359. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic1
4602. Taiz 304 (181 to Cairo).2 Department disturbed at various reports in past weeks, culminating in Amer statement reported reftel, that UAR considers US has nefarious interests in continuation fighting Yemen and in supporting rigid position Faisal. UARG leadership may not fully believe this but may be setting stage for more open attack on US for alleged action Yemen. Thus insofar as possible believe we should make effort set record straight.
At your discretion, request you approach UARG at appropriately high level, note apparent trend UAR thinking, and review USG policy toward YARG, emphasizing our continuing efforts in Yemen, as well as in Saudi Arabia and UAR, since revolution have been aimed promoting evolvement [Page 674] of an independent Yemen free of any foreign interference. This continues our goal.
In order protect Iryani as source information on closed meeting, you should avoid quoting Amer as exponent of UAR view.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret. Drafted by Moore, cleared by Jones, and approved by Davies. Repeated to Jidda, London, Taiz, and Aden.↩
- Telegram 304 from Taiz, February 1, reported that UAR Field Marshal Abdel Hakim Amer, who was in Sanaa attempting to resolve the political crisis, had told the Yemenis there was little chance that the postponed Haradh conference would come off because Faisal had imposed “impossible conditions.” Amer said that Faisal had stiffened his position because of U.S. pressure and that the U.S. Government “likes war in Yemen.” (Ibid.)↩