His Majesty King Saud received the American Ambassador, Mr. Wadsworth, at his palace in Jeddah. The ambassador presented to His Majesty Senator Lander, a member of the United States Senate. His Majesty welcomed the senator and wished him a pleasant stay.
During the meeting, the senator referred to the King’s recent statement to the American Jewish writer Mr. Lilienthal regarding the Palestine question, as well as to the message His Majesty had addressed to the American people at the request of the Ford Foundation’s Cultural Affairs Department. The senator expressed particular admiration for the King’s frankness and clarity in presenting the Arab viewpoint on this complex issue. He told His Majesty that such openness would greatly help enlighten American public opinion about the justice of the Arab cause.
The American ambassador also expressed his interest in what had been published and broadcast on the matter, echoing the senator’s remarks.
His Majesty continued the conversation, saying that he believed the American people—who had themselves suffered injustice in their history and who resemble the Arabs in their love of freedom and homeland—would support and defend the Arab cause once they understood its justice.
The senator thanked His Majesty and remarked that he had visited the Kingdom in 1949 and now found it greatly advanced through the reforms and development projects undertaken. He wished the country continued progress under the leadership of His Majesty and his government. He also expressed his pleasure at the friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
His Majesty affirmed:
“Our country, which works for the establishment of world peace, will spare no effort in strengthening its friendly relations with all peace‑loving nations, especially the United States, with whom we share mutual interests and longstanding friendship.”
Before taking his leave, the senator informed His Majesty that he would be visiting other Arab countries and touring refugee camps. He asked His Majesty for guidance on what he should focus on during his visit to help advance the refugee issue.
His Majesty replied:
“The only solution is the return of the refugees to their homes and homeland. Any alternative will fail. They must also be given immediate financial assistance to relieve their suffering before the hardships of winter.”
The senator agreed with His Majesty’s view and said that upon returning to the United States, he would do everything in his power to inform American public opinion about the Arab cause.
After exchanging assurances of continued Saudi‑American friendship, the senator thanked His Majesty for his warm reception and hospitality, and took his leave, wishing His Majesty success in elevating the standing of the Arabs and Muslims.