Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVII, Near East, 1961–1962

194. Memorandum From the Department of State Executive Secretary (Battle) to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)⁰

Washington, February 20, 1962.

SUBJECT

• Points Raised in the Meeting Between the President and King Saud

During the President’s meeting with King Saud in the White House at 4:30 p.m. February 13,¹ certain points were raised which the President wished clarified or which required follow-up action. Accordingly, the following is submitted.

1. Economic Assistance for Saudi Arabia: In accordance with the President’s assurance to King Saud that we would be prepared to consider the possibility of economic assistance to Saudi Arabia, we are (a) in touch with the Saudi Ambassador on the subject, (b) asking our Embassy in Jidda for recommendations regarding economic assistance needs and possible projects justifying U.S. assistance, and (c) giving consideration to sending one or more persons to Saudi Arabia to survey the development situation and possible assistance requirements. These steps are exploratory in nature and aimed solely at discovering what if any needs the Saudi Arabian Government now has that might justify U.S. assistance.

2. Credit Terms for Latest Saudi Arms Purchase Request. In view of the President’s indication to the King that we would examine the possibility of extending credit terms to the Saudis with respect to their latest request for purchase of approximately $16 million worth of arms, we are (a) examining the feasibility of providing such credit and (b) will await receipt from the Saudis of their views as to the nature of credit terms desired.

3. Negotiations in Saudi Arabia on the U.S. Military Training Mission. In accordance with the President’s request to be kept informed on negotiations regarding the future of the U.S. Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia, we are asking our Ambassador in Jidda to make regular reports on the status of these negotiations. As the President knows, these negotiations are just getting under way.

4. Saudi Difficulty with British in Southern Arabia: With regard to the King’s expression of concern over British policy in Southern Arabia, the President promised that we would communicate our views to the Saudis at a later date. At an early opportunity the Department will acquaint the Saudi Ambassador with our position on the matter.

5. Irritants in U.S.-Saudi Relations Raised by the President: Our Ambassador in Saudi Arabia is being requested to pursue directly with the King following the latter’s return to Saudi Arabia two irritants in U.S.-Saudi relations raised by the President: (1) customs difficulties at the Port of Dammam and (2) visa difficulties for certain categories of Americans of Jewish faith who wish to visit Saudi Arabia.

Melvin L. Manfull²

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.86A/2–2062. Secret. Drafted by Seelye on February 15 and cleared by Grant (NEA) and Williams (AID).
1. See Document 191.
2. Printed from a copy that indicates Manfull signed the original for Battle.