Office of the Historian

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

Washington, March 20, 1965, 11:45 a.m.

466. In courtesy call on Secretary March 18, devoted entirely to Yemen, Saudi Ambassador Sowayel made following points:

1.
Faisal extends regards to Secretary and appreciates US interest finding solution Yemen problem. Unfortunate that Nasser had not seen fit carry out agreements reached with Faisal last September and has now increased troops and begun insulting Saudis. Saudis ready consider any technique for solution we might suggest.
2.
Frictions between Yemenis and Egyptians greatly increased. Royalists coming to Jidda preparing selves for new military action and are very confident, primarily because of growing popular genuine dissatisfaction with UAR presence.
3.
Saudis certain Nasser in difficult situation in Yemen and are “only trying help him get out”.
4.
When he had asked Faisal if he should make representations against US PL-480 shipments UAR, Faisal had said no, that SAG would not want US stop sending food to Egyptians on Saudi behalf. (Secretary responded that honor and integrity US involved in completion present contract, but unless larger issues resolved it doubtful additional wheat would be sent UAR.)
5.
In response to query, said most recent Arab League meeting devoted only to Germany, that Yemen not discussed.

Secretary responded as follows:

1.
As Ambassador Hart recently informed King, we deeply committed to safety and security Saudi Arabia and encouraged at internal development progress King has made in last two years despite Yemen situation. Faisal can count on us to support safety and security Saudi Arabia. But with candor must be noted that situation on border poses great problem for us, particularly since we launching military strikes against North Vietnam because they sending aid South Vietnam rebels. Thus policy problem posed for us in Yemen is very great one. We desire keep close touch with SAG, develop our common ties and mutual search for solution in Yemen.
2.
Our relations with UAR hanging by slender thread because of various problems, including Yemen and Congo. We have little influence in Cairo but we are in touch with Egyptians concerning these problems.
3.
Practically one-third USSR aid outside Communist Bloc going to Egypt. In this circumstance, we consider it particularly important for our Arab friends keep contact with UAR.
4.

Unfortunate that search for inter-Arab cooperation has become confused with personal position of Nasser. There is much to be gained by Saudi Arabia and other countries from closer inter-Arab ties.

In response to Secretary’s questions, Ambassador said that, to his knowledge, Saudis were not discussing Yemen problem with other Arab states except for brief indecisive talk with Bourguiba; and that current UAR anti-Saudi propaganda not particularly strong.

No further memcon is being prepared.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret. Drafted by Moore on March 19, cleared by Staff Assistant Edward J. Streator (S), and approved by Davies. Repeated to Cairo, Taiz, and Dhahran.↩