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

480. Telegram From the Mission to the United Nations to the Department of State¹

New York, October 16, 1968, 0107Z.

7118. Yemen Problem.

1. During visit New York Oct 15, ARP Country Director Brewer had opportunity for informal exchange views on Yemen problem with new YARG FonMinJaghman who accompanied by incoming YARG UN PermRep Mohammad Said Attar and outgoing PermRep Muhsin al-Ayni (whose future assignment not revealed). FonMin began by expressing hope YARG/USG relations might soon be normalized, stating this one of his real goals as FonMin. Brewer responded we continued recognize the republic as state; that we remained prepared do what we could assist parties work out some settlement to long-standing civil war; but that question resumption relations premature as long as civil war continued, since for USG act affirmatively would be form of intervention in Yemen’s internal affairs.

2. Jaghman then expressed concern at what he said was recent USG action in notifying some ten Yemeni students here that their grants being terminated. Jaghman felt this unworthy pinprick by great nation. Brewer responded major factor was simply that Dept funds for purpose had been severely cut. Given this financial problem, it would have been exceedingly difficult justify renewal grants with state with which USG has no diplomatic relations. Jaghman argued some cuts understandable but elimination program hard to accept. Brewer said would look into but frankly thought nothing could be done.

3. FonMin noted recent USG announcement re supersonics for Israel and said had asked Somalis, who represent Yemeni interests Washington, protest on YARG behalf. He felt our action would only make Israel more intransigent. Brewer took established line, noting coming negotiations would take time and that it could be argued USG move actually strengthened Israeli “doves” rather than contrary, providing reassurance on all-important security question.

4. After general discussion, FonMin took Brewer aside for further review Yemen problem. Jaghman said he had hoped as FonMin be able work out some compromise. He agreed with Brewer comment that all parties seemed recognize no military solution feasible. In response question, Jaghman agreed YARG might be willing consider acceptance one or two Hamid al-Din Princes as Ambassadors abroad and said SAG could be so informed. Brewer asked whether there some flexibility along lines “state of Yemen” concept. Jaghman said not, that regime had had trouble in August from leftists who had felt YARG had already gone too far, and that no compromise on “republic” was feasible. FonMin continued that “key is in Saudi hands”, asserting SAG had sent Imam Badr back into Yemen to put pressure on YARG. Brewer queried this conclusion, opining Saudis also favor settlement. Jaghman said he thought they did but that questions Hamid al-Din (except as noted above) and status “republic” not negotiable. He agreed that this made further fighting most likely prospect but said YARG always willing come to understanding with SAG. Brewer encouraged FonMin seek develop direct contacts with Saudis in effort work out some compromise between two peninsular neighbors who must learn live together.

5. Comment: Opportunity frank exchange views with new YARG FonMin useful even though Jaghman revealed no significant give from past YARG positions. He planning return Yemen in about ten days.

Wiggins

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret. Repeated to Aden, Rome, Jidda, and London.