225. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Rountree) to the Secretary of State1
SUBJECT
- Richards Mission—Yemen, April 11–142
The negotiations of Ambassador Richards in Yemen came to an abrupt end the night of April 14 in a dramatic interview with the Imam, who asked that our proposals be considered as never having been made. Previous discussions with officials had resulted in an offer of $2,050,000 for road construction after the Yemenis had presented a long list of projects without supporting data. The Imam regarded this offer of only one percent of $200,000,000 as harmful to his prestige and likely to shame him before his people if released to the press.
After some further discussion with officials Ambassador Richards decided to make no aid commitment and to attempt no joint communiqué. He issued a brief press statement to this effect, but mentioned the possibility of further discussions at an appropriate time.
Discussions with the Crown Prince brought out Yemeni opposition to British “aggression,” opposition to communism, and a complaint that the American-owned Yemen Development Company had done nothing productive. The discussion of projects with officials went well enough except for their disappointment over the small American offer. Ambassador Richards promised to report their needs to Washington and to recommend the establishment of a technical assistance mission. Ambassador Wadsworth also informed the Imam that he would return to discuss the Yemeni projects further.
In his report Ambassador Richards observes: “Playing in tougher league now—batting average hit slump.”