DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS IN THE PERSIAN GULF

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-17-5-31-3
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: October 21, 2011
• Sequence Number: 31
• Publication Date: October 16, 1971
• Content Type: MEMO

NSS, DOS Reviews Completed.'
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MEMORANDUM FOR
THE WHITE HOUSE
WAS
October 16, 1971
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SUBJECT: Diplomatic Relations in the Persian Gulf
In response to the two memos of October 5 -- "Diplomatic
Relations with the Trucial States Federation" and "Diplo-
matic Relations with Oman" -- from the Acting Secretary,
the President has:
1. Approved in principle at the appropriate time the recog-
nition of the Trucial States Federation and the establishment
of diplomatic relations by accrediting our ambassador in
Kuwait to the Federation. The exact timing of these steps
will be reviewed by the President in light of the circumstances
in the Gulf when the Federation becomes formally established
as a fully independent entity.
2. Authorized (a) informing the Sultan of Oman of U.S.
readiness to establish diplomatic relations with the Sultanate and
(b) accrediting our ambassador to Kuwait as non-resident Am-
bassador to Oman.
Z?
Henry . Kissinger
CO ID
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? MEMORANDUM W
THE WHITE HOUSE
witsliiNOTax ACTION
33369
33380
CONFIDENTIAL October 1
MEMORANDUM FOR GENERAL HAIG
FROM: Harold H. Saunders
SUBJECT: Approval of US Diplomatic Presence in the Persian Gulf
If the memorandum I sent on our diplomatic representation in the
Persian Gulf is approved today as I suggested at staff meeting this
morning, the attached could be the vehicle for decision.
As I said at staff meeting, it would be helpful if this could go to State
today because our Consul General in Dahra.n is leaving Sunday to
visit the lower Gulf.
Recommendation: That the attached be signed today.
CONFIDENTIAL
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MEMORANDUM IP
THE WHITE HOUSE
wAssisoTos
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
FROM: Harold H. Saunders145"4
C" /leg
SUBJECT: US Relations with Remaining Persian Gulf,E,n
The Proposed Federation and Oman C/
With reference to a XIS diplomatic presence in the Persian Gulf, we
have recognized both Bahrain and Qatar as they became independent
this summer and approved the establishment of diplomatic relations,
accrediting our Ambassador in Kuwait as non-resident Ambassador.
33369 .
ACTION 33380
October 14, 1971
As the situation on the ground shapes up, two other entities remain to
be dealt with: (1) the proposed federation of the seven "Trucial" states
(Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah and
Ras al-Khaimah (which has demurred for the moment)] and (2) Oman.
A map is attached.
Secretary Rogers is now recommending (Tabs A and B to memo for
President) that the President approve:
1. Recognition of the proposed federation as it becomes independent
and establisfiment of diplomatic relations with it by accrediting our
Ambassador in Kuwait as non-resident Ambassador. The Secretary
points out that this would be pursuant to NSDM 92 which approved
in principle the establishment of ties with the lower Gulf states. And
it corresponds with the situation which has developed on the ground,
namely a federation of seven plus two independents. [Tab A to memo
for the President.]
Comment: I would approve this in principle so that our man in the
Gulf can take a positive stance if the question is raised, but I would
require the Department to check back with us on timing. This could
become embroiled in a Gulf Islands imbroglio with Iran.
2. Establishment of diplomatic relations with Oman (which the US
has recognized since 1833), approving the accreditation of our
Ambassador in Kuwait as non-resident Ambassador. Oman, at the
entrance to the Gulf, has substantial oil wealth and a larger population
than all nine lower states combined. Through the years it has been
independent but has maintained a very close relationship with Britain.
It has also had substantial problems with local insurrection in its
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IP IP
CONFIDENTIAL -
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Dhofar province by radical guerrilla forces supported by Oman's
neighbor, radical South Yemen (Aden). The Dhofari rebellion
is both a drain on Omani development resources and one of the
reasons Oman is looking inward?rather than towards a federation--
for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, since the young Sultan
seized power from his father last summer, he has pursued a course
of establishing contacts with the outside world. He is in the process
of establishing ties with India, Japan and Pakistan, has approached
the Soviet Union and has turned to the Arab states and the U. N. The
Sultan has now indicated he would welcome a formal indication of
US desire to establish diplomatic relations. The Secretary believes
that a positive US decision would be compatible with our long-standing
friendly relations with Oman and our overall interest in establishing
diplomatic ties with the Gulf states. [Tab B to memo for President]
Comment: The only reason for thinking twice about this is Saudi
reaction. The Saudis have generally been reserved about the
developing entities in the Gulf because of some longstanding tribal
or territorial. rivalries. However, Oman is a member of both the
Arab League and the UN now, and the Saudis seem to accept the
fact that we will be expanding our diplomatic presence in the Gulf
as the British reduce theirs.
