Office of the Historian

365. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Arab Republic1

Washington, April 2, 1965, 8 p.m.

6051. Saudi-Yemen Border. We are gratified by indications (Cairo’s 34392 and 34483) UARG taking pains to avoid violation of Saudi territory. However, Jidda’s 740 and 7444 report two recent instances where UAR precautions broke down. Hope Embassy (perhaps Political Counselor to Al-Khouli) will have early opportunity insure UARG understands USG concerned over any violations SAG territory or airspace and USG commitment to support Saudi safety and security remains in effect. We trust reports of massive Egyptian troop movements in border area do not foreshadow increased border friction.

Rusk
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964-66, POL 32-1 SAUD-YEMEN. Secret. Drafted by Jones and Moore, cleared by Davies, and approved by Jernegan. Repeated to Jidda and Taiz.↩
  2. In telegram 3439 from Cairo, April 1, Battle reported that in response to his expression of U.S. concern over any extension of UAR military activities to Saudi airspace or territory, Deputy Prime Minister Fawzi assured him that the United Arab Republic would exercise all restraint possible. (Ibid., POL 27 YEMEN)↩
  3. Dated April 1. (Ibid.)↩
  4. Both dated April 1. (Ibid., and POL 31-1 SAUD-UAR)↩