Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXI, Near East Region; Arabian Peninsula

120. Telegram From the Embassy in Southern Yemen to the Department of State¹

Aden, December 15, 1967, 1000Z.

719. Ref: State 83660.² Southern Yemen.

1. Accompanied by Davis, Commander Perry and Niner I met for one hour with President Qahtan al Shaabi at presidential residence (ex-government house) after Ramadhan breakfast evening December 14. Qahtan’s manner was quiet, friendly and relaxed. His approach was direct but not forward. (Illustrative of his style was recent request by Catholic Bishop in Aden for an appointment to see him to which Qahtan replied “No, I will call on you.”)

2. During early part of conversation I was able to make points suggested in Department’s reftel except for question of Jarring mission which we will discuss along with general Arab problems before Qahtan goes to Arab summit meeting in Rabat. In addition to polite response to USG’s congratulations Qahtan seemed impressed by our stand against interference in internal affairs of other countries and he stressed that this was his govt’s policy also. He also acknowledged as true my observation that USG had remained strictly outside NLF/FLOSY dispute, and he seemed aware that republican Yemen’s accusations against US were false.

3. Without forcing issue Qahtan brought conversation around to Southern Yemen economic problems and hope for aid from advanced countries. In reply I outlined budgetary difficulties that made consideration of economic aid impossible at this time. On other hand Embassy and USG would hope to establish very close relations with Southern Yemen govt at all levels and would be on lookout for ways in which we might be helpful. Meanwhile we considered development aid primarily responsibility of former colonial power and oil producing states in area.

4. In response to my question re PRSYG’s attitude toward neighboring states Qahtan strongly reaffirmed policy of non-intervention. He reviewed at some length his discussions with Kamal al Adham in Geneva from which he said he had received impression there would be no problem in developing good ties between his govt and “brothers” of Saudi Arabia. He could not understand why Saudi recognition was still being delayed. He smiled when I replied that we were less surprised by Saudi delay in view of statements that had been made by NLF during revolutionary pre-independence period. Although USG had found that PRSYG met criteria for recognition Saudis perhaps had reason to be more cautious and wait until all aspects of PRSY policy were defined. Furthermore we understood Kamal Adham had delayed his return to Saudi Arabia. Qahtan again affirmed brotherly feeling towards Saudis and referred to presence 250,000 Southern Yemenis in Saudi Arabia. He said he hoped that both FonMin Saif al Dhalai in New York and Labor Minister, Abdul Malik Ismail in Cairo had been able to contact Saudi representatives to reassure them re Southern Yemen’s good intentions.

5. Qahtan several times referred to poverty and backwardness up-country. He asked whether we had been able to travel there to see for ourselves. When we replied that conditions have not permitted travel he said he would see to it that arrangements were made.

6. In low key Qahtan asked whether US could be of any assistance in giving special medical treatment to several NLF veterans who had lost limbs during recent fighting. I replied that treatment in US would involve long travel and considerable expense but that we would discuss matter with American doctor who is now in Aden at Queen Elizabeth hospital on temporary duty under International Committee Red Cross.

7. Qahtan mentioned hope that oil could be found in eastern regions and mentioned forthcoming visit Atlantic Richfield representative to Aden. He indicated he would welcome interest by US companies in oil exploration.

8. Qahtan said he anticipated that his govt would open an Embassy in Washington but he was awaiting return of FonMin before making definite plans. He also said it would be decided later whether an independence ceremony to which special foreign representatives would be invited, would be held after Ramadhan.

9. Before leaving I asked Qahtan whether there was any specific message he wished me to pass to USG. He replied that he could not give up hope that US as well as other advanced countries would be able to help Southern Yemen rise from its backwardness. He said he would also appreciate anything USG could do to convince Saudi Govt of his government’s good intentions toward them.

Eagleton

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL S YEMEN-US. Confidential. Repeated to Jidda and London. The Embassy in Aden was established on December 7, 1967.
2. Telegram 83660 to Aden, December 13, instructed the Charge to congratulate President Shaabi upon creation of the People’s Republic of Southern Yemen and to extend the best wishes of the United States to the new state and its people. He was to assure the President that the U.S. Government considered the internal political, economic, and social system of each country to be its own people’s affair, noting that the United States had consistently sought not to become involved in intra-Arab disputes. (Ibid., POL 16 S YEMEN)