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

442. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic¹

Washington, April 28, 1967, 7:16 p.m.

184712. Deliver following soonest to FonMin Riad from Secretary.

1. “Dear Mr. Minister: Over the last two days we have expressed to your Government through regular diplomatic channels our mounting concern at developments in Yemen. We have requested the United Arab Republic to use its influence with the Yemen Arab Republic to the end that American officials presently unjustly detained in Ta’izz be released and that they and those of their colleagues who are being withdrawn from Yemen be permitted to depart in dignity and safety. To these official communications I would like to add this note of personal concern.

2. I would not be frank if I did not make it clear that the events in Ta’izz and actions by Yemen government officials have significantly and adversely affected American public opinion. The fact that some United Arab Republic officials, particularly in the Ta’izz area, are participating in these events is public knowledge here. Tendentious and distorted accounts appearing in the Cairo press and over UAR radio are also widely known. All this can only prejudice and limit any efforts which either of us would hope to make to improve relations between our two countries. The improvement of these relations remains the goal of my Government as well as myself.

3. I have carefully examined the charges against certain of our American personnel in Ta’izz in the light of all the evidence at my disposal. I am convinced that these charges are absolutely without foundation. Nor have our representatives in Yemen delivered any “ultimatum” or threatened to withdraw United States recognition from the Yemen Arab Republic as press has reported.

4. We are in the midst of a very difficult and highly tense situation. I believe it in the interest of both our Governments that measures tending to calm matters down be taken as soon as possible. The constructive influence which you and your Government could exercise at this juncture is a very important element in the situation.

5. With personal regards. Sincerely yours, Dean Rusk.”²

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POLUS-YEMEN. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Bergus, cleared by Brewer and Battle, and approved by Rusk. Repeated to Taiz and Sanaa.
2. In telegram 6895 from Cairo, April 29, Nes reported that at noon that day he had delivered the Secretary’s letter to Foreign Minister Riad, who said he had no comment. (Ibid.)