193. Telegram From Secretary of State Rogers to the Department of State 1
Secto 133/629. For the President from the Secretary. I have just completed a successful 24-hour visit to the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) capped by a resumption of diplomatic relations.2
Yemen has a larger population than Saudi Arabia. Its strategic location at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula makes it an important country in this part of the world. They are particularly concerned about two things: (A) the Soviet and Chinese Communist toehold in South Yemen which gives them a stepping stone to other parts of the Peninsula, particularly into North Yemen and Saudi Arabia; B) primitive character of their society, in dire need of development, but lacking in any appreciable outside investment.
They welcomed resumption of relations; leading officials and the crowds were warm and friendly; and it was clear we have a lot of friends in this country. Both the Saudis and Libyans who are concerned over Communist inroads in the Peninsula have committed themselves to help North Yemen develop a defense force in case the Communist supported regime of South Yemen decides on some military adventure. We have been and intend to continue encouraging the Saudis to be more helpful to North Yemen and just a few days ago Faisal gave them an additional 10 million dollars. As to our small 3 million dollar aid commitment, we and the Yemenis will canvass priority projects such as water and a survey to determine whether there is oil and copper or other minerals which can eventually become foreign exchange earners. This will be money well spent because the leadership seems to be a good one, particularly Prime Minister al-Ayni. We are also going to help interest the foundations, the World Bank, and the UN Development Program to try to meet some of their main needs more promptly. We will want to follow up promptly in such areas now that we have resumed relations.
Our hope is that the Yemen decision to resume relations might stimulate others such as Sudan and Algeria to follow suit.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 953, VIP Visits, Secretary of State’s Visit to the Mid-East and European Countries, June 28–July 7, 1972. Secret; Exdis. Another copy, marked “Eyes Only,” is ibid.↩
- The Yemen Arab Republic resumed diplomatic relations with the United States on July 1.↩