President Kennedy’s Famous Letter to King Saud (May 11, 1961)

A summary of U.S. policy toward the Arab–Israeli conflict and the Palestinian refugee issue

President John F. Kennedy sent a well‑known letter on 11 May 1961 to King Saud, along with five other Arab leaders, outlining his administration’s policy and objectives for resolving the Arab–Israeli conflict and addressing the plight of Palestinian refugees through the “Food for Peace” programs.

The letter expressed the U.S. administration’s desire to support the right of Arab peoples to self‑determination, to promote the prosperity of their countries and neighbors, and to work—through the United Nations and beyond—to find solutions to regional problems and help Arab states achieve economic development consistent with the aspirations of free nations.

Kennedy emphasized America’s willingness to contribute to improving living conditions in Arab countries, expanding “Food for Peace” initiatives, and strengthening educational exchange programs—all of which had been adversely affected by the Arab–Israeli conflict. He stressed the U.S. wish to pursue a humane solution to the refugee crisis, including compensation for Palestinian refugees, the protection of their rights, and addressing the issue of the Jordan River diversion.

The letter was sent in identical form to six Arab leaders, except for paragraph four, which was tailored to each country. The recipients were:
King Saud, King Hussein (Jordan), President Fuad Shihab (Lebanon), Prime Minister Abd al‑Karim Qasim (Iraq), Imam Ahmad Hamid al‑Din (Yemen), and President Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt). May God have mercy on them all.

Kennedy’s personalized message to King Saud (Paragraph Four)

*“I recall the useful, constructive, and historic meeting between your great father, King Abdulaziz (may God have mercy on him), and President Roosevelt, which remains a symbol of the shared interests and common objectives of our two great nations.

As for relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I share Your Majesty’s desire to strengthen the ties between our two countries, which have been firmly established over many years and must continue to grow and flourish.

Our ambassador, Mr. Heath, has kept us informed of developments in your country that concern both our nations. I am grateful for the kindness you have shown him as a representative of the United States.”*
(Telegram 430 to Jidda, May 11; Department of State, Central Files, 611.80/5–1161)

King Saud’s Response to President Kennedy (June 25, 1961)

On 25 June 1961, King Saud—may God have mercy on him—sent a reply to President Kennedy’s letter, expressing strong criticism of U.S. support for Israel and its position on the Arab–Israeli conflict, particularly the American stance at the United Nations regarding Palestinian refugees.

King Saud insisted that the only legitimate basis for addressing the Palestinian question is the recognition that:

Arabs are the rightful and original inhabitants of Palestine,
They possess the legitimate right to live in their homeland,
Israel was established through the usurpation of Palestinian rights,
And its creation was facilitated by political support from the United Nations.

(Department of State, Central Files, 786A.00/6–2591)