811.7490F/10–2244: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Eddy) to the Secretary of State
Jidda, October 22, 1944—4 p.m.
[Received 6:15 p.m.]
[Received 6:15 p.m.]
317. Following comment on Legation’s 316, October 21, 2 p.m. This confirms secret information reported my 2931 from Cairo September 29, 8 p.m. that British planned to conceal their objection to Saudi radio station until after deadline December 1 when nothing could be done for 5 years.
- 1.
- If security of communications was the reason why conceal their objection from our Government?
- 2.
- Why would Saudi Government radio station be less secure than Cable and Wireless Company in Shaikhdom of Bahrein? Can we not appeal to King’s pride?
- 3.
- American investments in Arabia justify request for direct communications with United States America. Aramco personnel and traffic with United States America will increase greatly.
- 4.
- Together with objection to United States Army airdrome Dhahran97 we have two recent proved incidents where British are attempting to damage or limit American interests. I recommend official approach to Saudi Government requesting cable service to United States America be authorized with notification to cable and wireless before December 1st, details of new station and its operation to be settled later if necessary. If British succeed in delaying action past deadline American interests will have suffered a definite defeat.
Eddy