182. Memorandum of Conversation1
SUBJECT
- Meeting with Saudi Prince Abdallah
Saudi Arabian Participants
- HRH Prince Abdallah bin ’Abd al-Aziz al Sa’ud
- HE Shaikh Abdul Aziz al-Tuwaijiri
- The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Ali Abdallah Alireza
United States
- The Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld
- Military Assistant, RADM M. Staser Holcomb
- Deputy Secretary of Defense, William P. Clements, Jr.
- Assistant Secretary of Defense (ISA), Eugene V. McAuliffe
- Deputy Assistant Secretary (NEASA), James H. Noyes
- Country Director, Saudi Arabia, Colonel William A. Fifer, USA
- U.S. Army Project Manager, SANG Modernization, BG Richard D. Lawrence
The Secretary opened by again welcoming Prince Abdallah to the United States and expressing his appreciation for this opportunity to exchange views. The Prince replied by expressing his thanks for the invitation, particularly on the occasion of the Bicentennial celebrations. He added that these celebrations remind him of the great forefathers of our country and the principles they selected as the foundation of our democracy. He hoped Americans would continue to follow and abide by the principles of justice and right.
The Secretary added that it is good for our people to celebrate this Bicentennial, as it reminds us of the importance of these principles and is an opportunity to rededicate ourselves. It also pleases us to know so many other nations are celebrating with us, that many foreign guests are visiting the United States this year and, in particular, His Highness. Although he had not yet had an opportunity to visit the Kingdom, the Secretary wanted to assure the Prince that Saudi Arabia has many friends in the United States, in the government and, in particular, within the Department of Defense.
[Page 605]Prince Abdallah responded that he hoped these good relations would increase. He then asked the Secretary whether or not he planned to visit the Kingdom shortly. The Secretary stated he had hoped to do so, but, because of scheduling problems and meetings with Congress on the defense budget, he had been forced to postpone the trip until later. He added he appreciated the invitation and hoped to visit the Kingdom soon. The Prince commented that he wanted to be there when the Secretary came.
The Secretary mentioned that just that afternoon he had met with the admiral who had been in charge of our force in Bahrain, and that they had discussed the on-again/off-again status of our arrangements with Bahrain. He stated that his feeling about U.S. forces stationed in various places around the world is that a desirable relationship has to be based upon the mutual interests shared by both countries. The Secretary asked the Prince for his views on the continuation or discontinuation of the force.
Prince Abdallah replied that such issues must be considered in the overall context of the Middle East situation and our relations. He pointed out that, although our countries have excellent relations, the Saudis frequently are placed in an embarrassing position as a result of our friendship. Often, other Arabs accuse them of being lackeys of America, limited to parroting the American line. He observed that this is not true, that there has been a free exchange of ideas, and sometimes we agree but other times we disagree. Prince Abdallah emphasized the threat of communism to the Middle East. He pointed out that the Arabs no longer speak of throwing the Jews into the sea—that all they ask for is justice and right. However, with each passing day the case becomes more complicated. There is an opportunity now to work towards a solution, and the United States is the key to solving this problem. The Saudis feel they are the only country in the region opposing communism; they were disturbed by the turn of events in Southeast Asia, Pakistan, and Angola.
The Secretary observed that Soviet influence in the region has been complicated by their buildup in Somalia and the current Jordanian interest in Soviet missiles. He added, however, that as far as standing alone the United States is firmly anti-communist and dedicated to the principles of freedom.
Prince Abdallah stated that the Saudis realize this is our policy, but would very much like to see some tangible evidence of our intentions. He felt the American Congress is to blame. He observed that they have even blocked an adequate defense budget.
The Secretary stated that there are two important factors: first, President Ford understands the threat very well and is determined to see that the United States carries out its responsibilities to stop the adven [Page 606] turism and expansionism of the Soviet Union; second, that our Congress tends to be fairly responsive to the will of the American people. Their mood is moving toward a recognition of the threat; as an illustration: this is the first time in eight or ten years that the Congress has responded to the defense budget request in a much more supportive way. The views of the American people are shifting. History suggests this is our pattern; the pendulum swings far, but it always returns.
