Telegram from James R. Childs to Secrertary of State George C. Marshall

INCOMING TELEGRAM DEPARTMENT OF STATE-DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS AND RECORDS TELEGRAPH BRANCH AID SECKET 429 H Control 5009 Action: NEA Rec'd November 15, 1948 Info : 1:43 p.m. SS C FROM: Jidda THEMAN EUR 'NATIONAL UNA TO : Secretary of State ARCHIVES AND RECORD$ DCR SERVICE" NO : 589, November 14, Noon Deputy Foreign Minister sent for me today to acquaint me with His Majesty's audience British Charge (LEGTEL 584, November 13) * Shaikh Yusuf confirmed His Ma Jesty had made visit British reconnaisance party contingent upon furnishing arms and equipment SAG army and to the reaching of agreement providing for recognition by Britain Saudi territorial integrity and the coming to Saudi Arabia's aid in event latter attacked. Yusur added King reviewed his situation vis-a-vis US and Britain along same general lines King had previously followed with me (LEGTEL 579, November 10) Deputy Foreign Minister said he wished to acquaint me with foregoing and other views SAG on personal informal basis. SAG did not understand why Britain and US ap- proaching SAG separately re air bases when problem one common interest three countries. He knew we're interested in extension terms Dhahran air base agree- ment but did not know on what basis. Why did we not approach SAG jointly with Britain with view working out tripartite agreement. He then handed me rough Graft text proposed tripartite agreement containing provisions by which we recognized integrity Saudi Arabia vital interest to US and Britain, and provid- ing for our coming to defense Saudi Arabia in event it attacked. Saudi Arabia would provide facilities and furnish air bases and ports our use and in return we would equip and train Saudi armed forces. Deputy Foreign Minister said after some slight changes he would give me copy and would like to have my comment as SAG would prefer submit proposed text in a.s acceptable form as possible. I replied DECLASSIFIED TOP E. O. 11652, Sec. 3(E) and S(D) or (B) Depr. of State letter, 2.15.75 By NLT- He NARS Date 9.10.76 INFORMATION COPY