His Majesty received an official and popular reception of a magnitude rarely witnessed in Washington’s modern history, marking truly historic days for the city.
Hundreds of Saudi flags in green and white lined both sides of the road from the airport to the White House. The royal motorcade crossed the Memorial Bridge, circled the Lincoln Memorial, then proceeded to 23rd Street, Constitution Avenue, 15th Street, and finally Pennsylvania Avenue, arriving at Blair House, the official guest residence directly opposite the White House.
On Constitution Avenue, the motorcade passed beneath a green‑and‑white triumphal arch, while thousands gathered to watch the splendid procession and cheer as it passed under rows of raised flags.
The Commissioners of Washington, who had officially proclaimed Wednesday as “King Saud Day,” accompanied President Eisenhower in welcoming the Saudi monarch at the airport and presented His Majesty with the key to the city.
Among the tens of thousands gathered at the airport were representatives of more than 160 civic districts of the capital, including Robert Fleming, a prominent banker who had served as chief organizer of President Eisenhower’s inauguration ceremonies.
Music played continuously along the route, with fourteen American military bands stationed throughout the city to greet the King. The famous Marine Band stood before the White House to welcome His Majesty and his entourage.
President Eisenhower personally went to the airport—an unprecedented gesture—to greet his guest, declaring that his talks with King Saud would strengthen and reaffirm America’s friendship with Saudi Arabia.
The royal aircraft, the Columbine, landed at noon. As His Majesty disembarked, a 21‑gun salute thundered across the airfield.
President Eisenhower stepped forward, shook the King’s hand, and said, “We welcome you to the United States.”
Behind the King descended one of his aides carrying Prince Mansour bin Saud, six years old, who suffered from polio. The President approached the young prince and shook his hand warmly.
The national anthems of Saudi Arabia and the United States were played, after which His Majesty reviewed the honor guard composed of units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
The King and the President then mounted a special platform and delivered official statements broadcast to the thousands gathered at the airport.
President Eisenhower’s Welcome Address
“Your Majesty, on behalf of the American people, I welcome you warmly to the United States.
We have long regarded you as a great leader of the Arab people and guardian of cities held sacred by Islam.
We were honored by your visit.
We were fortunate to consider your late father, His Majesty King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, a friend of the United States, and we are no less fortunate to consider you a friend as well.
We look forward with great hope to discussing with you the issues of concern to both our nations.
We value your friendship, and these talks will undoubtedly strengthen and reaffirm our friendship with your country.”
King Saud’s Reply
“I am very pleased to express to Your Excellency and to the American people my deep gratitude for this warm welcome.
I am truly happy to accept Your Excellency’s invitation to renew and strengthen the traditional friendship between our two peoples, on the foundations laid by my late father.
On behalf of my people, I affirm our desire to establish relations with the American people based on goodwill and mutual interest.
I look forward to the opportunity this visit provides for frank discussions with Your Excellency and your government.
We pray to Almighty God to grant us wisdom and right judgment, and to guide our steps toward world peace and good will.”
On the Way to the White House
After exchanging speeches, the King and the President rode together through Washington’s flag‑lined streets. Eisenhower accompanied His Majesty until he entered Blair House.
The first round of talks took place that afternoon at the White House, attended by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and senior U.S. officials. Before leaving the airport, King Saud received the key to the city from Robert McLaughlin, President of the Board of Commissioners.
More than a million people lined the streets to watch the King’s motorcade. His Majesty held Prince Mansour in his lap during the ride from the airport to Blair House.
Upon arrival, the Marine Band played “Hail to the Chief.” The King and the President entered Blair House, where they were served Arabic coffee prepared by the King’s staff. After a brief visit, the President returned to the White House to prepare for the official reception.
That evening, King Saud held a press conference in which he spoke about his journey, Arab policies, and answered questions from journalists.
