Office of the Historian

172. Letter From President Kennedy to Crown Prince Faisal0

Washington, March 1, 1963.

Your Royal Highness: Your letter of February 22 reached me at a most opportune time. I have been deeply troubled by the recent course of events and I have been distressed at the difficulties that have arisen between friends, over Yemen, since our cordial talks last October.

I think it is clear that what is involved here is a difference over means, not objectives. We agree that the Egyptian forces should get out of Yemen. We agree that Yemen should not be used as a base for hostile action against Saudi Arabia. We agree that the Yemenis must be allowed [Page 381] to make their own decisions on Yemeni affairs. And we agree that Saudi Arabia’s integrity and stability must be defended against external intrusions. The problem is to agree on how to achieve these things.

The best way between friends to reach an understanding is through personal consultations. For this reason I have sought your permission to send Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker to you. He has a long record of distinguished service to his country, he has my complete confidence, and he is authorized to speak frankly on my behalf. I commend him to you with the hope that you will talk with him on the same basis as you would with me.

Ambassador Bunker will be able to reassure you of the steadfastness of our policy toward Saudi Arabia. Like you, we are not a fickle people who change their policies and loyalties overnight. The United States, and I personally, have a great and undiminished concern for the security and integrity of Saudi Arabia.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. I send my warmest personal regards. May God keep you and the Saudi people and grant you peace.

Sincerely,1

  1. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Yemen, Bunker/Bunche Missions. No classification marking. Attached to the source text is a note from Bundy to Brubeck dated March 1 that reads: “For your information and files. The signed copy was given to Ambassador Bunker at the White House this morning.”↩
  2. Printed from an unsigned copy. Bunker delivered the letter on March 6; see Document 180.↩