203. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Tunisia1
302568. Subject: Allegations of American Involvement in Mecca Incident. For Ambassador Bosworth from the Secretary.
1. Appreciate your efforts to reach Prince Saud on allegations of American involvement in the Mecca incident. Now request you deliver following personal message from me to Prince Saud.
Begin text. Your Royal Highness:
I continue to believe it is a matter of great importance for the Saudi Government to state unequivocally that rumors or allegations of American involvement at Mecca are totally without foundation. My concern is that Interior Minister’s response to reporter earlier today (when he issued statement on Mosque situation) “There is no evidence to give rise to belief that incident is connected with other hostilities”, was not specific in dealing with the allegations that Americans engineered this behind the scenes.
2. A clarification by your government could take a variety of forms: perhaps in answer to a press query or in commentary on Saudi radio. Certainly you will be the best judge of how to make the statement.
3. I know that Your Royal Highness will feel the deep concern for the safety of Americans which prompts this personal request. I will sincerely appreciate your assisting in this clarification. With highest regards. End text.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840167–1944. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Constable; cleared by Rephel (S) and W. Scott Butcher; approved by Constable. Sent for information Immediate to Jidda and the White House.↩