A Critical Royal Interview
The King says:
“We will always stand by the United Arab Republic in preventing Israeli ships from passing through the Canal.”
And he says:
“France’s detonation of the atomic bomb is a criminal act.”
Akhbar Al‑Youm published this important interview with His Majesty the King on Saturday, the 2nd of Rabi‘ al‑Awwal. I reproduce it here in full, for it is a great gain for Arab policy and a powerful blow to colonial politics.
Q: What is Your Majesty’s position regarding Israel’s demand to allow its ships to pass through the Suez Canal?
A:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fully supports the United Arab Republic.
The Arab states, the Arab world, the Islamic world, and every fair‑minded person who loves peace must support the United Arab Republic in its stance against Israel’s attempt to challenge the Republic’s sovereignty over its Canal, which is an integral part of its territory.
The Republic will receive full support for the course it has taken so far in repelling this aggression.”
Q: What is Your Majesty’s view on France’s intention to detonate its atomic bomb in the Algerian desert?
A:
“The detonation and testing of atomic bombs is condemned throughout the world.
We condemn it even more strongly if the French intend to commit this crime on Arab soil.”
Q: What means do you see as capable of uniting the Arabs in one rank against the external ambitions surrounding them?
A:
“The means is the path we are following now — strengthening brotherhood and goodwill among us to unify our ranks.
If we achieve this — and we shall, God willing — it will be the best way to repel the ambitions of aggressors against our lands.”
Q: What is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position regarding colonial ambitions in the South Arabian region?
A:
“Our position is cooperation with the Arab world in all fields and with all available capabilities until the colonizer leaves that Arab land so dear to us.”
Q: Would Your Majesty like to address a message to the Arab people on the occasion of your visit to the United Arab Republic?
A:
“We call upon the people to stand united and steadfast until they obtain all their rights, fully and without diminution.
This is one of the precious words that concluded this great journey — a stern warning to the colonizers, and a joyful promise to the Arabs.”
Source: Akhbar Al‑Youm
The Great Meeting Between His Majesty King Saud, King of Saudi Arabia,
and President Gamal Abdel Nasser, President of the United Arab Republic
By Rushdi Mulla Niazi
Akhbar Al‑Youm Newspaper