King Saud Speaks to Al‑Ahram
“We wholeheartedly hope that Egypt attains its national aspirations and legitimate rights”
His Majesty’s Message to the Islamic World, His Vision for Advancing His Country, and His Support for the Arab League
Mamdouh Taha, Al‑Ahram’s special correspondent, returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after representing the Egyptian press in the official delegation that traveled to the Hijaz to offer condolences to His Majesty King Saud and the Saudi princes on the passing of the late King Abdulaziz Al Saud. During his audience with His Majesty to convey the condolences of the Egyptian press, he requested permission to discuss several public matters on the occasion of King Saud’s accession to the throne. He writes:
“It was eight o’clock in the evening. The fragrance of incense filled the air, casting a poetic Eastern atmosphere over the place. A solemn stillness hung over the courtyard of Khuzam Palace, despite the presence of princes, ministers, and visitors who had come from every direction to offer condolences to King Saud on the death of his great father.
The silence was broken only by the soft rustle of the coffee server’s robe as he moved swiftly among the seated guests, pouring small sips of Arabic coffee into tiny baysha cups. A gilded dagger hung at his waist, and from his other side a leather‑holstered pistol tapped against his thigh with each hurried step, as though he feared the coffee might cool before the guests could drink it.
A second servant followed a few steps behind, collecting the empty cups and stacking them in his hand, producing a clinking sound that seemed to urge the guests to drink their coffee while it was still hot, its steam carrying the strong scent of cardamom.
His Majesty King Saud sat tall at the head of the courtyard, speaking with Major Gamal Abdel Nasser—who sat beside him—and on his other side was Prince Saif al‑Islam, Crown Prince of Yemen.
Since boarding the plane to the Holy Land, I had been eager to secure a special interview with King Saud for Al‑Ahram. Seeing this gathering as the perfect opportunity—especially since I was to return to Egypt the next day—I asked His Majesty’s permission to conduct the interview.”
“Bonds of Affection and Friendship”
The King smiled gently, encouraging the correspondent to begin:
Question:
Egypt, which shares with Saudi Arabia strong bonds of affection and friendship, hopes that Your Majesty’s reign will strengthen and expand these ties. What means do you see as most effective for deepening this relationship?
King Saud:
“Our policy toward Egypt is one of brotherhood and affection. The means to strengthen and develop these relations lie in sincerity and in following the path set by my great father—may God grant him His vast gardens.”
A Message to the Islamic World
Question:
What message would Your Majesty like to convey to the Islamic world upon ascending the throne?
King Saud:
“My message to the Islamic world is to urge adherence to the principles brought by Islam—principles commanded by God to His Messenger. By following them, brotherhood, order, and prosperity prevailed in all lands that came under the banner of Islam and its teachings.”
Advancing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Question:
What policies do you intend to pursue to advance your country?
King Saud:
“With great concern, I say that our policy for advancing the nation is, first and foremost, to spread education, strengthen the army, invest the country’s resources, and work continuously for the material and moral welfare of the people.”
“Egypt’s Cause Is the Cause of the Entire Arab World”
Question:
What is Your Majesty’s view of the dispute between Egypt and Britain regarding the evacuation of British troops from Egyptian soil?
King Saud:
“Egypt’s cause is the cause of all Arabs. We wholeheartedly hope that our sister nation attains its national aspirations and legitimate rights. We pray that God grants her what she seeks for the sake of peace and humanity as soon as possible.”
The Role of the Arab League
Question:
What role should the Arab League play in the present circumstances?
King Saud:
“The League’s mission is well known. Its purpose is broad and for the benefit of all. Its work evolves with circumstances and events. We hope its efforts will grow ever more fruitful with time, so that the Arab peoples may achieve the honor and dignity they aspire to.”
The correspondent concludes:
“Seeing that I had taken much of His Majesty’s time, and as delegations continued to arrive to offer condolences and congratulations, I asked permission to withdraw, expressing my gratitude and prayers for His Majesty.”
Source: Al‑Ahram Newspaper
Al‑Ahram Center for Documentation and Microfilm
Date: 16 November 1953