231. Telegram From the Embassy in Saudi Arabia to the Department of State1
82. 1. I called by appointment on Prime Minister–Foreign Minister Prince Faisal afternoon August 25 and, after advising him of Secretary’s proposed statement, handed him aide-mémoire reading:
Mr.Dulles expects make statement on some of issues pending between Israel and Arab States and possibility steps toward area stability and economic progress.
As statement will embody considered views USG after intensive study, Mr.Dulles hopes SAG will give it closest study and constructive consideration.
I was able make point we hoped statement would open door for helpful exchange of views, stress word “constructive”, arrange supply him English and Arabic texts, when received, and offer personally discuss them with him his convenience.
Faisal commented he would be last to question Secretary’s high motives in opening question but we should know his basic view: “It [Page 409] is impossible for Jews and Arabs to live side by side as neighbors, that is as Jewish State among Arab States. Arab world had always accepted them as individuals; and, had they established state elsewhere, Arabs would have been among first to recognize it; but Arabs can never forget or accept injustice of establishment Jewish state in their land.”
2. British Chargé d’Affaires Phillips, in compliance his instructions, called later same day on Royal Counselor for Foreign Affairs Gargoni. Latter’s only substantive comment was to effect that American and British statements would be welcomed were they to open way for Jews departure and Arabs return to Palestine.
3. We have no local comment to report as yet. It may be of interest, however, to report Aramco Vice President for Government Relations Ohliger as saying when discussing SOCONY case with me (my telegram 79, August 262) that he feared Arabs would never recognize Israel and would continue tighten boycott. This was, he said, King Saud’s policy based on deep religious conviction and not on advice given him by Royal Counselors Yasin and Gargoni. Ohliger’s relations with King are certainly more intimate and extend over longer period of years than any other American.