“Islam and Its Teachings Are a Shield Against Communism”
“Egyptian Teachers Are Not Communists — Saudi Arabia Follows Only Its Own Interests”
A Significant Statement by King Saud
His Majesty King Saud received the correspondent of The Sunday Times in Riyadh, who questioned him about the development of relations between Britain and Saudi Arabia, the Baghdad Pact, the Buraimi dispute, and the Aramco issue.
Foundations of the New Negotiations with Britain
Question:
What are the foundations of the new negotiations that have begun to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Britain?
King Saud:
“The Government of Saudi Arabia believes that there is no fundamental problem between us and the British government except the Buraimi issue. It is a problem that has harmed relations between the two countries. Unless this issue is resolved, relations will remain troubled. But if this particular issue is settled, the remaining problems can be resolved easily.”
Restoring Relations with Britain
Question:
Would Your Majesty be pleased if relations between Britain and Saudi Arabia were restored?
King Saud:
“Undoubtedly this would please me, and I sincerely desire it. I hope that trust and good intentions will be present on the other side.”
Britain’s Future in Aden and the Protectorates
Question:
What is Saudi Arabia’s position regarding Britain’s future in Aden and the protectorates?
King Saud:
“There is nothing between Saudi Arabia and Britain except the Buraimi issue and the southern border problem.”
Russian Intervention and Middle Eastern Stability
Question:
Do you believe that Russian intervention could threaten stability in the Middle East?
King Saud:
“I believe that stability in the Middle East depends on the attitude of Western countries and on their goodwill toward the nations of the region. The extreme bias shown by Western governments toward Israel, and their failure to respect the rights of these nations, is the sole reason for the current instability.”
Communism and the Islamic World
Question:
Do you believe that Russian intervention will help spread communism?
King Saud:
“I believe that Islam and its teachings are a protective shield against communism. If Western nations were fair with the peoples of the East, communism would have no opportunity to spread.”
Egyptian Teachers in Saudi Arabia
Question:
Is there any indication of communist or leftist tendencies among the Egyptian teachers and technicians working in Saudi Arabia?
King Saud:
“I am completely convinced that Egyptian teachers are Arabs and Muslims who perform their duties with utmost sincerity. They are far removed from communism.”
Saudi Arabia’s Position on the Baghdad Pact
Question:
Why does Saudi Arabia oppose the Baghdad Pact? Is it because Egypt opposes it, or are there other reasons?
King Saud:
“Saudi Arabia is an independent state with a policy guided by its own interests. Our view aligns with that of Egypt, Syria, and the other Arab states. This view is the result of a thorough study of the Baghdad Pact—a pact that was concluded in secrecy.
Arab suspicions increased because Turkey, Israel’s close friend, is also a member of the pact. Moreover, we all believe that the purpose of the pact is to undermine the Arab League and indirectly pave the way for reconciliation with Israel and the realization of Zionist objectives.”
The Sunday Times