The policy of Arabs vis-a-vis the issue of Palestine
Q. Israel proposed to conclude an agreement with the Arab countries as a
preliminary step towards peaceful settlement in the Arab East. Moreover, it
declared that the issue of Palestine would not be settled unless the Arabs change
their policy and accept to sit with the Israeli delegation at the negotiation table.
A. This issue was discussed at the last meeting of the Arab League at which a
decision was taken to the effect that the Arabs would not sit with the Jews at the
same table. This decision expressed the views of Arab peoples and governments.
I do not think that any Arab who believes in the rights and dignity of his
country would accept such humiliating offers. The mere thought of making
peace with the Israeli oppressors, one way or another, is outright betrayal of
Arabism and Islam. He who gives out a hand to Zionists becomes a Zionist
himself.
Arab interests are the determining factor
Q. It has been said that the three big powers: Britain, France and the United States
of America, have agreed, at the Ottawa conference, to establish a Supreme
Command for the Near East in which all Arab countries would participate, with
the exception of Israel. Would the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accept to participate
in this proposed project, if invited to do so?
A. If the Arab countries receive such an invitation they will have consultations with
one another to examine the issue thoroughly in the light of common Arab
interests, irrespective of any other issue. The Government of Saudi Arabia will
agree to any decision taken unanimously by the Arab countries.
The complexity of the Iranian problem
Q. What would become of Iran if it agreed to sell its oil to Russia?
A. The Iranian problem has reached its climax. We have been closely following its
development because we sympathize with the Iranian people, and understand
their aspirations and rights to their own resources. We do hope that both parties
will find an immediate peaceful solution for this complexproblem, as is the case
in such situations.
Building up the Saudi army
Q. Has the British mission, called upon by the Saudi Government to train its army,
been carrying out its assignment successfully and did it achieve tangible results?
Establishing an arms factory in Al Kharj
A. Yes, the British mission carried out its assignment successfully under the able
leadership of Colonel Bird. The present condition of the Saudi army is a
testimony of his magnificent work, particularly in comparison with its condition
in the past.
"Establishing this factory is a first step that will be followed by many others to
raise the standard of our army until we attain self-sufficiency in armament
production."
Training the Saudi army is the goal
'We are not training an army to wage war and aggression but to defend our
homeland and interests, and vindicate the religion of God. We do not seek
supremacy but wish to eradicate corruption on earth. We are able, praise be to God,
to defend ourselves and foil the plotting of schemers."
Faith and power
"The Arab countries shall not be able to defend themselves, protect their
dignity and rights as well as put an end to aggression unless they unite their military
command, adopt scientific means to produce their arms and train their forces, and
develop their factories to jointly defend themselves.
"We are determined to save occupied Palestine whatever the price. We are
determined to close Arab ranks and devote ourselves to the major Arab cause. We
shall proceed on our course guided by our trust in God, then in the Arab people. Let
they not be deceived by foreign propaganda, the lies of hypocrites, or the puppets of
foreign propaganda.
"We have no intention of waging an aggression against anyone neither do we
wish to be aggressed.
"We want freedom for our country, our people and ourselves. We want to live
and die as free people."
Arab interests are the determining factor
Q. It has been said that the three big powers: Britain, France and the United States
of America, have agreed, at the Ottawa conference, to establish a Supreme
Command for the Near East in which all Arab countries would participate, with
the exception of Israel. Would the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia accept to participate
in this proposed project, if invited to do so?
A. If the Arab countries receive such an invitation they will have consultations with
one another to examine the issue thoroughly in the light of common Arab
interests, irrespective of any other issue. The Government of Saudi Arabia will
agree to any decision taken unanimously by the Arab countries.
The complexity of the Iranian problem
Q. What would become of Iran if it agreed to sell its oil to Russia?
A. The Iranian problem has reached its climax. We have been closely following its
development because we sympathize with the Iranian people, and understand
their aspirations and rights to their own resources. We do hope that both parties
will find an immediate peaceful solution for this complexproblem, as is the case
in such situations.
Building up the Saudi army
Q. Has the British mission, called upon by the Saudi Government to train its army,
been carrying out its assignment successfully and did it achieve tangible results?
Establishing an arms factory in Al Kharj
A. Yes, the British mission carried out its assignment successfully under the able
leadership of Colonel Bird. The present condition of the Saudi army is a
testimony of his magnificent work, particularly in comparison with its condition
in the past.
"Establishing this factory is a first step that will be followed by many others to
raise the standard of our army until we attain self-sufficiency in armament
production."
Training the Saudi army is the goal
'We are not training an army to wage war and aggression but to defend our
homeland and interests, and vindicate the religion of God. We do not seek
supremacy but wish to eradicate corruption on earth. We are able, praise be to God,
to defend ourselves and foil the plotting of schemers."
Faith and power
"The Arab countries shall not be able to defend themselves, protect their
dignity and rights as well as put an end to aggression unless they unite their military
command, adopt scientific means to produce their arms and train their forces, and
develop their factories to jointly defend themselves.
"We are determined to save occupied Palestine whatever the price. We are
determined to close Arab ranks and devote ourselves to the major Arab cause. We
shall proceed on our course guided by our trust in God, then in the Arab people. Let
they not be deceived by foreign propaganda, the lies of hypocrites, or the puppets of
foreign propaganda.
"We have no intention of waging an aggression against anyone neither do we
wish to be aggressed.
"We want freedom for our country, our people and ourselves. We want to live
and die as free people."
SAUD
HIS MAJESTY KING SAUD BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD MONARCH OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA 1953-1964 BY DR. SALEH AOUN-HASHEM AL-GHAMDI