890F.24/62: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Legation in Saudi Arabia (Shullaw) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:59 p.m.]
155. Department’s 74, September 20.94 King Ibn Saud states that he will be glad to receive the American Military Mission which US Army Headquarters Middle East plans to send to Riyadh to survey Saudi Arabia needs for lend-lease military equipment. The King further requests that Moose accompany the Mission.
General Royce, Commanding Officer US Forces Middle East, plans to fly to Riyadh with the Mission and after a few days’ visit return to Cairo. The King has already given general permission for the plane to land near Riyadh and specific permission will be forthcoming, when time of arrival determined. Oil company95 willing to prepare landing field.
King will leave Riyadh for the Hedjaz near the end of the present month and will not return to his capital for several months. Mission should therefore arrive during latter half of October.
Moose is now in Dhahran and expects to arrive in Jidda October 15. If Department approves his compliance with royal request that he accompany Mission he suggests best procedure would be for him to fly to Cairo on October 18 and join General Royce’s party for the flight to Riyadh.
Additional allotment of $700 for gratuities requested for this trip. Repeated to Cairo.