780.022/7–653: Telegram
No. 1525
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom
(Aldrich) to
the Department of State1
82. In compliance Deptel 98,2 Embassy today approached Foreign Office regarding Department’s conclusions re recent incidents among Beni Kaab, importance earliest possible implementation arbitration and desirability both sides consider sending neutral observer as advanced element arbitration body.
Foreign Office official, while acknowledging dived loyalty Beni Kaab, nevertheless thought there would be no further incidents of this kind if Ibn Saud would show firm hand in keeping Turki in line. Official expressed opinion that any neutral officials sent to area should be within context general settlement, i.e., agreement on the arbitration, withdrawal, etc. For that reason, UK would not favor sending neutral observer Buraimi at this time.
Foreign Office official reiterated hope that President might find it possible to suggest to Saudis mutual withdrawal coupled with tripartite supervisory commission. He noted in this connection Ibn Saud’s latest letter to President suggesting tripartite investigating commission with US, UK and Saudi participation. Official thought this suggestion tied in closely with suggestion Makins had been instructed make to Under Secretary and was good augury for Saudi agreement.
[Page 2554]Comment: Embassy believes British reaction to alternative machinery which Department is presently considering in connection Buraimi dispute is likely be governed primarily by whether neutral observer and supervisory personnel would (1) be superimposed on present status quo, or (2) involve British withdrawal to point of equalizing their forces with Saudis. As reported previous telegrams, British feel strongly that onus for present situation lies with Turki because of his incursion into Hamasa. British therefore strongly oppose any solution which would result in Turki remaining Buraimi and British withdrawing even part of their forces. They maintain their agreement to such course of action would have highly unfavorable effect on Muscat, British protected Sheikhdoms and local tribes. Additionally, of course, they are concerned about Turki continuing his alleged suborning of local tribes.
While Department’s suggested formula should serve to minimize Turki’s activities, Embassy believes it doubtful that British would consider it met their concern re local reactions if coupled with equalization of forces. Embassy believes, however, British would consider formula if machinery were superimposed on maintenance status quo, although they will undoubtedly make further efforts to obtain our support for their preferred solution of mutual withdrawal to which they say they believe Saudis might agree.
Embassy unclear as to just how British would exercise supervision over Turki’s activities and Saudis over British. In Embassy’s opinion, there would be less prospect of friction and more prospect of constructive supervision if responsibility were vested in tripartite commission composed of UK, Saudi and neutral official.
- Repeated to Jidda and Dhahran.↩
- Printed as telegram 2 to Dhahran, Document 1522.↩