890F.7962/11–1448: Telegram
The Minister in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State
589. Deputy Foreign Minister sent for me today to acquaint me with His Majesty’s audience British Chargé (Legtel 584, November 131). Shaikh Yusuf confirmed His Majesty had made visit British reconnaissance party contingent upon furnishing arms and equipment SAG army and to the reaching of agreement providing for recognition by Britain Saudi territorial integrity and the coming to Saudi Arabia’s said in event letter attacked. Yusuf added King reviewed his situation, vis-à-vis US and Britain along same general lines King had previously followed with me (Legtel 579, November 10). Deputy Foreign Minister said he wished to acquaint me with foregoing and other views SAG on personal informal basis. SAG did not understand why Britain and US approaching SAG separately re air bases when problem one common interest three countries. He knew we’re interested in extension terms Dhahran air base agreement but did not know on what basis. Why did we not approach SAG jointly with Britain with view working out tripartite agreement. He then handed me rough draft text proposed tripartite agreement containing provisions by which we recognized integrity Saudi Arabia vital interest to US and Britain, and providing for our coming to defense Saudi Arabia in event it attacked. Saudi Arabia would provide facilities and furnish air bases and ports our use and in return we would equip and train Saudi armed forces.
Deputy Foreign Minister said after some slight changes he would give me copy and would like to have my comment as SAG would prefer submit proposed text in as acceptable form as possible.
[Here follow three paragraphs giving an account of the conversation dealing primarily with the question of Palestine.]
While emphasizing I not competent express any opinion of proposed agreement I did personally invite Shaikh Yusuf’s attention absence in proposed draft any reference to obligations parties under UNO. He indicated SAG would have no objection to what was regarded as platitudinous conditions. Text draft will be forwarded when received.2
Sent Dept 589, Dept pass London 152.