292. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia1
209632. For Ambassador from Secretary. FYI.
We are making a major effort through as many channels as possible to convince King Faisal of US hope maintain good relations with him and to prevent possible break in relations between us. Toward this end we have under consideration possibility of Mr. Eugene Black visiting Jidda to see King. He is old friend of the King and of many leading figures in the Middle East. Before we proceed we would like your recommendation with respect to utility such visit. We would not wish to embarrass King by requesting audience for senior American. However, if such visit possible we believe there could be real value in such meeting. Please give us your recommendation as soon as possible.2 End FYI.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POLSAUD-US. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Battle on June 7, cleared by McGeorge Bundy and Eugene Rostow, and approved by Rusk.↩
- In telegram 5205 from Jidda, June 9, Eilts responded that he was confident that the King did not intend to break relations. At that moment, however, Faisal was anxious to avoid being too publicly identified with the United States until the current Near East crisis calmed a bit, and the Ambassador argued that it was in the U.S. interest to respect his wish. Therefore, although he personally would be glad to see Black and was sure the King would hospitably receive him, Eilts saw no need for such a visit at that time and recommended that he not come. (Ibid.)↩