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

886A.2553/5–1454: Telegram

No. 1562
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Turkey¹

secret

Washington, May 14, 1954—6:07 p.m.

1257. For Wadsworth and Byroade.² In view statements by Yassin (Jidda telegram 454³) and recent Saudi overtures to British re Buraimi Department believes it most desirable that attention be focused again upon arbitration process.

Principal difficulty at present is British insistence continue oil operations disputed area and Aramco and SAG opposition. With onset hot weather these operations would normally be suspended in May and not resumed until late in year. This factor might enable British give informal assurances to Saudis that they would suspend operations in disputed area on temporary basis without waiving any right they may consider they have carry out such operations.

Department considering sounding out British this matter stating we would be prepared if their reaction favorable make energetic representations to SAG in favor acceptance British proposals and making immediate beginning arbitration. We would also endeavor obtain Aramco’s acquiescence. In our discussion with Aramco we would emphasize urgency getting matter settled, our conviction Aramco position safeguarded by British proposals and our determination insure Aramco rights following arbitration fully respected.

We might also point out failure settle dispute by arbitration could possibly lead to deal between parties at expense Aramco. In our approach to SAG we would:

1. Reassert our belief in desirability early arbitration as most objective and equitable manner establishing and preserving Saudi claims and interests;

2. State our willingness approach British requesting informal assurances operations in disputed area would be suspended temporarily without implying waiver of right resume them;

3. State our belief SAG with this informal understanding should accept British proposals without delay and proceed with arbitration;

4. State our willingness impress upon British our hope they will treat Turki and his force with due consideration and in particular refrain from interference his water supply.

Department desires comments Byroade, Wadsworth and Embassy London re foregoing.⁴ Comments which Jidda may wish make should be sent Wadsworth.

Dulles

1. Drafted by Fritzlan and cleared by NEA. Repeated to London, Jidda, and Dhahran.
2. Wadsworth and Byroade were at the Chiefs of Mission Conference at Istanbul. For documentation on the conference, see Documents 210–212 and 824.
3. Not printed. (780.022/5–654)
4. Telegram 5175 from London, May 18, not printed, reported Byroade considered arbitration the best course to follow and suggested the British temporarily suspend their oil operations during the summer, without prejudice to their eventual rights. British Foreign Office officials, however, repeated that the continuation of oil operations was a matter of principle on which the Government was not prepared to yield, since British prestige in the area was involved. (780.022/5–1854) Ambassador Wadsworth, in telegram 740 from Istanbul, May 19, not printed, said he was not up to date on the matter; but agreed it would be desirable to urge early arbitration on both British and Saudis. He also suggested that during the period of arbitration a line be drawn somewhere in the disputed area, south of which British companies would not operate and north of which Aramco would not operate, on the understanding that the arrangement would not prejudice either side’s claims. (886A.2553/5–1954)