Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIV, Middle East Region and Arabian Peninsula, 1969–1972; Jordan, September 1970

109. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Dhahran¹

Washington, November 27, 1971, 2111Z.

215001. Subj: Ras al Khaimah Request for U.S. Support. Ref: Dhahran 1560.²

1. Dinsmore requested personally deliver following reply to Deputy Ruler Ras al Khaimah:

“Your Highness:

I have received your letter of November 27 asking the United States to reconsider Ras al Khaimah’s earlier request for recognition and support in light of the decision by the United Kingdom to terminate the treaty relationship with Ras al-Khaimah on December 1.

During our recent discussion in Washington and in your subsequent talks with other American officials³ we tried to convey the sincere friendship of the United States for Your Highness, His Highness the Ruler, and the people of Ras al Khaimah and our appreciation for the difficult decisions facing Ras al Khaimah during this period of historic transition in the Gulf. I would like to reiterate our concern for the welfare and prosperity of Ras al Khaimah and of all its neighbors. As you know, the United States Government considers it in the interests of those Gulf states becoming independent this year to join in the largest and most effective grouping possible. I believe that Ras al Khaimah and its neighbors are also dedicated to this concept of cooperation and unity.

As the Gulf states enter a new era of independence, each will face numerous difficult problems calling for cooperation to enhance mutual security and prosperity. From our own American experience in forming a union, we recognize that initial arrangements need not be permanent and that states with the need and will to join together can eventually find workable arrangements. Therefore, I urge that Ras al Khaimah not take decisions now that might set it unilaterally on a course away from future cooperation with her neighbors, and that you reconsider the possibilities of joining with other Gulf states in the coming months.

I assure Your Highness that the position of the United States Government is based on concern for Ras al Khaimah’s security and welfare. Personally, I wish to reiterate my pleasure in meeting Your Highness during your recent visit to Washington and to stress my hope to soon again have the pleasure of renewing our acquaintance and of meeting His Highness, the Ruler.

Warmest personal regards,

Sincerely, Joseph J. Sisco”

2. In view travel problems cited your immediate message just received suggest you go to Bahrain morning November 28 to coordinate timing of delivery above message with Residency in light possible British “last try” with Ruler of RAK. Whether or not British see Ruler again believe it would be helpful for Khalid to have above reply not later than November 29. While it might be additional help for you to deliver it to him personally and to convey its substance to Ruler, leave this to your judgment in light of fast developing and British orchestrated situation in area.⁴

3. Request London brief FCO on above.

4. FYI We have not received Khalid’s letter of November 24.⁵ End FYI.

Irwin

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL TRUCIAL ST–US. Secret; Immediate. Drafted by Twinam; cleared by Davies and Atherton; and approved by Sisco. It was repeated Immediate to Beirut, Jidda, London, and Manama, and Priority to Kuwait and USUN.
2. Telegram 1560 from Dhahran, November 27, transmitted a letter from Khalid Bin Saqr al-Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah. (Ibid.)
3. Sheikh Khalid and his delegates had lobbied the United States for recognition of Ras al-Khaimah as an independent state outside of the federation, U.S. good offices in settling the islands dispute with Iran, and a 1-year U.S. AID program. In return, Sheikh Khalid offered the United States a military base anywhere within Ras al-Khaimah’s sovereign territory. (Telegram 176693 to Dhahran, September 24; telegram 203909 to Dhahran, November 9; and telegram 206438 to Beirut, November 12; ibid.)
4. Sisco’s letter was delivered on November 29. The Deputy Ruler’s response was one of “resigned bitterness,” followed by a statement of intent to declare independence. (Telegram 1582 from Dhahran, November 30; ibid.)
5. The letter was pouched in airgram A–140 from Dhahran, November 30, and received in the Department on December 9. (Ibid., POL 19 RAS AL KHAIMAH)