Office of the Historian

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

Washington, October 12, 1966, 10:30 p.m.

64986. (Following FYI Noforn, based on uncleared memcon, subject revision on review.) Following principal subjects discussed during Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Saqqaf’s call on Secretary October 11.

1. Yemen. Saqqaf convinced UAR does not want solve problem or leave Yemen at least before British departure from Aden in two years. (Secretary noted UAR still tells us they want solution and their attitude in Yemen not affected by developments in Aden.) Saqqaf believes Kuwait mediation efforts of no avail. Within Yemen, none of groups involved seems any longer satisfied with circumstances. Many Yemenis dying all parts of country from sickness and hunger. Fighting continuing in some areas where UAR is invading “royalist regions”.

Secretary queried if, following Kuwaiti efforts, putting Yemen problem into UN would be helpful. Saqqaf demurred noting none of parties had mentioned subject in the UNGA speeches and little progress to be expected since Yemen Republic was UN member.

[Here follows discussion of other subjects.]

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 7 SAUD. Secret. Drafted by Moore; cleared by Officer in Charge of Somali Affairs Peter C. Walker, Director of the Office of Northern African Affairs John F. Root, Bergus, Atherton, Campbell, and Symmes; and approved by Hare. Repeated to Cairo, Taiz, London, Aden, and USUN.↩