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

206. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Kuwait¹

Washington, May 3, 1965, 6:31 p.m.

221. Deptel 67 October 16, 1964.² Embtels 492,³ 500.⁴ Douglas Washington Rep reported same info Embtel. Department told Douglas Nike-Hercules classified and introduction this missile would entail security survey. We doubt GOK can meet requirement U.S. security standards. Although Douglas authorized talk GOK about aircraft, we did not authorize discussion missiles and related equipment. We did not wish encourage sale Hawks, sidewinders or any other type missile. Informed Douglas that if GOK made Government to Government request we would study problem. You authorized respond along foregoing lines to any further queries Douglas agent Kuwait.

FYI. GOK not eligible purchase mil equipment under Military Assistance Sales Program. In view tacit understanding with UK that we are prime supplier to Saudi Arabia while British have same position Kuwait, we have not asked that GOK be added eligibility list.

We do not intend sell Nike-Hercules to Douglas to make them available GOK. In view (1) necessity security survey and unlikely event GOK can meet US security standards and (2) current problems arms sale this area vis-a-vis Israel, we do not wish sell this type equipment GOK. Rationale Deptel 67 applicable. If approach made by GOK you should endeavor discourage their requesting such equipment. End FYI.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, DEF 12-5 KUW. Secret. Drafted by Bunte; cleared by Quinn, Stevens (ILN), Moore, G/PM Office of Politico-Military Affairs Director for Operations Howard Meyers, G/MC Policy and Intelligence Division Chief J. Harold Darby, and NEA/NR Director of the Office of Near Eastern, South Asian Regional Affairs Guy A. Lee; and approved by Jernegan. Repeated to London, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, and CINCSTRIKE POLAD for Ramsey.
2. Not printed. (Ibid.)
3. In telegram 492 from Kuwait, April 28, Cottam reported that the Douglas aircraft representative in Kuwait had told the Embassy that Kuwait wanted to purchase U.S. Nike-Hercules or Hawk defensive missiles immediately. (Ibid.)
4. Dated May 3; not printed. (Ibid.)