When the Algerian people launched their major uprising at the beginning of November 1954 (1374 AH), King Saud acted within merely two months of the revolution’s outbreak to internationalize the Algerian question and prevent the world from turning a blind eye to it. He began mobilizing support and allies in international forums, successfully elevating the issue to the United Nations Security Council, and subsequently to the General Assembly, which adopted and embraced it.
This was affirmed by Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi, son of Sheikh al‑Ibrahimi, who stated that King Saud had requested the inscription of the Algerian question on the agenda of the Security Council in a letter dated 5 January 1955 (12/5/1374 AH).
The prominent writer and head of the Algerian delegation during the period of occupation, Tawfiq al‑Madani, addressed King Saud—may God have mercy on him—saying:
“Neither we nor struggling Algeria shall ever forget—neither now nor in the future—that Your Majesty’s noble hand was the first to extend financial assistance to us, and the first to champion our cause before the United Nations.”
This does not negate the support of other Arab states for Algeria; however, the position of Saudi Arabia—alongside that of Egypt—was of a distinctive and exceptional nature.
King Hussein of Jordan remarked at the time, in conversation with Tawfiq al‑Madani:
“You rely on two fundamental pillars: Egypt and Saudi Arabia. After them come Syria and Iraq. Be assured that the more you intensify your struggle, the more assistance will flow to you.”
Tawfiq al‑Madani further recorded this reality in his Memoirs:
“We—the delegation of the National Liberation Front—traveled to Riyadh. The reception was warm, and the hospitality—were it not for the deep suffering of our people—was most generous. We met King Saud bin Abdulaziz in an exceptionally cordial meeting. He listened to me with profound understanding and said: Rejoice, for by God’s will you shall obtain what brings peace to your hearts. I am assigning you to the Minister of Finance, Sheikh Muhammad Surur al‑Sabban, and I shall examine all possibilities with him. Rest assured that we shall do what God and conscience require.
This occurred on 11 December 1957 (19/5/1377 AH).”
Sheikh al‑Sabban—may God have mercy on him—former Saudi Minister of Finance, stated:
“The King resolved to open a public subscription of one hundred million francs, with the government contributing two hundred and fifty million, which he personally guaranteed. Payment was to be made directly to you—the FLN delegation—as you requested, deposited into your account in Damascus. Whatever you require—arms, funds, or political support—contact the King directly by letter or messenger. He stands ready to fulfill it to the extent of his ability.”
King Saud—may God have mercy on him—said to Tawfiq al‑Madani after granting him one billion French francs in support of the Algerian cause:
“You pay the tax of blood, and we pay the tax of money. May God grant us all success.”
It is also noteworthy that the Kingdom severed diplomatic relations with France. King Saud declared:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not restore diplomatic relations with France until Algeria attains independence. I affirm that I shall remain a steadfast supporter of the Algerian Revolution.”
This statement was delivered in a radio address.
Furthermore, the Kingdom designated the 15th of Sha‘ban as a national day for collecting donations for the Algerian people.
How many of us are aware of this?
In 1957, the Hajj season was held under the slogan “Algeria,” thereby disseminating awareness of the Algerian cause among the peoples of the world. This support did not cease—not for a single day—until the establishment of the Provisional Government.
Farhat Abbas, President of the Provisional Government in 1961, stated:
“I can only extend to Your Majesty my sincere gratitude, and the appreciation of my government and the Algerian people, for what you have done and continue to do in support of our cause, which is the cause of the Arab nation whose honor is the honor of Islam. It is no surprise that the government and people of Your Majesty—who supported our cause from the beginning—remain its foremost defenders.”
Tawfiq al‑Madani added yet another testimony after independence:
“King Saud held a magnificent banquet for all participants in the Arab League session. When coffee was served, he took my hand—surrounded by many delegates—and congratulated me warmly on the victory achieved through struggle and sacrifice. He said in a loud voice: Just as I was the first to donate to struggling Algeria, I shall be the first to donate to independent Algeria. I have issued an order to deposit one billion francs immediately into your account, and I hope that the rest of the brothers will follow this example.”
After these illuminating excerpts from the history of fraternal relations between Algeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, can we ever truly repay such a noble debt?
The least that any sincere and rational Algerian can say is:
May God reward the people of the Kingdom with the best of rewards on our behalf, and may He bless their land with security, peace, prosperity, and faith.
I conclude with the words of Sheikh al‑Ibrahimi—may God have mercy on him—addressed to King Faisal—may God have mercy on him:
“We thank Your Majesty, on behalf of the struggling Salafi Algerian nation, and congratulate it on what God has granted it through Your Majesty’s concern for it and its cause. We consider this concern the key to its happiness and prosperity, a sign of God’s grace upon it, and the first step toward its liberation. May God support you with His victory, protect you with His care, make you a champion of truth as He made you a champion of monotheism, and make us among His soldiers in the cause of truth.”
For all these details, see Hayat al‑Kifah by Tawfiq al‑Madani