Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXI, Near East Region; Arabian Peninsula

285. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia¹

Washington, January 16, 1967, 7:06 p.m.

119317. Jidda’s 2684.²

1. We were surprised Pharaoun’s complaints re insufficient USG cooperation with SAG and fully endorse your able responses. In future discussions US/Saudi relations with Pharaoun or other ranking Saudis you may also wish use following points.

2. US diplomacy in Middle East follows principle of developing best bilateral relations possible with each country. Area of mutuality of interests varies from state to state but our aim is work with each state to maximum extent possible in that framework. We have no chosen instrument in Middle East (including UAR and Saudi Arabia).

3. We and Saudis are fortunate to have broad range mutual interests. This includes major USG concern for area tranquility which will permit SAG maximum opportunity develop in atmosphere stability. Area conflict threatens this stability and thus is not in Saudi or US interest. For this reason we have continued strongly urge Saudis exercise restraint in Yemen. We feel any resumption open hostilities there, with potential for spreading to include SAG-UAR, is not in interest any of the parties. Our “pressure” in favor of restraint reflects no intent get Saudi support for strictly US policy, but arises from what has been our understanding of mutual Saudi and US interests. (FYI—We suspect Faisal very much aware restraint is in his interests, not only until his defense sites in Najran can be completed but also in longer range. End FYI.)

4. Your remarks on Islamic solidarity (para 3 reftel) were particularly apt. Suggest you continue where suitable indicate that, as non-Muslim, non-area state, we have not in past felt it appropriate comment on Islamic solidarity concepts. However, insofar as movement tends contribute to polarization and friction in Arab World, we question whether Saudi Arabia or any of countries involved really profit from it. What might be useful aim in tranquil times seems hardly have served buttress solidarity concept in current charged atmosphere among key Islamic states. We aware this may not be SAG view but would hope our Saudi friends would not expect us to be less than candid on points where we may differ.

5. We concerned over Russian and Chicom imperialism in Near East no less than are Saudis. However, to extent Communism may have any regional popular appeal, it can be countered successfully in longer term only by efforts to work constructively with peoples concerned to attain their legitimate desires for economic, social and political development. Regional differences clearly hold back such efforts. This is, for example, among worrisome aspects Yemen imbroglio. Such general considerations continue important in USG attitude toward Republican YARG. Our dealings with YARG are designed to keep western presence in Yemen and not vacate field to Communists, originally brought into Yemen under royalists and at particular behest then-Crown Prince Badr.

6. Pharaoun and other Saudis need only recall discussions they participated in last June in Washington to realize extent our concern with future of South Arabia. We have hoped that powers in area would express their pleasure at ending foreign control by themselves offering continued and constructive help to preserve political and economic viability of new nation. We understand SAG has already made such offer and hope that it will continue appropriate help to fledgling SA state.

7. Comments on Pharaoun’s views re aid to Mali sent separate tel.

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POLSAUD-US. Secret. Drafted by Moore, cleared by Brewer and Bennsky, and approved by Davies. Repeated to Cairo.
2. Document 284.