409. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic1
41545. 1. Department concerned at UAR tendency reported Taiz 3402 make USG scapegoat for UAR’s own problems in dealing with difficult Yemeni leadership. Accordingly Embassy Cairo should see either FonMin or Hassan Sabri al-Khouli at first convenient opportunity to make clear that gratuitous charges against US which are being floated in Yemen are not appreciated. Nor would we be inclined accept explanation that these activities are the result of initiatives undertaken by uninstructed or overzealous Egyptian satraps in Yemen. GUAR must accept responsibility for deeds of its military and diplomatic officials in YAR. These directly affect the broad spectrum of US-UAR relations. They run counter to assurances recently given by highest levels in USG and GUAR that we should work together to try to improve relations.
2. Embassy should point out that USG is one of few major Western powers to recognize YAR as sovereign and independent state. Our dealings with YAR have been on that basis. Our aid program, though small, has made real contribution to Yemeni development. We at a loss to understand how our goals for Yemen conflict with those of UAR. We remain desirous of a Yemen settlement based on honor and justice for all parties to dispute, including Yemenis.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret; Limdis. Drafted by Bergus, cleared by Moore, and approved by Davies. Repeated to Jidda, Kuwait, Aden, London, and Taiz.↩
- Document 408.↩