Warmth of the Arab‑American Community
A delegation of Arab‑Americans met with King Saud and expressed their joy at the warm welcome he received in the United States.
The delegation included Joseph Howari, of Palestinian origin, who oversaw the construction of the newly completed Islamic Center in Washington, which the King visited.
George Barakat, Executive Director of the American Middle East Relief Association, spoke on behalf of the delegation:
“As Arab‑Americans, we are deeply pleased and honored to see you here among us.
We take pride in the warm welcome you have received during your visit to our country.”
Also present was Fares Malouf, honorary president of the largest Arab‑American organization in the United States, the American Syrian‑Lebanese National Club.
“He Stands as a King, Sits as a King, Walks as a King”
Messages and telegrams poured into the Saudi Embassy in Washington, expressing admiration for the King’s visit.
Ambassador Abdullah Al‑Khayyal stated that the embassy had received hundreds of letters praising the King’s presence and the American people’s warm reception.
At the reception hosted by the ambassador, His Majesty graciously greeted the guests personally. One observer remarked:
“He stands as a king, sits as a king, and walks as a king.”
The reception hosted by Secretary Dulles in honor of the King was among the most splendid events Washington had witnessed, reflecting the city’s admiration for the Arab monarch.
The Saudi Monarch at the Washington Mosque
His Majesty led hundreds of Muslims in Friday prayer at the Islamic Center in Washington.
More than 800 people attended, including Arab diplomats, Muslims, and non‑Muslim Americans.
As the King’s motorcade arrived, with Saudi and American flags fluttering on the car, the crowd erupted in cheers.
This was the first Friday prayer held in the mosque after its completion. The mosque accommodates 500 worshippers and took ten years to build. Saudi Arabia contributed more than $200,000 toward its construction and donated over 5,000 copies of the Qur’an.
Dr. Mahmoud Bissar, Director of the Center, delivered the Friday sermon titled “Democracy and Peace in Islam.”
During the visit, King Saud recited verses from Surahs Ash‑Shams and Al‑Layl.
After the prayer, His Majesty toured the center’s offices and donated funds for building a fence around the property and establishing a Muslim cemetery.
Before going to the Islamic Center, King Saud visited his son, Prince Mishhoor, at Walter Reed Army Hospital, where doctors were examining the illness that had affected the prince’s arm and leg.
His Majesty spent twenty minutes with him.
Americans—from President Eisenhower down to the ordinary citizen—were deeply moved by the young prince’s personality when they saw him in person or in newspaper photographs.
“My Crown Is Serving My People”
His Majesty had the opportunity to meet with a number of U.S. Congressmen representing various political viewpoints.
The occasion was a luncheon held in honor of the royal guest by Vice President Richard Nixon, who also served as President of the U.S. Senate.
In his welcoming remarks, Nixon expressed regret that the King would not be able to tour the United States more extensively during this visit. He noted that the guests at the luncheon represented all parts of the country and conveyed the greetings of the American people to His Majesty. Nixon wished the King an enjoyable stay and a safe return.
His Majesty responded:
He conveyed his greetings—and those of the Saudi people—to the American nation.
He mentioned that during the dinner hosted by President Eisenhower the previous evening, Nixon had asked him whether he had ever worn a crown.
The King replied:
“The only crown that matters to me is serving my people.”
The luncheon was attended by a large number of Senators and Representatives from across the United States.
Visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
His Majesty King Saud visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, where he laid a wreath of flowers.
The Arab monarch stood solemnly before the white marble monument inscribed with the words:
“Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
A 21‑gun salute echoed across the cemetery as His Majesty entered the grounds.
He was greeted by units of the Army, Navy, and Marines, and the Army Band played the U.S. national anthem.
The King then advanced and placed a wreath of white flowers upon the tomb.
At that moment, four drums sounded, breaking the profound silence, followed by a distant bugle call honoring the nation’s fallen in a mournful, moving tone.
His Majesty and his entourage raised their hands in salute to the Unknown Soldier.
