His Majesty the Saudi King stated in his remarks that one of the most important subjects discussed in Washington with President Eisenhower was the Eisenhower Middle East Project. He added:
“We spent a long time obtaining clarifications on the points that required explanation, and we now see the matter clearly.”
His Majesty continued:
“When I meet my brothers, the heads of Arab states, soon in Cairo, I shall explain these matters to them, and we will then agree on the common position that must be taken.”
King Saud also told the newspaper’s correspondent that President Eisenhower seeks to strengthen mutual understanding with the Arabs and wishes to dispel the misunderstandings that have arisen between the Arabs and the United States.
During his visit to the United States, His Majesty had described the Eisenhower Project as a sound initiative that deserved consideration and appreciation.
He further expressed his conviction that the other Arab leaders would view President Eisenhower’s proposals more favorably “if the points I have clarified here were explained to them as they were explained to me.”
The Baghdad Pact
In his statement, King Saud criticized the Baghdad Pact, describing it as a danger to Arab nationalism and a cause of division among the Arabs. He added that bilateral treaties between Arab states were the best means of safeguarding the independence of Arab countries.
His Majesty also condemned French colonialism in North Africa, declaring:
“We shall struggle to achieve the independence of this Arab land from French colonialism, and victory will undoubtedly be ours, God willing.”