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

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

Washington, February 3, 1967, 10:55 a.m.

130616. Kuwait tel 763.² Please deliver following message from Secretary to FonMinSabah:

“Dear Mr. Minister:

I recall with pleasure our most recent meeting in New York last September and the discussion we had at that time regarding our mutual concern for a peaceful solution to the problem in Yemen. Our interest in that problem has continued and we have followed closely and sympathetically your efforts to mediate the conflict within the Arab family. We have tried discreetly to supplement your efforts by encouraging each side to exercise moderation and to seek agreement.

We are now greatly disturbed over the effect which the recent aerial attacks on Najran may have on general peace and stability in the Near Eastern area, in addition to their discouraging impact on attempts to reach a settlement in Yemen. We have informed the Government of the United Arab Republic of our concern and have also discussed the matter with the Government of Saudi Arabia. We have urged both sides not to engage in further acts which would threaten the outbreak of hostilities between them.

Ambassador Cottam has informed me that you are still prepared to continue your mediation efforts between President Nasser and King Faisal. You have our wholehearted appreciation and support for these efforts and our assurances that we would welcome your recommendations as to how we could best assist your attempts to keep peace in the area.

Please accept, Mr. Minister, my warmest personal regards.

Sincerely, Dean Rusk”³

Rusk

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 27 YEMEN. Secret; Priority; Limdis. Drafted by Moore on February 2, cleared by Davies and Bennsky, and approved by Rusk. Repeated to Jidda, Cairo, USUN, and London.
2. In telegram 763 from Kuwait, January 31, Cottam reported that he and Brewer had made a strong appeal to Foreign Minister Sabah to take an immediate initiative to de-escalate the Saudi-UAR conflict, and had reiterated U.S. support for and appreciation of Kuwait’s mediation efforts. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 836 from Kuwait, February 16, transmitted a summary of Foreign Minister Sabah’s reply to the Secretary’s letter, stating that Kuwait had been pressing mediation, but pointing out that the obstacle of Hamid ad-Din’s withdrawal and its relation to the number of UAR troops remained and that neither the United Arab Republic nor Saudi Arabia would change its stand. (Ibid.)