254. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia1
120410. Subject: Letter to Khalid. Jidda for the Charge. Cairo for the Ambassador.
1. Secret (Entire text)
2. Please arrange for immediate delivery of the following letter from President Carter to King Khalid.2 Signed original being pouched.
3. Begin text. Your Majesty,
The spirit of friendship and respect that underlies the relationship between our two countries requires that I bring to your personal attention a matter of great concern to me. As Your Majesty is aware, we have consistently sought to coordinate our efforts with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of stability, security and justice in the Middle East. While we have not always agreed on specific issues, I have felt that our broad objectives are fully compatible, rooted as they are in our national interests and our historic ties to one another. I am confident that you share this view of the importance of maintaining the closest possible relations between our countries.
4. It is thus with great concern that a statement3 has been attributed to Foreign Minister Saud that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is no longer prepared to assist Egypt in acquiring the F–5E aircraft that we have agreed to sell. This report is particularly surprising in light of explicit commitments and promises made by your government.
5. Apart from my personal concern for the effect that such a decision could have on US-Saudi relations, I am also deeply worried about the encouragement such a decision could give to those who do not wish good US-Saudi relations. Egypt, which remains committed to a comprehensive peace, will be further isolated from her Arab brothers and may find it difficult to play an effective role in the next stage of negotiations dealing with the question of the Palestinians. In addition, the Soviet Union and its allies in the Middle East may try to capitalize on this [Page 845] development to encourage radical and destabilizing forces in Egypt and elsewhere in the Arab world.
6. Your Majesty, I want you to know that I am a strong proponent of US-Saudi friendship. It has been my honor to meet with you and your colleagues. We have worked together to strengthen our relations in all areas, and the American public and Congress have been supportive of these steps. Now much of what we have achieved could be jeopardized by a decision which does not serve our common interests. I strongly urge that you not permit any modification of the assurances given to me to assist Egypt in purchasing the F–5E aircraft that are essential to her defense.4
7. In closing, let me repeat that I am fully committed to cooperating with Saudi Arabia in all fields. As friends, we have maintained a constant dialogue on matters of mutual concern, and I am confident that we shall be able to resolve our differences amicably.
8. With my best personal wishes for your health,
Sincerely,
(signed) Jimmy Carter
End text.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850027–2159. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Raphel; cleared by Saunders (in draft) and Richard Castrodale (S/S–O); approved by Vance. Sent for information Immediate to Cairo and the White House.↩
- On May 12, Daniels delivered Carter’s letter to Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Abd al-Aziz Thunayan, who said he would convey it to Khalid “immediately.” (Telegram 3708 from Jidda, May 13; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P850027–2406)↩
- See Document 251.↩
- This point was repeated by Brown in a letter to Sultan, conveyed in telegram 123107 to Riyadh, May 15. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790218–0703) Daniels delivered the letter on May 16. (Telegram 3807 from Jidda, May 17; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D790223–0733)↩