Office of the Historian

890F.515/46a: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt (Kirk)

Washington, September 11, 1943—6 p.m.

1328. For Gunter from Treasury. Repeat to Jidda. The following is the text of the request for the lend-leasing of silver to Saudi Arabia. If the King signs the request, omit the words contained within the parentheses. If the King’s minister signs, include the words within the parentheses.

“My dear Mr. Secretary: Reference is made to previous communications between representatives of our respective governments relative to the vital need of Saudi Arabia for a supply of silver for coinage purposes.

“Accordingly, I request (on behalf of the King of Saudi Arabia) that you will be so kind as to inform the Office of Lend-Lease Administration that the need of Saudi Arabia for silver for coinage purposes during the balance of the calendar year 1943 may be met, to the extent of five million one hundred sixty-seven thousand ounces of silver, from the stocks of silver of the United States Treasury. I also request, subject to the mutual convenience of the United States and Saudi Arabia, that this silver be made available to Saudi Arabia as soon as possible.

“I am prepared (on behalf of the King of Saudi Arabia) to transmit to the Office of Lend-Lease Administration requests of Saudi Arabia for the above-mentioned silver and the agreement of Saudi Arabia to return to the United States Treasury, within five years after the end of the existing national emergency in the United States, as determined by the President of the United States, an amount of silver bullion equivalent to the total number of ounces of silver transferred to Saudi Arabia under the Act of March 11, 1941, from the stocks of the United States Treasury silver, provided, however, that if conditions of the world supply of silver make it advisable such period may be extended by agreement of both governments for an additional two years.

“It will be appreciated if you will kindly advise the Office of Lend-Lease Administration of your approval of the foregoing request.

King of Saudi Arabia or title of representative.”

  • [Treasury]
  • Hull