Arab Policy on the Palestinian Question
The correspondent asked:
Israel has proposed a pact with the Arab states as a first step toward a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. It has also declared that no solution to the Palestinian problem is possible unless the Arabs change their policy and agree to sit at the same table with a delegation from Tel Aviv. What is Your Majesty’s view?
His Majesty replied:
“This matter was placed on the table during the recent sessions of the Arab League, and it was unanimously agreed to reject sitting with the Jews at one table. This decision reflects the view of the Arab peoples and their governments. I do not believe that any Arab who believes in the rights of his nation and the dignity of his homeland would accept such humiliating proposals. Even contemplating reconciliation with the Israeli tyrants by any means is a betrayal of Arabism and Islam. Anyone who extends his hand to the Zionists is, in effect, a Zionist himself.”
Arab Interests Come First
The correspondent asked:
It is said that the three major powers — Britain, France, and the United States — agreed at the Ottawa Conference to establish a Middle East High Command that would include all Arab states except Israel. Would Saudi Arabia agree to join such a command if invited?
His Majesty replied:
“If the Arab states receive such an invitation, they will consult among themselves and study the matter from all angles in light of their shared Arab interests, regardless of any other considerations. The Saudi government will support whatever the Arab states collectively decide.”
The Iranian Crisis
The correspondent asked:
What does Your Majesty think will happen in Iran if it reaches an agreement with Russia to sell oil to it?
His Majesty replied:
“The Iranian problem has passed through dangerous stages and has now reached its peak. We are following its developments with great concern, for we sympathize with the aspirations of the brotherly Iranian people and their rights over their national resources. We hope both sides will find a prompt and peaceful solution to this entrenched crisis.”
Developing the Saudi Army
The correspondent asked:
Has the British mission invited by the Saudi government to train the army fulfilled its duties properly? Has its work produced clear results?
His Majesty replied:
“Yes. The British mission has carried out its duties in the best manner under the firm leadership of its head, Colonel Bird. The results of their work are evident to anyone who compares the current state of the Saudi army with what it was a few years ago.”
Egypt and Britain
The conversation concluded with a reference to Egypt’s government and people and their determination to abolish the 1936 Treaty. In this regard, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered the following statement to the Egyptian correspondent:
“Egypt’s cause is our cause. Egypt’s hopes are our hopes. Egypt’s pains are our pains. We stand with Egypt in its aspirations and in its right to complete sovereignty — a natural right that must be attained. Every legitimate means to achieve this right must be pursued. We trust in the wisdom and foresight of both parties, especially in these tense global circumstances, and we hope that negotiations will lead to a reasonable solution to this problem — one that is not beyond reach when approached with reason and mutual understanding.”