890F.24/67
The Assistant Secretary of State (Berle) to Brigadier General Boykin C. Wright 9
My Dear General Wright: I refer to your letters of November 8 and November 13, 1943, addressed to Mr. Alling,10 quoting paraphrases of cables relating to a request of the Saudi Arabian Government to be furnished with military supplies.
In the interests of political stability in the Near East, it is considered essential that the Saudi Arabian Government be provided with sufficient military supplies to preserve internal security. However, it is believed that such supplies should be provided only in such quantities as are determined necessary for the preservation of law and order within the country, and that they should be held to the minimum requirements needed for this purpose. It is recommended, furthermore, that these military supplies be provided in substantially equal measure by the Government of the United States and by the British Government.
[Page 914]It is noted that an American military mission headed by General Royce is expected to proceed to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of determining the types and quantities of supplies needed. As you know, King Ibn Saud has indicated that he will be glad to receive General Royce and the Mission at Jidda on December 12, 1943.
Sincerely yours,