General John Van Houten, Commander of the Washington Military District, delivered a brief address thanking the King for his visit.
His Majesty replied through an interpreter, saying that he had merely fulfilled a duty he felt deeply.
Another 21‑gun salute was fired as the King departed slowly from the cemetery, now covered in a soft blanket of falling snow.
At the Home of George Washington
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Fahd bin Saud visited the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Despite the rainy weather, the Prince toured the estate and the house itself.
As is customary for visitors to Mount Vernon, he signed the guest book in the library and placed a wreath upon Washington’s tomb.
Washington’s home lies about half an hour from the capital, in the state of Virginia, overlooking the Potomac River.
American Newspapers Welcome King Saud
All major newspapers in Washington warmly welcomed King Saud, who was received with exceptional honor and celebrated with a series of grand events that highlighted his dignity, leadership, and graciousness.
The Washington Star wrote in its editorial:
“King Saud’s visit—his first to the United States—comes as a friendly gesture at precisely the right moment.
It carries great promise for his country, for ours, and perhaps for an even greater cause: peace and stability in the troubled Middle East.
No formal agenda for the talks between the King and the President has been announced, and perhaps none exists in the usual sense.
But there is a wide field of shared interests shaped by current events in the Middle East, where our royal guest holds immense economic, political, and spiritual influence.”
Other major American newspapers continued to spotlight the visit, agreeing that it would have a significant impact on strengthening U.S.–Arab relations.
The New York Herald Tribune wrote:
“King Saud is capable of exerting great influence on the course of events in the Middle East and the world.
His natural sympathies lie with Arab aspirations, yet his responsibilities as guardian of his kingdom and its holy cities call upon him to play a vital role in the orderly development of the Middle East and in resisting communist penetration in all its forms.
None of these aims conflict with strong ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States.”
King Saud’s Reception for Eisenhower and Additional Visits
His Majesty visited the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, accompanied by a motorcade of eleven cars carrying members of his entourage and senior officials.
Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Admiral Summerberg, the Academy’s Superintendent.
The band played the Saudi and American national anthems, and a 21‑gun salute was fired.
His Majesty reviewed the honor guard and greeted the crowds gathered along the streets and balconies.
After the conclusion of the ceremonies, His Majesty proceeded to the reception hall to take a brief rest before continuing his tour of the Naval Academy—one of the largest institutions of its kind in the world.
The Academy held a reception in His Majesty’s honor, attended by the Superintendent, department heads, and the Governor of Maryland.
After a short pause during which coffee was served, His Majesty left the main building, inspecting the Academy’s facilities and offering thoughtful observations on what he saw.
Before the 3,800 midshipmen assembled to march in military formation to the dining hall, one of them stepped forward and presented His Majesty, on behalf of his fellow officers, with a commemorative plaque marking the royal visit to the Academy.
The Governor of Maryland also presented His Majesty with an illustrated book on the history of the state, which the King graciously accepted.
His Majesty then proceeded to the exhibition hall, where he viewed models of both ancient and modern warships. The Superintendent delivered an address welcoming the distinguished Arab monarch and drawing the cadets’ attention to the great honor bestowed upon the Academy by his visit.
King Saud responded with a brief extemporaneous speech expressing his pleasure at the spirit of discipline, order, and precision he had witnessed in this scientific institution.
He then performed the prayer at the residence of the Academy’s Superintendent.
Afterward, His Majesty went to the basketball arena, where he watched a game between the Academy team and New York University. Signs of enthusiasm appeared on his face whenever the Academy team scored.
Following the game, a farewell ceremony was held for the royal motorcade. A 21‑gun salute was fired for the second time as a gesture of farewell, after which the royal procession returned safely to Washington.