Prince Abdallah urged that the Department of Defense continue to give a high priority to assisting the Saudi armed forces. He stated that his National Guard program was in good shape, but that the regular army often had to wait a very long time to receive shipment of equipment. He commented that he felt it was important for America to show its support for the Arabs to eliminate any suspicions or rumors among the people. He noted that many Arabs believe that the Americans are behind the tragic events in Lebanon, and that the Saudis are accused of the same because of their very close relations with the United States. He said other Arabs criticize what seems to be Saudi inaction in Lebanon, and attribute it all to American influence.
The Secretary noted that rumors are always spread to cause problems. They must be put down by strong leadership. Prince Abdallah agreed, and added that the Russians and their friends spread these rumors but the Saudis are doing their best to fight them.
Mr. Clements commented that the very fact that we do work closely with the Saudis and support them is a positive fact which should work to refute the rumors. Others can see the benefits of our close historical relationship that has been built up on a basis of mutual consultation and interest.
Prince Abdallah said he hopes we can maintain our good relations, but doubts are sowed in cases like military assistance for Egypt—a key country in the region that stands in the face of communism—and yet when they asked for a paltry six transport airplanes, the entire American Congress rose up in protest. The Secretary observed that although there had been some opposition, the sale was approved. He pointed out that in our country each individual has the right to stand up and give his opinion; that in our Congress there always is debate on both sides; but, in the case of the planes for Egypt, in the end they were approved almost without objection.
Prince Abdallah urged that we continue to support President Sadat. The Secretary agreed and added that President Ford does, too. He said that this is our intention, plan, and pattern. However, it is unrealistic to expect that in helping another nation there will never be any dissent. However, the majority of the American people will support a sensible policy for the United States. The Secretary pointed out that the American people like to feel that what they do in the world is supported by [Page 607] others; for example, we believe the presence of Middle East Force in Bahrain is to the benefit of America, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the region. Prince Abdallah observed that was why he had digressed on the importance of American support and the evidence of such support. Many people in the region believe that America will not support them, citing the experience of Pakistan and Angola as examples. The Saudis tend to doubt the usefulness of the Middle East Force, particularly if it is inadequate in size to deal with most situations, or it is not used. Some even claim that American forces such as this one are responsible for coups and insurgencies that occur. The Prince acknowledged that these rumors are not true, but are spread by our enemies.
The Secretary asked for specific examples of such rumors. Prince Abdallah recalled that during the Cuban missile crisis the United States took immediate steps to force the withdrawal of the missiles, but in the case of Angola the Cubans were able to send large numbers of military forces there and we seemed unable to do anything about it. This was a surprise and a disappointment to the Saudis.
The time available for the meeting ended. As guests were waiting for the reception to begin, the Secretary thanked Prince Abdallah for this opportunity to exchange views. The Prince repeated that the free world hopes we will remember the principles on which our nation was founded and not abandon our responsibilities.
NOTE: The following evening at a stag dinner hosted by DepSecDef Clements for Prince Abdallah, the subject of Middle East Force came up again in the conversation. Mr. Clements pointed out that we considered the views of the Saudi Government to be the most important factor; we preferred to continue the force in the area, but would defer to Saudi desires. Prince Abdallah stated that they prefer the Gulf to remain neutral, but if forced to take a choice between an American or Soviet presence, naturally they prefer the American presence. Bahrain is a sovereign state and in the end it is their decision to make. Whatever Bahrain decides, Saudi Arabia will accept.
Summary: Prince Abdallah and Secretary Rumsfeld met to discuss arms for the Saudi National Guard and the general U.S.-Saudi military relationship.
Source: Washington National Records Center, OSD Files: FRC 330–79–0049, Saudi Arabia 000.1–399 1976. Confidential. Drafted by Fifer; approved by Rumsfeld. The meeting took place at Anderson House. Prince Abdullah visited the United States July 6–20, meeting with Rumsfeld, Kissinger, and President Ford.
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