95. Record of Meetings1
INTERDEPARTMENTAL REGIONAL GROUP FOR NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
Record of IRG/NEA Meetings—May 13, 16 and 20, 1967
The series of three meetings was devoted to a further consideration of our policy towards South Arabia, in the light of developments since the IRG/NEA meetings of October 1966 (IRG/NEA 66-35, 10/14/66).2 The Group:
Reviewed relevant information on (a) the present situation in South Arabia itself, (b) current British planning concerning the timing and conditions of South Arabian independence, (c) the attitudes and possible future actions of other area states, especially the United Arab Republic, and (d) the current and prospective United Nations role in the matter.
Reviewed the military aspects of the South Arabian problem. In this respect, the Group noted the JCS assessment of May 18, 1967 that while South Arabia (particularly Aden) is of some military significance, it is not critical to United States security interests.
Agreed, however, that apart from the military aspects, the outcome of the struggle for control of South Arabia following the imminent withdrawal of the United Kingdom is of considerable importance for United States interests. Seizure of control by elements hostile to the West would be at least a serious psychological setback to moderate [Page 209] states in the area (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Ethiopia) with which we maintain friendly relations. United States acquiescence in UAR domination of South Arabia would be interpreted as a decision on our part to play a diminishing role in the Near East generally. It is in our interest to see a peaceful transition of power through the creation of a broadly based government in South Arabia.
Noted, however, that current prospects are not substantially in favor of the establishment of such a broadly based government, but point rather to the creation in the first instance of a post-independence government either fairly subservient to Cairo, or else subject to very severe pressures (including terrorism and subversion) from elements supported by the UAR and probably the USSR.
Agreed that continued consideration will have to be given to possible courses of action to protect and promote our interests in South Arabia as the date for independence approaches. In this regard the Group agreed to the submission of a paper, “Future of South Arabia,” as a basis for a discussion scheduled by the National Security Council for May 24, 1967. The paper, a copy of which is attached,3 identifies the key issues facing us, suggests possible courses of action, and raises some principal questions which still need to be answered. It was expected that guidance would emanate from the NSC discussion for further IRG consideration of our policy on South Arabia. (Subsequent to the IRG meeting, the NSC discussion of South Arabia scheduled for May 24 was postponed.)
MEMBERS PRESENT
Executive Chairman—Mr. Battle
AID: Mr. Williams (5/16, 5/20), Mr. Funari (5/13)
CIA: Mr. Critchfield
DOD: Mr. Hoopes
JCS: Brig. Gen. Sibley
NSC: Mr. Saunders
USIA: Mr. Austin
State (NEA): Messrs. Davies, Brewer, Bergus; (IO): Mr. Campbell; (M): Mr. Enders
DOD: Col. Jordan
SSDSG: Ambassador Holmes (5/16), Mr. Moore
Staff Director: Mr. Sober (5/20), Mr. Ernst
Staff Director
- Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders Files, Saudi Arabia, 4/1/66-12/31/67. Secret.↩
- Document 79.↩
- Document 97.↩