Text of King Saud’s Speech at the Banquet Honoring President Eisenhower
His Majesty King Saud hosted a dinner last Friday evening in honor of President Eisenhower. His Majesty delivered the following address:
Your Excellency,
Distinguished guests,
I wish to express to Your Excellency, to the government, and to the American people my gratitude for the warm welcome and honor I have received from every individual in this nation.
I also wish to commend the strong friendship that binds our two governments and peoples, and that binds me personally to Your Excellency, whom I have come to know closely as a man of vision and broad perspective, worthy of appreciation.
Our discussions with Your Excellency, with the Secretary of State, and with members of your government have been extremely cordial and will, God willing, lead to all that is good.
I value the efforts made by the United States to support the cause of peace in all aspects of life and to secure world stability. The United States desires good for all humanity and supports the right of self‑determination for nations yearning for freedom—principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations.
The United States has demonstrated its respect for this right by granting independence and freedom to nations under its administration without conflict or resistance. It is fitting that this nation should exert efforts upon which great hopes are placed for strengthening peace and liberty among peoples.
May we all be granted success in this noble aim. I reaffirm the friendship of myself, my government, and my people for this country with which we share common interests for the sake of peace and the welfare of humanity.**
President Eisenhower’s Response
President Eisenhower replied:
Your Majesty, distinguished guests, members of the Saudi government, and friends of His Majesty,
I wish first to express the delight of the American people at the honor you have bestowed upon us by visiting our country and participating in discussions with us.
I share the belief Your Majesty has expressed—that these talks must lead to positive results and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples and nations. Peace and security rest upon such friendship and goodwill among nations.
I am confident that the friendship between our two countries will contribute to the cause of peace not only in our nations, but in your region and throughout the world.
Allow me, Your Majesty, on behalf of my guests here, to express our great pleasure at your presence and our hope that your stay in this country will be pleasant and fruitful, and that you return safely to your homeland.**
Text of the Joint Communiqué
King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Eisenhower concluded today a series of discussions held during His Majesty’s official visit to the United States.
The King and the President had met privately during the past week, in addition to further meetings between His Majesty and his advisers on one side, and the Secretary of State and other American officials on the other.
These meetings reaffirmed the long‑standing friendship between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
In a cordial atmosphere, the King and the President exchanged views on how their two nations could cooperate to strengthen peace in the Middle East.
They reached full agreement on the following:
1.
Saudi Arabia, by virtue of its spiritual, geographic, and economic position, is of vital importance to the Middle East.
For the sake of world peace, it is essential that the Kingdom be strengthened to maintain its stability, defend its institutions, and advance its progress.
2.
Both governments will exert efforts to find a just solution to Middle Eastern issues through peaceful and lawful means within the framework of the United Nations Charter.
They reaffirm their strong opposition to the use of force—regardless of its source—to resolve international disputes.
3.
The peoples of the region seek to preserve their independence, live in peace, and enjoy economic freedom and prosperity.
Any aggression against the political independence or territorial integrity of these states, or any interference in their affairs, constitutes a threat to world peace and must be resisted in accordance with the principles of the United Nations.
4.
His Majesty expressed his desire to continue close cooperation with the United States and conveyed the wishes of other Arab leaders to improve their relations with the United States.
President Eisenhower explained the objectives of the proposals he had submitted to Congress regarding the Middle East, noting that they aim to reinforce the UN principles of non‑aggression and support the independence and aspirations of nations.
King Saud welcomed any step that strengthens the UN principles of independence and neutrality for nations.
5.
President Eisenhower assured His Majesty of the United States’ readiness to assist in strengthening the Saudi armed forces within constitutional limits.
Plans are being prepared by representatives of both countries to provide Saudi Arabia with military equipment, services, and training for defense and internal security.
In the same spirit, His Majesty confirmed Saudi Arabia’s agreement to allow the United States continued use of Dhahran Airfield for five more years under the terms of the 1951 agreement.
The United States agreed to study the provision of economic facilities that would support the shared goals and interests of both nations.
6.
The two leaders exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest.