291. Telegram From the Embassy in Saudi Arabia to the Department of State1
5187. 1. In talk with Saqqaf this morning at his home, he was much relaxed. He opined that with today’s cease fire acceptances, things should soon return to a type of normalcy. King’s position in crisis has been very difficult. Faisal feels deeply about Palestine, but scarcely less so about Nasser and Syrians. King has been trying maintain balanced position. He has sided with Arabs, but avoided cutting his ties with US and UK. Saqqaf expressed appreciation for our cooperation.
[Page 559]2. King received message from Nasser yesterday, written before cease fire, explaining UAR defeat in terms of Israeli surprise attack on Egyptian airfields. As result, most UAR aircraft destroyed. However, “battle” will go on. It important that Arab world united to carry on. Great changes will have to be made in Arab world and Arab leader chosen for this purpose. (Nasser did not specify changes or who leader would be.) Had suggested King Hassan go to US and Boumedienne to Soviet Union to explain Arab cause. Also agreed to holding of Arab summit. Similar Nasser letter apparently sent to all Arab chiefs of state.
3. Saqqaf thought there good chance Nasser is finished. Certainly his prestige as Arab leader down, hopefully for good. Arabs, even Egyptians, recognize he has been all talk. Also Soviet lack of support for Arabs in their hour of need has disillusioned Arabs with USSR. In contrast, Saqqaf believes Faisal’s prestige has gone up. Faisal has shown himself to be strong but wise Arab leader. Various Arab countries have urgently asked send delegation consult with Faisal on situation. First, a delegation from Iraq, scheduled arrive Riyadh today.
4. Saqqaf also believes Nasser is at the moment completely rattled and incapable making consistent decisions. He claims that on day following UAR’s break of diplomatic relations with US, Nasser advised Hussein to retain diplomatic relations with US. Day later he had sent message to Hussein saying no objection if Jordan accepted cease fire, but UAR would never do so. Next day UAR also accepted cease fire.
5. Saqqaf also said SAG is now sure that there was no US collusion with Israelis in current conflict. So are other Arab states. Even Egyptian leaders aware of this. However, as usual UAR had resorted to “big lie” propaganda techniques which unfortunately have effect on Arab populace.
6. Told him I glad to hear SAG does not believe wild UAR charges. However, despite my three earlier requests to him to curb Saudi radio or at least allow US denials also to be broadcast, Saudi English language radio still as vicious as ever. Saqqaf admitted had forgotten speak to MinInfo Hujailan about this. Undertook do so right away. (Hope he will remember this time.)
7. I then again told him that, in deference King’s and his wishes I not evacuating official American dependents. On my urging, American community heads also agreed stand fast. It important, however, that those private Americans who wish go on home leave or for other reasons be allowed do so. Some had reported difficulty in obtaining Saudi exit visas. If American community feels trapped, then pressures get out certain increase. If SAG wishes American community remain here, it in SAG’s interest facilitate normal exit visa procedures.
8. Also told him as evidence American community’s confidence in SAG and USG willingness to cooperate, Dept has waived general [Page 560] ban on Americans traveling to Middle East to allow certain specific employees needed by American firms working here to leave for Saudi Arabia. I ready recommend Dept continue be helpful in such specific instances, but could only do so if Amcits who wanted to leave be allowed to do so. Saqqaf was appreciative. Said he saw no reason why normal exit visa procedures should not be resumed. I intend follow up on this which is important element keeping American community calm.
- Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR. Secret; Priority. Repeated to Algiers, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Dhahran, Kuwait, and London.↩