242. Message From Saudi Minister of Petroleum Yamani to Secretary of State Kissinger1

[Omitted here is information unrelated to oil.]

We were not able to pass a Resolution, but passed a recommendation to be approved by the heads of state of the concerned countries. The recommendation provides for removal of the embargo when the Israelis accept to withdraw from all the occupied Arab territories according to a timetable.2 I hope that this will give the U.S. Government a stronger voice in dealing with the Israelis to speed up their acceptance for a peace conference and withdrawal. I also hope that the circumstances might change a little bit to enable us to move another step.

[Omitted here is information unrelated to oil.]

  1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 139, Country Files, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Nov–Dec 1973. Secret; Sensitive.
  2. On November 19, the OPEC Ministers, meeting in Vienna at the OPEC Ministerial Conference, announced that a planned cutback in exports to Europe would not be implemented. The embargo on the United States and The Netherlands would remain in place until a peace settlement based on the inadmissibility of acquisition of territory by force was achieved. The next day it was reported that Saudi Arabia would increase production if Israel agreed to a timetable for withdrawal. (The New York Times, November 19 and 20, 1973)