114. Letter from President Nixon to King Faisal of Saudi Arabia1
Now that I have returned to Washington and have had time to reflect on my visit to the Middle East, I want to share with you my thoughts about the significance for our two countries of the journey I have just completed.
[Page 413]By visiting the Middle East at this time, I wanted to demonstrate the strength of the United States commitment to work for a just and lasting peace consistent with the dignity and legitimate interests of all the states and peoples of the Middle East. I also wanted to underline the friendship of the American people for the peoples of the Arab world and to give impetus to the various steps now underway to strengthen and to give more concrete expression to the historic as well as the newly evolving links between the United States and the Arab countries. Progress toward peace, and progress in American-Arab relations, will reinforce each other, and I believe we have together made significant progress toward these objectives.
I also feel that, as a result of our talks, each of us has a better understanding of the other’s concerns, hopes and political realities. I particularly welcomed the opportunity to describe to you in detail our concept of approaching a final settlement step-by-step, so that each succeeding step will build on the confidence and experience gained in the preceding one. In this process, we consider it important that there be flexibility about procedures while keeping clearly in mind that the final goal is an overall settlement among all of the parties and on all the fundamental issues.
Your Majesty, the friendship with which I was received and the positive response I found everywhere give me hope that, with determination, patience and vision this lofty goal can and will be achieved.
I welcomed the opportunity my visit afforded for the two of us to affirm our personal support for the steps our governments are taking to give new form and structure to our traditionally close relationship. I intend to give close personal attention to the work of the joint commissions and working groups which our governments have agreed to establish. I am sure that our comprehensive and friendly discussions in Jidda have confirmed the old saying that “Old friendships, like old gold, increase in value with time.” This is why I take particular pleasure in reiterating to Your Majesty what great honor it would give us, your “American friends”—as you have so aptly called us—to receive you in our country, both formally and personally, when your circumstances permit such a welcome visit.
Your Majesty, I am convinced that we have witnessed in recent months a turning point in the history of the Middle East—a turning toward an honorable, just and durable peace—and have ushered in a new era in U.S.-Arab relations. The period ahead will be difficult at times, and the way will not always be as smooth or the pace as rapid as you and I would wish. But a direction has been set, and it is my firm intention to stay on the course we have charted.
Finally, allow me to reiterate my deepest appreciation to Your Majesty for the warm hospitality accorded Mrs. Nixon and me throughout our visit to Saudi Arabia.
[Page 414]With warm personal wishes,
Sincerely,
Summary: Upon his return from a visit to the Middle East where he met with King Faisal, President Nixon discussed the state of the region.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, box 761, Presidential Correspondence, 1969–74, Saudi Arabia, King Faisal 1972. No classification marking. Nixon met with Faisal on June 15 in Jidda. See Document 113.
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