121. Memorandum for the Record1
MEMO OF RECORD: Discussion Between Prince Turki of Saudi Arabia and Secretary of Defense Schlesinger and Deputy Secretary of Defense Clements
1. The Prince asked that the Secretary convey to President Ford greetings and best wishes from King Faisal, together with hope for success and prosperity in his Administration. The Prince indicated that he wanted to assure the Secretary of King Faisal’s desire to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of paying no attention to efforts from various sources [Page 429] to disrupt relations between the two countries. He believes that now is the time to strengthen relationships in pursuit of the common objective of peace and prosperity in the Middle East. The Prince indicated that while he was well aware of the difficulties the USG must face in dealing with the problems of the Middle East, it was his hope that the U.S. Mission at the UN would adopt a flexible position with regard to the Palestinian issue.
2. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the Prince’s views and for his greetings which he would convey to the President.
3. The Prince indicated that statements of President Ford concerning the Middle East have been well received and appreciated by Arab Governments. He emphasized again that a flexible position of the USG on the Palestinian issue is important and that it would make the task easier for King Faisal to bring about the kind of settlement desired by the USG and which Secretary Kissinger has been attempting to work out.
4. The Secretary indicated that he would convey these specific points to Secretary Kissinger and the President, and particularly the point on flexibility of the U.S. Mission at the United Nations.
5. Secretary Clements said that the position of the USG calls for some movement on the Palestinian issue. He personally felt strongly on this point and believed that the Secretary of Defense shared his views. However, how far we could go in terms of achieving our objective would depend on flexibility of both sides.
6. The Prince indicated that the initiative should be up to the U.S. He did not wish to place a greater burden on U.S. shoulders but the Saudi Government is prepared to provide whatever assistance it could. The sooner that flexibility occurs, the sooner there will be peace in the area. The present leaders in all of the Arab States are men eager to move together in finding a settlement based on peace and justice. All of these leaders want to improve relations with the U.S. and it is important that they receive encouragement at this time. The Prince said he was aware of U.S. Government difficulties but believed that it would be possible to achieve a common objective. Once again there is a word of warning—do not pay attention to those who seek to destroy good relations between our two countries. This relationship of friendship is reflected in statements recently issued by Secretary Kissinger and also in correspondence from President Ford. The Prince also expressed best wishes for a speedy recovery by former President Nixon.
7. The Secretary remarked on the eloquent comments of the Prince concerning the Palestinian question. He said that we are keenly aware of the friendship that King Faisal has shown and that the Saudi people have expressed toward the United States since the 1930’s. He said that the views of the leaders of Arab nations are well understood and that [Page 430] the Prince’s comments would be conveyed to President Ford and to Secretary Kissinger.
8. The Prince noted that friendship between the two countries dates back at least to the time of President Roosevelt. He said that the SAG knows what its security interests are and that the USG should give further military support.
9. Secretary Clements said that both he and Secretary Schlesinger had discussed the matter of support many times. He also discussed this with Secretary Kissinger. The relationships which both governments have is something which must be safeguarded and protected. This relationship has special problems such as the Palestinian issue and it is in the best interests of both governments to get the problem solved.
10. The Prince agreed that the special relationship between the two countries must be protected. The Prince went on to point out that it was important to strengthen military capabilities and that the SAG has come to the U.S. because of friendship to the U.S., because U.S. equipment is superior, and because it is felt that the U.S. would respond to the Saudi needs. In closing, the Prince quoted remarks of King Faisal upon the Prince’s departure for the U.S., “Please emphasize to our friends in the United States, our urgent need for them to meet our military requests which we regard as important.”
11. The Secretary indicated that we are anxious to move ahead as soon as possible in strengthening Saudi military capabilities and that this continues to be a matter addressed by the Joint Commission. However, the capacity of the available trained manpower to absorb additional training and equipment becomes the pacing factor. Secretary Clements indicated that this is the number 1 issue and the Prince concurred, saying this is a point which King Faisal makes with all visitors.
12. The Prince raised one final point on behalf of Prince Sultan in regard to arms for Egypt. He expressed eagerness that this request be fulfilled as soon as possible.
13. The Secretary pointed out that legal issues are involved with transfer of equipment to a third party. Such transfer requires a finding by the Secretary of State and subsequent public disclosure. This would raise an issue on which we should ponder. The Prince said that he was aware of such difficulties but wanted to emphasize the urgency because both countries should do all they possibly could to end the dependence of Egypt upon Soviet assistance.
14. The Secretary said he would discuss this matter with Secretary Kissinger upon his return. Once again, he thanked the Prince for his courtesy in transmitting the King’s greetings. He said that the Prince had spoken most eloquently of the Palestinian tragedy which we must [Page 431] attempt to correct in terms of historical justice. The Prince said he had no doubts about the Secretary’s feelings on this matter.
15. [4½ lines not declassified] Secretary Clements said that in regard to the broader issue of training that our desire is to assist as quickly as possible. However, it would be necessary for the SAG to make available people for training. He noted that for years Iran has had 10,000 students in the U.S. and that only when a country could achieve such a volume of long-term training could the SAG hope to accomplish the things which they desired to do in terms of commercial change and improved defenses. The Prince indicated that this is exactly what he desired to do.
Summary: The memorandum provided notes of a discussion among Prince Turki, Schlesinger, and Clements regarding military supply.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OASD Files: FRC 330–78–0011, Saudi Arabia, 091.112 1974. Secret; Sensitive. A copy of the memorandum was provided to Prince Turki’s delegation, as per the attached November 25 written note from Wickham to Ellsworth. A note on the attached addendum reads: “Dep Sec has seen.”
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