His Majesty King Saud declared that the Arabs have been wronged in Palestine, in North Africa, in al‑Buraimi, and in the southern and eastern regions of the Arabian Peninsula. He stated that the Arab peoples’ friends in the West—those with whom the Arabs fought side by side in two world wars for the liberation of their countries—have forgotten the Arabs’ efforts, their comradeship in arms, and their shared struggle. The Arabs, he affirmed, demand that the West restore their rights in Palestine and grant freedom to North Africa, South Arabia, and Eastern Arabia.
His Majesty made these remarks to foreign journalists during a reception hosted by Aristotle Onassis, the Greek‑born owner of the world’s largest oil tanker, which he named King Saud I in honor of His Majesty. The tanker, carrying 45,500 tons of crude oil, was en route to Philadelphia.
The King continued:
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our country and to affirm that the constant aim of my government is to support all efforts that establish security throughout the world, and to uphold justice, equality, and freedom among all peoples. Every nation must enjoy its rights and live in dignity according to its beliefs and customs. We seek to strengthen human brotherhood and deepen understanding among nations in a spirit of universal goodwill.”
He added:
“We love the Arabs, and we believe in human brotherhood. The Arabs and Muslims have contributed greatly to the advancement of civilization. Our call for the freedom of peoples and the exercise of their recognized rights is a continuation of the principles the Arabs have upheld throughout their history.”
Arab National Unity
His Majesty affirmed:
“We believe that Arabs have the right to live in their homelands free and dignified, contributing to human progress. It is an honor for me and for my fellow Arab leaders to work toward uniting our scattered ranks and bringing together our divided word in a comprehensive Arab unity across our great shared homeland. Such unity will help establish security, justice, freedom, equality, and prosperity for the entire world.”
He stressed that this unity is not aimed at aggression against anyone, but at enabling Arabs to exercise their rights in their own lands.
Friends in the West Have Contributed to the Injustice
The King continued:
“It must be said plainly: the Arabs have been wronged in many of their homelands and prevented by force from exercising their legitimate rights. Together with our fellow Arabs, we seek—through peaceful means—to restore our usurped rights.”
He emphasized that Palestine stands at the forefront of Arab grievances, and that North Africa, South Arabia, and Eastern Arabia are equally central to Arab efforts to reclaim their rights.
His Majesty added:
“I wish to make clear to the conscience of the world, through you, that we have been wronged in Palestine, in North Africa, in al‑Buraimi, and in the southern and eastern regions of Arabia. Our friends in the West—those whom we befriended, allied with, and fought alongside in two world wars—have contributed to this injustice. They themselves acknowledged the decisive role played by the Arabs in tipping the balance of victory.”
He lamented that these Western friends failed to honor their promises, leaving the Arabs suddenly facing them in a struggle for their own freedom and rights.
“Despite all that has passed, we still hope that our Western friends will grant us the justice they demand for themselves. If they do so—if they resolve the problems they helped create—we Arabs are fully prepared to cooperate with them.”
The Demand for Arab Rights
His Majesty concluded:
“We call upon the West to restore Arab rights in Palestine, to liberate North Africa, South Arabia, and Eastern Arabia, and to support the Arabs in standing for justice, freedom, and truth. We ask that they respect our independence and not obstruct our unity. If they do so—rights that are ours by every measure—we shall always stand on the side of justice and freedom.”
He affirmed that the Arabs extend their hands to the friends of yesterday, hoping they will be the friends of tomorrow, noting that the responsibility before the Arab peoples requires steadfastness in defending their rights and unity.
Finally, the King expressed his hopes for friendship among nations and reiterated his commitment to improving the living, educational, cultural, and economic standards of his people, acknowledging the challenges but affirming confidence in steady, deliberate progress.
Thursday, 1 Jumada al‑Awwal 1374 — 21 July 1955
From “King Saud: His Speeches and Addresses,” by Fu’ād Shākir