Office of the Historian

180. Telegram From the Consulate General in Dhahran to the Department of State0

Dhahran, March 7, 1963, 2 p.m.

246. Ambassador Bunker accompanied by Ambassador Hart and Sabbagh presented to Prince Faysal President’s letter1 approximately [Page 402] 9:30 p.m. March 6 and made detailed presentation US views on disengagement. Using material brought from the Department, approach centered on US recognition dangers confronting Saudi Arabia at this stage and desire US Government to be helpful. However if US actually sent forces to Saudi Arabia, SAG policy of aid to Royalists posed problem, making US Government accomplice in action against government (YAR) which it had recognized. Question was how this problem could be resolved. Ambassador Bunker stated US Government believed it possible simultaneously to start Egyptian withdrawals with suspension by SAG of aid to Royalists and that great pressures could be marshalled thereafter to ensure completion of withdrawal. Egyptian withdrawal would actually be initiated as soon as neutral observers on site along northern Yemeni border verified that supply activities suspended. Bunker emphasized US proposal offered Faysal honorable method disengagement with modalities to be worked out through UN. Therefore strongly urged Faysal receive Bunche. Faysal replied Bunche has not been refused permission to come Saudi Arabia (Contel 245).2

Faysal was obviously pleased with President’s letter and listened patiently Bunker’s basic presentation, expressed appreciation for both. Small acute flurry over semantics occurred during subsequent detailed discussion when Faysal froze over use of word “condition” in connection with US support Faysal regime (“conditioned on development and reform”).

This was straightened out and it made clear President’s support for Faysal constituted act of faith in Faysal’s reform and development program. (“Condition” has extremely unpleasant connotations in Arabic.) Bunker told Faysal he did not expect or even wish to have Faysal’s reactions immediately, but requested follow-up interview which set for this evening.

Saqqaf who had informed Ambassador Hart March 4 he wished to see Faysal in advance of meeting in order to condition him toward less adamant position, was present throughout interview, taking extensive notes but made no substantive comment. He assisted constructively in straightening out semantics regarding use of word “condition”. At end of interview Bunker left English copy his basic presentation and Saqqaf indicated he may seek us out privately before evening interview March 7.

Horner
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret; Operational Immediate; Limit Distribution. Also sent to Cairo, USUN, Jidda, and London.↩
  2. Document 172.↩
  3. Dated March 7. (Ibid.)↩