Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The Near and Middle East, Volume IX, Part 1

Conference files, lot 59 D 95, CF 156

No. 34
Memorandum of Conversation, Prepared in the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

secret
ST D–7

Riyadh, May 18, 1953—9 p.m.

Subject:

• Saudi Arabia

Participants:

• United States
  • The Secretary
  • Mr. Stassen
  • Ambassador Hare
  • Mr. Byroade
  • Mr. MacArthur
  • Interpreter
• Saudi Arabia
  • The King [Ibn Saud]
  • Crown Prince Saud
  • Prince Faisal, Foreign Minister
  • Sheikh Yussef, Deputy Foreign Minister, and two advisors

Summary

The King initiated the conversation by asking whether there was anything Mr. Dulles wished to discuss. Mr. Dulles replied that he was ready for any discussion in connection with the existing friendship of their two nations. Mr. Dulles continued, saying all that he had in mind was the development of friendly relations between their two countries and that these friendly relations must be stronger now than ever before. As proof of such belief, Mr. Dulles said, President Eisenhower had sent him and Mr. Stassen on this visit to Saudi Arabia to get in touch personally with the King. Mr. Dulles pointed out that this was clear evidence of the keen interest the United States had in Saudi Arabia. He said he could not foretell the policy which would be formed after his return to the U.S., but he believed it would be a more understanding policy and stronger than it was in the past. He said that America has great responsibilities all over the world and cannot meet them as she alone pleases. It is President Eisenhower’s policy, Mr. Dulles stated, to consider the whole world equally, without neglecting any part of it. Mr. Dulles added that the U.S. believes there is a threat of war by the communists and does not like to put any pressures on activities which might cause a split between the forces facing this common enemy.

The King stated that he agreed with what Mr. Dulles said, but he asked whether or not the U.S. would like to have some more friends to cooperate in such a cause. Mr. Dulles said yes, the U.S. would like to have such friends. The King then inquired regarding the attitude of the U.S. toward Saudi Arabia. Mr. Dulles replied that he and his party were in Saudi Arabia to emphasize the friendship exisiting between their two countries. The King then replied that Saudi Arabia had had a heavy blow. Mr. Dulles inquired regarding the nature of this heavy blow. The King said Mr. Dulles was well acquainted with it from the reports he was receiving. Mr. Dulles requested further explanation.

The King then said he would frankly relate what he had on his mind. At the same time he did not want to bother his friends by asking them for something that could not be done; but if his friends had deserted him, he wished to know what the situation was. Mr. Dulles replied that, in fact, the U.S. had not deserted him, and that this visit to Saudi Arabia was proof of what he was saying. The King then said that Saudi Arabia had treated America sincerely and cordially on the basis that America would be firm in its friendship toward Saudi Arabia, that it would not change its policies according to circumstances, and that both countries would be working toward one aim. Upon Mr. Dulles’ request for further explanation, the King replied that, as Mr. Dulles knew, Saudi Arabia had enjoyed an old friendship with the British, and that the British would change their policies amazed him. The King continued, saying Saudi Arabia had learned that this change of policy by the British was the result of the friendship of Saudi Arabia with America, particularly after Saudi Arabia had given the oil concession to the U.S. As a result, the British had adopted a counter policy and had begun to chase Saudi subjects from their own country. (The King was referring to the Buraimi situation.²) The King added he was sure that Mr. Dulles, as Secretary of State, was well acquainted with the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Britain, particularly as it had been explained by his son Faisal when he was in America, and he had been expecting to hear from Mr. Dulles for some time about it. The King said that the British used to call him “a man of the black night,” but that now they were calling him an aggressor. The King continued, saying that for a long time he had been explaining to America the dispute existing between him and the British, but with no result. The King said he was sure Mr. Dulles would not give him false promises and hollow words, as he was weighing so carefully what he was saying.

Mr. Dulles said that when Prince Faisal was in America they discussed this subject and exchanged notes with Mr. Churchill and Mr. Eden when they were in Washington. He said the U.S. urged the British not to take any aggressive measures and to take action which would maintain the prestige and the honor of the King. The King said all he wanted to do was to maintain his rights. Mr. Dulles said it was possible for the U.S. to use its influence but it was not in possession of the authority to dictate policy to any other state. The King replied that, such being the case, he was sure Saudi Arabia’s rights would be lost and that the obligation given by the U.S. was of no value. Mr. Dulles again reiterated that although the U.S. was using its influence with the British, the U.S. could not dictate policy to them, any more than it could to Saudi Arabia. Mr. Dulles added, however, that the U.S. had some influence with the British, and he considered that the subject had not yet been closed. The King said all he wanted to do was to determine who the aggressor was and to stop him. Mr. Dulles said the U.S. was not the lord of the world, but only one country. The King said all he wanted was for the U.S. to execute its promises given in the letter sent to him by President Truman and confirmed by President Eisenhower. Mr. Dulles requested that the King permit him to discuss the details with the Ambassador, as he would like to know about this letter. The King said he could discuss it with the Ambassador and meet tomorrow with the people of Saudi Arabia to discuss the subject again. Mr. Dulles commented that President Eisenhower had taken over the duties of President only three months ago and, although working extremely hard, had not acquainted himself with everything.

Mr. Dulles then said that before taking leave of the King, he would like to express his thanks for his kindness and hospitality. He said President Eisenhower had sent with him a simple gift, from one friend to another. After the King had accepted the gift, Mr. Dulles said Mr. Stassen and all of his group joined him in expressing thanks for the generosity and welcome, by which they were overwhelmed. Mr. Stassen remarked that he would like to join the Secretary in expressing thanks. He continued, saying that having heard what was on the King’s mind, he believed it would be of help in studying this situation which was of such great concern to the King. The King then said, addressing the American group, that the main point was that they were not living up to their promises and that if the British had a single proof that the area under discussion was theirs, he was ready to accept such proof. But that, on the other hand, he had the proof that the area was his father’s and forefathers’ for over five hundred years. Mr. Dulles then asked permission to depart.

1. This converation took place at Riyadh. The memoranda of conversations in Saudi Arabia were dictated by Mohammed, Ambassador Hare’s Arab adviser, to Good, a warrant officer from the Secretary’s party who acted as recorder.
2. For documentation on the Buraimi boundary dispute between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, see Documents 1466 ff.