154. Editorial Note
On August 1, at the 333d meeting of the National Security Council, the President presiding, Allen Dulles, in his review of developments affecting United States security, referred to the current hostilities in Muscat and Oman. The memorandum of discussion reads in part as follows:
“Mr. Dulles pointed out that the hostilities in Muscat and Oman had more importance than any very, very small war had had for some time…. The importance of this conflict lay in the fact that it might spread throughout the Persian Gulf Sheikdoms. The British feel that their prestige is involved and are very much disturbed. If the conflict spreads, it would involve areas with vital oil resources. Mr. Dulles noted parenthetically that no oil had yet been discovered in Oman.
“Secretary Herter said that he was glad Mr. Dulles had explained the relation between Saudi Arabia and the conflict in Oman. The State Department had been informed that Saudi Arabian arms were not being used in this conflict. …” (Eisenhower Library, Whitman File, NSC Records)