Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XVIII, Near East, 1962–1963

114. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic⁰

Washington, December 14, 1962, 9:08 p.m.

628. Sanaa tels 11¹ and 13² to Dept and London tel 2210 to Dept.³ View inter alia willingness YAR publicly honor all treaties concluded by previous government and our belief UK has had sufficient time lay groundwork prior to US recognition YAR, USG intends proceed with recognition YAR. Accordingly, at high level London should inform Foreign Office foregoing, indicating (1) USG convinced further delay will adversely affect US-UK interests, (2) US will refer as agreed to Sanaa Treaty⁴ in its statement (Deptel 3140),⁵ and (3) Baydani has informed us that when UK Minister presents his credentials to Sallal latter will make categorical public undertaking observe this treaty (Sanaa’s 11 to Dept).

Upon notification by Embassy London of official UK acquiescence, ChargéCairo and Sanaa should inform UAR and YAR respectively that 12–24 hours following release their statements satisfactory to US (texts follow) we will announce recognition YAR. USG prefers UAR-YAR statements be made in afternoon (any day except Saturday) permitting USG statement occur following morning. Cairo and Sanaa should cable Dept Niact upon release these statements indicating whether or not they follow agreed text. Cairo should seek UAR concurrence replace “whenever” in penultimate sentence by “or earlier if” as discussed previously by Ambassador with Ali Sabry. If UAR demurs, UAR-proposed language acceptable.

Text of acceptable UAR-YAR statements recapitulated as follows:

UAR Statement

“The United Arab Republic confirms and supports the full contents of the communiqueleased by the Government of the Yemen Arab Republic. The United Arab Republic is proud of having extended full support to the Yemen revolution since the early hours of its outbreak,⁶ a support in consonance with existing agreements. Now that the Yemen Arab Republic has firmly established itself as the Government of Yemen and inasmuch as we deplore the continuation of bloodshed, the United Arab Republic hereby signifies its willingness to undertake a reciprocal expeditious disengagement and phased removal of its troops from Yemen, as Saudi and Jordanian forces engaged in support of the dethroned King are removed from the frontier areas and as external support as well as Saudi and Jordanian support of the Yemen Royalists is terminated, or earlier if the Government of the Yemen Arab Republic should make such a request. To this we pledge ourselves provided the foregoing conditions are met.”

YAR Statement

“From the first day of the revolution in our country the Yemen Arab Republic has declared its determination to dedicate its efforts to raising the standards of the Yemeni people and to see cordial relations with all countries.

“During past weeks we have been forced to defend the territory of our republic against foreign invasion and against elements in contact with foreigners and receiving encouragement and support from them. These unfortunate events may have obscured in some quarters the basic principles and aims of Yemeni peoples revolution.

“We therefore declare once again that it remains the firm policy of the YAR to honor its international obligations, including all treaties concluded by previous governments, and abide by the Charters of the United Nations and the Arab League. We desire to live in peace and harmony with all our neighbors to the extent to which they share this desire, and we call upon our brothers, Yemenis living in adjacent areas, to be law-abiding citizens. We shall concentrate our efforts on our internal affairs, in order to ensure the equality of all citizens before law, raise social and economic standards of Yemen people and develop the country’s heretofore neglected resources for the benefit of all the people. With good will and the assistance of friendly countries we shall advance toward these sacred objectives. My God crown our efforts with success.”

For Sanaa. When you make approach you should if at all possible see Sallal. In your presentation you should not initiate reference to Baydani’s offer to mention Treaty of Sanaa when British discuss recognition. If Sallal (or Baydani) raises subject you should respond only that USG has taken note of it for record. You should state USG intends hold YAR strictly to undertakings in its public statement.

For Cairo. In your presentation you should tell UAR we not insisting YAR include mention of Treaty in public statement but we noting in our statement that Treaty of Sanaa included in YAR treaty obligations. You should also state our intention hold both YAR and UAR to their undertakings.

For Secretary. You may wish discuss with Lord Home.

Ball

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 786H.02/12–1262. Secret; Niact; Limit Distribution. Drafted by Seelye; cleared by Strong, Johnson, and Knox; and approved by Talbot. Also sent to London and Sanaa and repeated to Amman, Beirut, Jidda, Khartoum, Taiz, USUN, and Paris for Rusk.
1. Telegram 11 from Sanaa, December 9, reported on a discussion between Stookey and Baydani during which Stookey pressed U.S. concerns about Aden and the need for the Yemeni Government to refer to the Aden Federation or the 1934 Treaty of Sanaa in its statement. Baydani refused but offered as an alternative an acknowledgement that YAR intended to honor “all treaties concluded by previous government,” and a specific statement regarding the treaty when the British Ambassador presented his credentials. (Ibid., 786H.02/12–962)
2. Dated December 10. (Ibid.)
3. Dated December 12. (Ibid., 786H.02/12–1262)
4. Concluded between the United Kingdom and Yemen on February 11, 1934.
5. Telegram 3140 to London, December 13. (Department of State, Central Files, 786H.02/12–1262)
6. In telegram 863 from Cairo, December 15, Badeau noted that the second sentence of this proposed UAR statement omitted language previously agreed upon. Consequently, the text at this point should include the passage: “proffered in response to the desires of the Yemeni people, who were subjected to various threats from neighboring countries, a support …” (Ibid., 786.02/12–1562) The Department of State confirmed that the passage had been omitted and ought to be included. (Telegram 629 to Cairo, December 15; ibid.)