Office of the Historian

463. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Italy1

Washington, December 5, 1967, 2123Z.

79591. 1. Italian Counselor informed Department December 4 that their Charge in Sanaa had met with former PriMin Hassan al-Amri, now member of Republican Council and Commander of Armed Forces, on November 30 (PriMin al-Aini in North Africa and FonMin Makki in Moscow). Al-Amri reportedly received Charge cordially, expressed regret over action which led to departure US Embassy from Sanaa last June, condemned “dirty actions” against us by predecessor government (Sallal’s). Al-Amri asked Charge to convey on behalf of himself and Yemeni people Yemeni desire to resume diplomatic relations with US. Amri further stated he prepared release US mission aircraft immediately (septel).2

2. Amri expressed appreciation and gratitude to Italians for Ambassador Ortona’s discussion with Assistant Secretary Battle (State 77503 pouched USUN).3 He told Charge that YARG willing give King Faisal full assurances of YARG’s good intentions and of its determination to be good neighbor with Saudi Arabia. YARG would be grateful if US and Italy would use their good offices with SAG to that end. As for Soviet influence, Italians and US could assure Saudis that YARG would not allow any foreign state to interfere in its internal affairs. [Page 855] YARG is presently obliged to accept Soviet help in order to protect its frontiers, but Yemen is prepared accept help from any side, “especially from US” and even from Saudis. Amri concluded by suggesting that best way to circumscribe Soviet relations with Yemen is for US to resume diplomatic relations.

3. DeptOff expressed appreciation for Italian role in foregoing. Noted we had offered meet with YARG representatives informally to discuss outstanding problems but had not yet seen any specific Yemeni response. We also watching situation as closely as possible and will be most interested note developments next few days including final withdrawal UAR troops. Italian Embassy’s report (State 79142 pouched USUN)4 seemed indicate that widespread civil war is about break out again. DeptOff repeated willingness of Department to engage in informal talks with Yemeni representatives and said we would be willing send DeptOffs to New York on these occasions to meet with Yemenis there in YARG UN delegation.

4. Re Saudis, DeptOff noted we had on occasion privately counseled moderation on SAG re Yemen and would always do what we could to facilitate settlement. However, we pointed to unique position Italians currently have for using their influence with SAG, since they represented both in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. DeptOff suggested GOI might consider passing al-Amri’s remarks to Saudis through Italian Embassy Jidda. Italian Counselor said he would report this suggestion. He wondered whether USG would take further action with SAG should situation in Yemen worsen. We commented that Italians’ own reports suggested situation deteriorating and indicated it would be preferable have clearer picture of events on the ground before considering any formal approach to SAG.

5. Counselor phoned later and told DeptOff that his Foreign Office had contacted PriMin Al-Aini in Rabat regarding informal discussions with us. Al-Aini had stated he fully agreed regarding contacts in New York and would immediately instruct YARG delegation accordingly. Counselor later called to report that YARG del had on December 4 asked for appointment with Italian del New York on December 5 on means arranging contact with US officials.

6. Comment: Department plans move cautiously with these talks. Our main interest will be to show good intentions toward Yemen, while seeking YARG commitment on property claims which we shall make. With Yemen situation obviously in turmoil, Department not prepared at this time positive steps toward resumption diplomatic relations.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 YEMEN. Confidential. Drafted by Dinsmore, cleared by Arthur R. Day (IO/UNP), and Rush W. Taylor, Jr. (EUR/AIS), and approved by Brewer. Repeated to Jidda, Aden, London, and USUN.↩
  2. Not further identified.↩
  3. Dated November 30. (Ibid., POL US-YEMEN)↩
  4. Telegram 79142 to the U.S. Mission at NATO, December 4. (Ibid., POL 27 YEMEN)↩