; (c. requesting mediation third party, and had adopted latter. In view Saudi-American friendship and particularly in light President Truman’s letter, later confirmed by President Eisenhower, SAG had appealed US mediate. As time went by, SAG gradually reached conclusion in light US “attitude”, another effort should be made expedite solution through renewal negotiations with British and present negotiations were result.

According Khalid Bey it was position SAG arbitration was to be applied only to Buraimi oasis. He referred Prince Feisal’s visit US during course of which Prince Feisal had informed US authorities Buraimi issue has peculiar aspects setting it apart from other boundary problems. Now British had submitted proposal for arbitration of large area in addition Buraimi and Ashebad informed British Ambassador Pelham that morning SAG would require time study implications this new proposal. He had also informed Pelham that, in addition withdrawal troops in Buraimi oasis, SAG desired removal British controlled forces from the thirteen points in disputed territory near but outside Buraimi oasis which had been established after beginning Buraimi affair

Kahlid Bey then asked directly if US could do following:

(a) Ask British cease aggressive actions in area, which they were still continuing, in order avoid further bloodshed;

(b) Attempt persuade British agree withdraw troops from thirteen points in disputed area as well as from Buraimi in exchange for Saudi acceptance general arbitration as proposed by British.

He emphasized (b) above was his personal proposal which had not been approved by SAG.

In reply Khalid Bey I stated President’s message to King² had described what US had done assist solving dispute. Also said that, speaking personally, hoped UK and Saudi Arabia could reach agreement submit greatest extent possible disputed boundary to arbitration in order remove causes for tension in future.

Embassy will submit comments after it obtains more information regarding status 13 posts mentioned by Khalid Bey.

Jones

1. Repeated to London and Dhahran.
2. Document 1538.