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

124. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

Washington, January 24, 1968, 0114Z.

103449. Jidda 2485² and 2526.³

1. In addition to good line reported reftels, Ambassador may draw on following in discussions with Saudi officials and diplomatic colleagues on question of readjustments in Persian Gulf following British withdrawal.

2. USG naturally concerned re implications British troop withdrawal from Gulf by end 1971. Nevertheless, while we will be studying question in detail in coming months, we have no plan, general or specific, as to future.

3. In our view, evolving situation in Gulf is one to which states of area should address themselves. It will require patience and statesmanship to develop improved relations and take other measures which may seem necessary to states themselves in order safeguard area stability. We remain sympathetic and desire be helpful where practicable in this evolutionary process, but USG is not contemplating direct role.

4. We do feel strongly that there are elements in British presence, unconnected with military position, which littoral states may find beneficial retain. Those states themselves will know best what these elements are, but in our view it is premature to suggest that the UK will have no interest or influence in the Persian Gulf after 1971. We ourselves believe there will be continuing need for constructive and mutually helpful association smaller Arab littoral states with UK and are appropriately encouraging British authorities to continue do what they can play meaningful role in Gulf. British troop withdrawal is only one step in long process of gradual emergence Gulf area in modern world and we do not believe this can take place either dramatically or overnight.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 19 TRUCIALST. Confidential. Drafted by Brewer and Dinsmore on January 23; cleared by Eliot, Cheslaw, and Country Director for Turkey John M. Howison; and approved by Brewer. Repeated to Ankara, Dhahran, London, Kuwait, Rawalpindi, Tehran, and CINCSTRIKE.
2. In telegram 2485 from Jidda, January 21, Ambassador Eilts reported that he had discussed Under Secretary Rostow’s recent comments in a BBC interview on new security arrangements in the Persian Gulf separately with Saudi Foreign Ministry Official Mohammad Mas’ud, and the Turkish and Iranian Ambassadors, each of whom had expressed surprise that Rostow had included Turkey and Pakistan among countries having security interests in the Gulf. (Ibid.)
3. In telegram 2526 from Jidda, January 23, Eilts reported that he had discussed the U.S. assessment of the current Yemen situation with Mas’ud and urged the Saudi Government to do its utmost to encourage the Yemeni royalists to cooperate with the tripartite committee’s efforts to find a peaceful political solution acceptable to all. (Ibid., POL 27 YEMEN)