Office of the Historian

40. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Arab Emirates to the Department of State1

Abu Dhabi, December 16, 1973, 0655Z.

1641. Subject: Arms for Yemen.

1. At recent encounter with Yemeni Amb Qubati, Chargé mentioned to him report from our Emb in Sana’a about desire of YAR Commander-in-Chief to move ahead on Abu Dhabi-financed arms procurement deal with US. Inquired of Qubati if he aware present state of financing commitment.

2. Qubati acknowledged that Yemeni military actively clamoring for modern arms, but he gave me definite impression that YARG not pressing Zayid for funds at this time because of area situation, and especially, high state of his irritation with US. Qubati said he felt deal, as far as Abu Dhabi concerned, shelved for time being as Zayid unwilling have it be known that he purchasing US arms for Arab country, which wants them for defense against hostile Arab state. Furthermore, YAR recognizes that commitments to Arab combatants have strained AD’s reserves. Also gained impression from Qubati’s uncharacteristic questioning of rationale behind US policy severely limiting sale of arms to Arab states, that Zayid may have sounded off to Yemeni Amb over difficulty [garble] has had in obtaining certain military hardware items from US over past year and half. On other hand, Qubati may also have been reflecting frustration of YARG over its failure to convince US of need for larger or more sophisticated arms package.

3. Do not intend to raise matter of US financing of arms for Yemen with UAEG or Zayid unless so instructed. With present dipl climate on chilly side, believe best policy for us is not get directly involved in this matter leaving any contacts strictly to parties concerned.

Griffin

  1. Summary: Chargé d’Affaires Philip Griffin reported on a meeting with Yemeni Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Qubati regarding potential difficulties with the scheme for the UAE to purchase U.S. arms for the Yemen Arab Republic.

    Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 632, Country Files, Middle East, Trucial States. Secret; Exdis. Repeated to Kuwait City, Sana’a, and Jidda.

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