100. Record of Meeting1
INTERDEPARTMENTAL REGIONAL GROUP FOR NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Record of IRG/NEA Meeting—July 26, 1967
The meeting was devoted to a further consideration of our policy towards South Arabia, in the light of the developments since the IRG/NEA [Page 221] meetings of May 1967 (see IRG/NEA 67-18, 5/24/67, for a record of agreements reached at that time).2 The Group:
Reviewed recent significant developments, including the announcement by the United Kingdom that it would give independence to South Arabia on January 9, 1968, as noted in the paper prepared by the Country Director (State) for the meeting (see IRG/NEA 67-23, 7/21/67)3 and as elaborated by the CIA member.
Agreed that, although our previous tentative planning with respect to an independent South Arabia remains basically valid, the recent Middle East hostilities and the break in our diplomatic relations with various Arab countries, especially the UAR, were important new elements to be taken into account as we formulate our policy. The UAR’s continued military presence in the Yemen, although below the pre-hostilities level, and its activities in Aden, remain critical. The success of efforts by the British to extricate themselves gracefully from South Arabia, and to leave behind a reasonably independent and viable regime, also remain critical. The Group agreed that our planning must continue to be tentative for the time being, and that our policy and specific actions will have to depend on developments and on circumstances as the new South Arabian state comes into being. It recognized that our actions would necessarily be influenced not only by our own assessment of our interests but also by the willingness of the new South Arabian government to work with us.
Agreed that, meanwhile, our tentative planning should include:
- 1)
- Recognition of the new South Arabian state and elevation of our Consulate General at Aden to Embassy status, with assignment of a resident Ambassador.
- 2)
- Assignment of Defense Attache staff and opening a one-man USIS operation as the Embassy is established.
- 3)
- Consideration of possible limited programs including, for example, Peace Corps volunteers, MAP training in the US, and cultural exchanges, should local conditions justify and the new government voice an interest.
[1 paragraph (2 lines of source text) not declassified]
Agreed that we should maintain our close contacts with the British on developments in South Arabia, endeavoring to influence their moves in the direction of greater post-independence stability in the region. We should also continue to consult with Saudi Arabia and other friendly states to foster greater interest in South Arabian stability. During the Shah’s visit to the United States in August 1967, we should solicit his views on developments and prospects in Yemen and Aden; [Page 222] we should take sympathetic note of his concern over the area and encourage him to play a responsible role in promoting stability in South Arabia.
Agreed, finally, that the situation in South Arabia and the formulation of our policy with respect to it need to be kept under close review, although it would not be desirable to reach decisions until much closer to the time of independence.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Executive Chairman—Mr. Battle
AID: Mr. Funari
CIA: Mr. Critchfield
DOD: Mr. Barringer
DOD: Col. Alba
USIA: Mr. Saunders
USIA: Mr. Austin
State: (NEA) Ambassador Strong, Mr. Brewer; (IO) Mr. Campbell
Staff Director: Mr. Sober, Mr. Buckle
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders Files, Saudi Arabia, 4/1/66-12/31/67. Secret. Drafted by Sober on July 27.↩
- Document 95.↩
- Not found.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