Office of the Historian

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

Washington, June 10, 1965, 6:32 p.m.

639. YARG Charge Discussion with Talbot.

In call June 9 on Asst Secretary Talbot, Yemeni Charge Geghman, who just returned from consultations Cairo with YARG FonMinAl-Aini, made following points on behalf FonMin:

1.
Present YARG, under Numan, is at critical juncture and vitally needs support friendly countries. Desperately hopes US will use its influence convince Faisal cooperate with Numan government as last hope for avoiding descent Yemen into utter chaos.
2.
New YARG received full confidence representatives overwhelming number Yemenis at Khamr conference on basis that government would bring about expeditious withdrawal Egyptians. Nasser promised Numan during recent discussions Cairo that he would remove troops when Yemenis requested. (Geghman, in subsequent conversation Dept Officer, said tribal chiefs able force Egyptians withdrawal and took oath at Khamr they would do so if UAR did not act if and when requested by YARG.)
3.
Faisal cooperation is key to settlement in Yemen. While Faisal’s publicly stated plan for solution does not appear practical, YARG ready sit down to discussions with “Saudi brothers” at any time. Realize Faisal may have personal negative feelings toward Sallal; however, he [Page 698] should realize Sallal no longer chief spokesman for YARG but has “stepped down” to present position as head Republican Council.
4.
Yemenis do not desire involvement in SAG-UAR problems but wish only seek improvement SAG-UAR relations.
5.
YARG particularly grateful for US PL 480 wheat shipments. Food will continue be item critically important for stability in country for next six months; YARG hopes US will be able supply further shipments. (Talbot said would investigate.)

In response Talbot indicated our support for peaceful solution and government of Yemen by Yemenis. Said from our experience he doubted whether non-Arab power able appreciably help solve this Arab problem. Hoped various Arab leaders would have opportunity discuss matter in Algiers.

Geghman gave no specific reply when Talbot asked if YARG wished us transmit above points to SAG as direct message from Yemenis. (Assume his instructions not this precise.) However, suggest Jidda pass gist points 1-4 above to Saqqaf.2

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret. Drafted by Moore, cleared by Davies and Director of the AID Office of Near Eastern Affairs James C. Flint, and approved by Talbot. Repeated to Taiz, Cairo, and London, and Aden.↩
  2. The Numan cabinet resigned on July 1. On July 18 President Sallal asked former Prime Minister Hassan al-Amri to form a new government.↩