304. Telegram From the Department of State to the Consulate General in Riyadh1

For Ambassador Akins from the Secretary.

1. In your current discussions with King and principal advisers we want you to get across the following:

We have it from excellent sources that the latest Syrian moves (Syria insisting that embargo not be lifted before Syrian disengagement; movement of Iraqi troops into Syria) are a result of Soviet machinations and backed by the Libyans. All of this in our judgment is designed to abort current Middle Eastern initiative toward peace. We want Faisal and others to weigh this very carefully in their considerations and, in particular, whether it is in the Saudi interest to give Syria the kind of veto over their policy which serves Soviet machinations in the area.2

  1. Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 207, Geopolitical Files, Saudi Arabia, 4 Jan–6 Feb 74. Secret; Cherokee; Nodis. The only number on the telegram is 675. A draft of the telegram indicates that it was drafted by Sisco. (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 139, Country Files, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Dec 73–Feb 74)
  2. The original has no signature.