890F.24/10–2743
Memorandum by Lieutenant Colonel Roger W. Jones 2 to Mr. W. Leonard Parker, of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
The following message has been received from General Crain, U.S. Executive of the London Munitions Assignments Board. The message was shown to the U.S. Embassy before transmission. Identifying numbers are: London 5972, and War Department CM–IN–15203, 25 October 1943.
Paraphrase.
On 3 August 1943, the State Department was informed by the Foreign Office of views respecting munitions for Saudi Arabia. There have been furnished to Ibn Saud by U.K. 50 reconnaissance cars from obsolete Middle East stocks; 100 M 1919 A4 machine guns, (Canadian made) and modified for 303 cartridges; 2,500 303 rifles and 125 Bern machine guns. As requested in your instructions 9 October, I have requested that the transfer be suspended pending receipt of instructions. The British propose following solution: U.S.A. to furnish Arabians with one-half of the machine guns and 5,000 303 rifles from U.S. or U.S. controlled production. In effect, this will divide equipment equally between the two countries except as to reconnaissance cars and 1919 A4 machine guns. If U.S. accepts, U.K. can turn over to the Commanding General in Cairo 5,000 303 rifles for delivery to Ibn Saud on U.S. account. The British desire to keep at a minimum equipment placed in Saudi Arabia.
- Of the Munitions Assignments Board.↩