172. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassies in Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait1
310048. Subject: Follow-up to Secretary Blumenthal’s Middle East Trip. Ref: State 304969.2
1. Prior to departure of key officials for OPEC meeting in Abu Dhabi, addressee posts should make high-level approach to key officials concerned with forthcoming OPEC price decisions to reiterate highest level U.S. concern that decision fully reflect considerations presented by Secretary Blumenthal during his recent visit, as summarized in reference cable. Objective should be to make sure officials clearly understand depth of U.S. concern on the issue. We believe approaches should be made as soon as possible in order to have maximum impact on pre-meeting manuevering and decision process.
2. In making approaches, posts should convey Secretary’s appreciation for the courteous hearing and hospitality he received everywhere and for the public statements by the Oil Ministers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE that they would advocate continuation of the present price freeze.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, D780508–0153. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted by Ernest Chase (Treasury Department), cleared by Katz and in the Treasury Department, and approved by Cooper.↩
- See Document 168 and footnote 5 thereto.↩