786A.5/2–1450: Telegram

The Ambassador in Saudi Arabia (Childs) to the Secretary of State 1

top secret

83. ReDeptel 28 February 11.2 In my opinion which is completely shared by General O’Keefe it will not be possible to keep separate questions of MAP and DAF. After full discussion we believe that in event delays action by JCS on JUSSGSA and consequent delay in obtaining required enabling legislation before 23 June 1950, the minimum necessary to maintain our position at Dhahran will be (1) concrete expression of intent regarding MAP to SAG by Department State and Defense; (2) offer as token demonstration intent to SAG of [Page 1127] 20,000 M–1 rifles with 1,000 rounds ammunition per rifle to be delivered on loan (Deptel 201 May 27, 1949,3 paragraph 3). If and when MAP program is authorized, above material would be considered part 38,000 rifles under recommended SA defense organization.

We both hope, however, this palliative may not be considered necessary and that we may enter long-term negotiations prior to termination date with such MAP program as may have been approved by that time by State and Defense and for which enabling legislation will have been obtained. In absence such, short-term renewal Dhahran agreement may be possible on basis outlined but this is minimum which might probably placate SAG.

Childs
  1. A note in the margin indicated that a copy of this telegram was enclosed with a letter from Raymond A. Hare, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs, to the Secretary of Defense, dated March 8, p. 1129.
  2. The reference appears to be an error. The editors have been unable to identify this message.
  3. Not printed, but see footnote 1, Foreign Relations, 1949, vol. vi, p. 1600.