RECOMMENDATION: That you seek the President's approval of these
steps via the attached memo. [Since our Consul General is leaving for
a trip down the Gulf Sunday approval of the Oman relationship by then
would be useful.] "P"..."1...)
CONFIDENTIAL
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Territorial Disputes in the Persian Gulf Area
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MEMORANDUM IIP
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM: Henry A. Kissinger
SUBJECT: US Relations with Lower Persian Gulf States
33369
ACTION 33380
With your approval this summer, the US has recognized the independent
states of Bahrain and Qatar in the Persian Gulf and is establishing
diplomatic relations with them by accrediting your Ambassador in Kuwait
as non-resident Ambassador.
This leaves two entities to be dealt with--the proposed Federation of the
seven remaining "Trucial" states and our relations with the tenth state,
Oman, which will not be joining any federation for the foreseeable future.
Following a review of our Persian Gulf options last year, you approved
in principle the establishment of diplomatic relations with the lower Gulf
states. Secretary Rogiers is now recommending specifically that you:
--approve US recognition of the proposed Trucial States Federation
when it becomes formally independent and the establishment of
diplomatic relations by accrediting our Ambassador in Kuwait as
non-resident Ambassador [Tab Al;
--approve informing the Sultan of Oman of the US readiness to
establish formal diplomatic relations (the US has recognized Oman
since 1833) and accrediting our Ambassador in Kuwait as non-resident
Ambassador. [Tab 13]
Background: The British have been working at an increasing pace to
leave behind an orderly pattern of Gulf state relationships when the formal
UK treaties terminate at the end of this year. The pattern that has emerged
has become one of (a) two independent states (Bahrain and Qatar), (b) a
federation of the remaining seven tiny states and (c) Oman, which has been
independent through the years.
--The Federation of seven was considered the most viable alternative
to the original scheme for nine as Bahraini and Qatari intentions to go it
alone became clearer this year. The Trucial state rulers have issued
a declaration of "intent" to form a federation but are momentarily
holding up formal announcement pending resolution of the dispute
between the Shah and two of the states over three small islands at the
rrINFTTIFINTT A T
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IP
CONFIDENTIAL
entrance to,the Gulf. The negotiations between the British,
Iranians and Arab rulers are, incidentally, in the final stages
and will hopefully reach some compromise settlement. The Shah
has made clear, however, that he will frustrate the formation
of any federation until the issue is settled; hence, formal announce-
ment of a federation is being held in abeyance. The British are
moving ahead with plans to transfer powers to a budding federation
bureaucracy and hope that the new entity can be formalized by
mid-December . Your agreement to extend recognition would
permit State to be forthcoming on the question of relations, although
the timing would be reviewed when the actual circumstances become
clear.
--Through the years, Oman has maintained a very close relationship
with the British and always friendly- -if limited -contacts with the US.
At the entrance to the Gulf, Oman has substantial oil wealth and a
population larger than all nine lower Gulf states combined. With the
general awakening of the Gulf area, the Sultan of Oman (who deposed
the near-medieval rtlership of his father last summer) has begun to
develop contacts with the outside world and is in the process of
establishing ties with India, Japan and Pakistan. He has approached
the USSR and has engaged Arab government and UN support. Finally,
he has expressed the desire to have a formal indication of US interest
in establishing diplomatic relations. The Sultan has decided to
concentrate on domestic priorities for the foreseeable future rather
than linking up with other Gulf states, since he is coping with a long-
standing insurrection in his Dhofar province fed by radical forces in
neighboring South Yemen. The Secretary believes it would be
appropriate to round out our development of a diplomatic presence
in the Gulf by offering to have ties with Oman.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I. That you approve in principle recognition of the Federation and
establishment of diplomatic relations with exact timing to be reviewed
in the light of the situation when the Federation's independence is
proclaimed.
Approve
Other
2. That you approve indicating Oman our willingness to establish
diplomatic relations.
Approve Other
CONFIDENTIAL
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