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

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

Washington, August 28, 1964, 3:45 p.m.

117. Embtel 135.² Following Presidential message to be delivered to Viceroy:

“Your Royal Highness:

I fully appreciate the concerns expressed in your letter of August 17. Indeed I am glad that you wrote to me and expressed your views so candidly. This spirit of candor even where our views may differ has done much to insure a climate of genuine friendship and understanding between us.

You know that I particularly share your concern over the unauthorized aerial intrusions into your country about which you wrote. We are making urgent representations to the Government of the United Arab Republic. We shall keep the most careful watch on any further such developments and will seek through appropriate methods to forestall their recurrence.

I also understand and sympathize with your feeling that you need to take further measures to defend Saudi Arabia against possible attack. Ambassador Hart has informed me in detail about this problem. At the same time, my concern that the Yemen dispute not again threaten to expand to Saudi Arabia leads me to hope that your responses will be measured so as to dampen rather than increase the flame of conflict.³ I fully realize that our counsels of restraint are not always welcome, but I believe you will agree that they are honestly and sincerely meant. I would be failing in my duty as a friend if I did not express my strong belief that your own interests will be best served by your carefully refraining from reinvolvement in the strife in Yemen.

You, Your Royal Highness, are subject to singularly unique burdens. In addition to the responsibilities of leading your people on the road of social progress and economic reform, you have the added duty of maintaining the Holy Places of Islam. I well understand that this honor in serving a great world religion also has imposed on you obligations which are not shared by the leaders of other states. In the pursuit of peace which this responsibility demands, you may rest assured of the firm friendship and full support of the United States.

Let me repeat with all sincerity that our great concern for maintenance of the integrity of Saudi Arabia, expressed in word and deed over many years, remains as strong as always. We are determined to maintain and strengthen the spirit of cooperation which has linked us in friendship. As you continue to seek a stable and peaceful relationship with your neighbors, you may count on us.

May God grant to you and your people health, prosperity and peace.

Lyndon B. Johnson”

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret; Immediate; Limdis. Drafted by Moore on August 27 with text from the White House; cleared by Symmes, L. Grant (M), and Komer; and approved by James P. Grant.
2. Document 344.
3. An August 26 memorandum from Komer to the President advised: “A warm but unmistakable word of caution from you, backed by a strong pitch from our Ambassador, will help keep Yemen damped down through the election.” (Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Saudi Arabia, Memos, Vol. I, 12/63-4/67)