462. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Saudi Arabia1
73272. 1. Yahya Jaghman, senior Yemeni UN delegate, lunched unofficially at own request with Dept Off in Washington November 21. Jaghman clearly had two objectives: (1) reestablish informal low key contact, and (2) seek USG assistance vis-a-vis SAG to cease assistance to Royalists. During extended discussion, DeptOff noted it our impression Saudis, as their part of bargain struck in Khartoum, no longer assisting Royalists. Royalist leaders who had fought Egyptians so long nevertheless represented clear power element in situation. Yemen had suffered enough and all factions should seek compromise, since they owe country opportunity settle down peacefully.
2. Jaghman said his understanding had been that Saudi policy one of opposition to foreign army in Yemen. Said he was under impression SAG opposed “occupiers” but not particularly concerned about Yemen’s internal situation. Over past five years YARG had relayed messages to SAG saying “recognize us and your problems with Egyptians in Yemen will disappear”. SAG had refused. Now that Egyptians going, what is holding Saudis back from making peaceful gesture of recognition? DeptOff noted that problem is one between two peninsula countries and ought be solved by them.
3. Jaghman called attention recent public statement made by FonMinHassan Makki re Yemen “disturbances” and YARG’s adherence to “positive neutrality and non-alignment”. He read from personal letter from PriMin Al-Aini which stated “situation serious and confused,” that “communists and harakiyin” (which Jaghman defined as ANM) “influenced by Chinese” are playing devious game trading on situation as at an auction (muzayid) to escalate confusion. Jaghman professed see connection between al-Aini’s concern and Makki’s reiteration of YARG non-alignment. (Department notes that if al-Aini’s letter genuine both Saudis and Aini have reservations over ANM activities. Also possible al-Aini’s Baathi sentiments involved.)
4. Jaghman professed but did not stress YARG desire resume relations with USG “on same basis” as previously. DeptOff referred to difficulties YARG created for Embassy, reminded him that YARG, not USG, had broken relations, that US property had been burnt and wrecked, and that private American plane still held in Yemen. Said [Page 854] that YARG initiative to return plane and make amends for losses would be evidence of good will.
5. Comment: Jaghman’s comments are further evidence YARG reluctance deal with Saudis on any basis other than Republic. We are reminded of Numan’s claim to Embassy Taiz some 18 months ago that Faisal reportedly would not tolerate anything except monarchy in Yemen. Jaghman was unspecific on question resumption USG/YARG relations and we surmise USG intervention vis-a-vis Saudis was a more important objective. As indicated, we gave him no encouragement.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 YEMEN. Confidential. Drafted by Dinsmore, cleared by Root, and approved by Brewer. Repeated to Kuwait, London, Aden, and USUN.↩