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

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

Washington, March 22, 1966, 2:14 p.m.

548. Re Deptel 520.² Following is summary Secretary’s March 17 letter to British Ambassador in reply UK demarche March 12 (text being pouched):

1. USG shares UK desire that UK/US air defense sales Saudi Arabia be carried out without change.

2. However sending squadron RAF aircraft to Saudi Arabia under present circumstances would have seriously disturbing effect on Saudi-UAR negotiations regarding Yemen. Could be disservice to SAG since would invite hostile propaganda attacks by UAR and others. Introduction RAF units or employment British subjects to fly Saudi aircraft in combat operations would not be in US, UK or Saudi interest.

3. US would naturally be most concerned should Saudi integrity be threatened. However, US commitment is of strictly limited nature. Has been made clear to Faisal it does not extend to providing military cover for Saudi operations in support of hostilities in Yemen or to any Saudi actions of provocative nature.

4. We hope report Prince Sultan’s apparent satisfaction at UK offer supply limited number Lightning MKI and Hunter MK6 aircraft at early date is indication that Saudis will not press for RAF units or put forward other request which could disturb current delicate balance in Near East.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, DEF 12-5 SAUD. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted by Korn; cleared by Symmes, Judd, Colonel Byrd, and Meyers; and approved by Davies. Repeated to London, Cairo, Taiz, and CINCSTRIKE.
2. See footnote 3, Document 263.