King Saud’s strong role in defending Arab causes was among the most important factors that led U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to view him as a reliable leader—one who could be counted on after winning him as a friend and ally. Eisenhower promptly sent him an official invitation to visit the United States in 1957 (1377 AH), believing that King Saud would play a prominent role in his project to confront and combat communism in the Middle East and the Islamic world.
Upon receiving the invitation, King Saud immediately traveled to Cairo in January 1957 (1377 AH) to meet with Presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser and Shukri al‑Quwatli, where they agreed on two main points:
- Attempting to persuade President Eisenhower to pressure Israel regarding the Gulf of Aqaba and to withdraw to the previous armistice lines on all fronts.
- Continuing support for the frontline states confronting Israel.
King Saud translated this support into action by entering into a ten‑year agreement with the two presidents and with King Hussein of Jordan to ease Jordan’s financial burden resulting from the problems it faced due to Zionist aggression. Under this agreement, Egypt and Saudi Arabia each contributed five million Egyptian pounds annually to Jordan.
King Saud’s Visit to the United States
When King Saud visited the United States in response to the invitation, he was warmly received by the American government. However, the Jewish mayor of New York, Wagner, refused to welcome him due to the King’s Arab and Islamic policies, which conflicted with Jewish interests.
King Saud delivered an important speech at a banquet hosted by Dag Hammarskjöld, the Swedish Secretary‑General of the United Nations. His speech addressed all aspects of Arab grievances within the framework and authority of the UN Charter, urging all parties to adhere to it sincerely. He also discussed the consequences and negative effects of the Cold War.
During his negotiations with the U.S. President in Washington on 2 February 1957 (Jumada II 1376 AH), Eisenhower explained the principles and objectives of his project—known as the Eisenhower Doctrine—and the positive, active role he expected from King Saud as a strong friend of America and a prominent Arab and Islamic leader in resisting the communist tide advancing into the Middle East and the Islamic world.
In preparation for this initiative, Eisenhower offered the Saudi government a loan of 25 million dollars on 24 January 1957 (1376 AH).
King Saud’s Response
King Saud replied that although the Soviet Union had offered military assistance to confront Britain, he had rejected it. He explained that Britain’s misguided policies were what drove the Arabs to seek help from the Soviet Union. He also noted that the non‑aligned countries benefited more from Soviet aid than America’s friends benefited from U.S. assistance—aid which, he argued, needed to be increased for the President to succeed in his efforts.
King Saud asked Eisenhower to use his influence on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories and to resolve the Palestinian issue, and to persuade France to reach a solution regarding Algerian independence. He also promised to inform his Arab counterparts of the Eisenhower Doctrine and its objectives and to gauge Arab public opinion—both official and popular—before making any commitments.
King Saud explained to the U.S. President that a large portion of his country’s budget was devoted to development and the implementation of the Five‑Year Plan, and that he needed military assistance before he could play the role expected of him in confronting communist expansion.
The U.S. government agreed to grant him a loan of 250 million dollars, and to supply Saudi Arabia with all types of land, sea, and air weapons, along with training for Saudi personnel in their use, operation, and management. In return, King Saud agreed to grant the U.S. government the use of Dhahran Air Base for five years, after which the base and its facilities would be handed over to the Saudi government in 1381 AH / 1962.
Additionally, King Saud discussed with the U.S. President the dispute with Britain over the Buraimi Oasis, the oil‑rich region between Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Abu Dhabi under British protection. The Buraimi issue had been contentious since the reign of his father, King Abdulaziz, and the dispute continued during King Saud’s reign, eventually being submitted to international arbitration after several clashes.
Results of the Visit and Arab Consultations
The efforts King Saud exerted during this important visit produced positive results. Before briefing his Arab counterparts on the outcomes of his visit and explaining the Eisenhower Doctrine, King Saud visited Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya, informing their leaders of the results.
He then met in Cairo in Rajab 1376 AH (February 1957) with the leaders of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan, and briefed them on the Eisenhower Doctrine. Under the influence of President Gamal Abdel Nasser and President Shukri al‑Quwatli—and out of King Saud’s desire to stand with the Arab consensus—he decided to support the Egyptian and Syrian position of not aligning with the Eisenhower Doctrine.
Conclusion
King Saud’s efforts and sacrifices to unify the Arab ranks in service of their causes were among the matters to which he devoted his utmost attention. However, the negative policies of the great powers, the circumstances of the Cold War, and the self‑interest of certain Arab leaders prevented the outcomes he had hoped and worked for.
As a result, the policies and interventions of the major powers led to the fragmentation of Arab unity and the division of the Arabs into two main camps, causing new conflicts to erupt and intensify—each Arab side representing the interests of a major power or political bloc supporting it.
Source:
Research titled “The Role Played by King Saud Alongside His Father in the Unification of the Kingdom” — Fahda bint Saud