Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXI, Near East Region; Arabian Peninsula

212. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Kuwait¹

Washington, June 15, 1967, 4:09 p.m.

211350. Deliver following personal message dated June 15, 1967 from the President to His Highness the Ruler:²

“Your Highness:

During these difficult days it is important for us to understand one another’s views on the rapidly changing situation in the Middle East.

Above all, I want to be sure that Your Highness has no doubt that the United States continues to value its relations with all Arab countries. I regret very much that our formal ties with some of them have been cut, especially since the charges which prompted that break are totally invented. I can assure Your Highness categorically that no US aircraft have been involved in any way against the interests of the Arab countries.

We particularly value the long and friendly relationship between our governments and peoples. Therefore I respect Your Highness’ statesmanship, which has helped maintain this relationship throughout this trying period.

We will continue to work for the establishment of peace in the Middle East on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation. I hope the cease-fire can in fact become a first step toward peace and progress for all the peoples of the area and pray that God may grant us all the wisdom and courage to bring this about.³

With personal greetings and high regards,

Sincerely,

Lyndon B. Johnson”

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Brewer on June 9, text revised in the White House; cleared by Davies, Battle, Saunders, and Eugene Rostow; and approved by Herbert B. Thompson (S/S).
2. A June 14 memorandum from Rostow to the President reads: “We are taking advantage of all quiet opportunities to keep our lines open to those moderate Arab leaders who have resisted Nasser’s pressure to break with us. They hope we’ll soon be able to make some pro-Arab gesture that will justify their policy. Except for limited humanitarian actions, this will be hard, and any hand-holding we can do is so much to the good.” Rostow noted that the attached message to the Amir of Kuwait was a general response to the Ruler’s assurances to Ambassador Cottam that Kuwait would not break relations and would protect our people. (Johnson Library, National Security File, Saunders Files, Kuwait, 4/1/66-1/20/69)
3. In telegram 1370 from Kuwait, June 17, Cottam reported that he had handed the President’s message to Shaikh Khalid al Ahmad, President of Amiri Diwan, early on June 17. The Ambassador warned that every Kuwaiti official had affirmed that Kuwait would follow the will of all Arabs to her last drop of blood and of oil. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR)