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

74. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate in Aden¹

Washington, August 5, 1966, 3:48 p.m.

22442. Ref: Aden’s 128.²

1. FYI. While Dept naturally prepared see Farid if he insists on visiting US, talks at this time would be of limited usefulness. As you told Farid Aug 3, there is at present little possibility of even token US aid to SAF. Re SAF security we unable go beyond June 13 press guidance (Deptel 2452,³ para la) reiterating Kennedy May 8, 1963, statement opposing use or threat of force in the Near East.

2. Dept will be undertaking in coming months extensive review South Arabian question in framework IRG. Would hope be better able discuss SAFG problems early 1967. End FYI.

3. You should inform Farid we sympathize with SAFG efforts in face many problems posed by forthcoming independence. We would of course be happy to receive him and exchange views if he desires visit Washington but feel talks at this time would have little to offer either as regards SAFG aid needs or security concerns. Assume SAFG will continue to look to HMG, as South Arabia’s long-time friend, for primary assistance in both fields. USG would hope possibly be in better position discuss South Arabian situation in coming year.

4. Dept informing British Emb Farid proposal visit US and substance para 3 above. Emb London should convey same to FonOff.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL ADEN-US. Secret. Drafted by Korn; cleared by Held (NEA/ARP), Judd, NEA Director of Regional Affairs Sidney Sober, and Director of the AID Office of Near Eastern Affairs James C. Flint; and approved by Davies. Repeated to London, Cairo, Jidda, Taiz, and CINCSTRIKE.
2. In telegram 128 from Aden, August 4, U.S. Consul Curtis F. Jones reported that Foreign Minister Muhammad Farid called on him August 3 to discuss ways the United States might help meet some of South Arabia’s needs and suggested his traveling to the United States to meet with U.S. officials. Farid said that it would not be necessary for him to go as a guest, formal or informal, of the U.S. Government. Jones noted he reiterated to Farid and other South Arabian officials that there seemed little possibility of even token U.S. aid to the South Arabian Federation, particularly in light of increased British contributions. (Ibid.)
3. See footnote 3, Document 72.