U.S. POLICY IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE PERSIAN GULF

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-33-6-17-0
• Release Decision: RIFLIM
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: September 20, 2010
• Sequence Number: 17
• Publication Date: May 10, 1973
• Content Type: MEMO

-;3/P
? .~.-~ No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-33-6-17-0
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
SECRET (GDS)
National Security Study Memorandum 181
TO: The Secretary of State
The Secretary of Defense
The Director of Central Intelligence
May 10, 1973
SUBJECT: U. S. Policy in the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian
Gulf
The President has directed a review of U. S. policy in the Arabian'
Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. NSDM 92 and NSDM 186 have already
established a framework for U. S. policy in this region based on Saudi-
Iranian cooperation and an indirect U. S. role in arms supply. The
purpose of this new review is to evaluate our present policy in light
of recent developments in this area.
The study should identify U. S. interests and objectives in the area. As
to T.T.S. .interests and objectives deriving from, U.S. energy ,rcquiremcn s,
the study should draw on the work done in response to NSSM 174.
The study then should specifically address the following questions:
-- What is the state of regional cooperation and in particular Saudi-
Iranian cooperation? What steps can the U. S. take to strengthen
it? _
-- What role would the United States like to see Kuwait play and what
can the U. S. do to encourage it? In the light of Kuwait's current
defense needs, what is an appropriate relationship between Kuwait
and other nations of the area? What are possible U. S. roles in
responding to Kuwait's defense needs?
-- What measures can be taken to strengthen the U. S. -Saudi and
U. S. -Iranian bilateral relationships? In particular, how can a
sense of cooperation toward common strategic objectives be
developed? How can commercial and financial ties be strengthened,
including consideration of steps the U. S. could take to encourage
oil producing countries to use oil revenues to increase production?
-- What are the prospects for stability in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain?
ON-FILE NSC RELEASE
INSTRUCTIONS APPLY
SECRET (GIDS)
No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-33-6-17-0
 No Objection to Declassification in Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-33-6-17-0
SECRET - 2 -
How can Saudi Arabia and Iran contribute most effectively to the
security of the area and in particular of Kuwait, Oman and the
Yemen Arab Republic? What is the appropriate role for Jordan?
What are the options for the U. S. in relation to the cooperation
among these governments?
-- Is U. S. arms supply policy in this area appropriate?
-- Is the U. S. official presence in the area appropriate as to numbers
and level?
In discussing these issues, reference should be made as appropriate to
Iran's and Saudi Arabia's growing -economic and military power; sources
of instability in the area including the role of Iraq and the PDRY; and the
policies of states outside the region (Europeans, Japan, USSR) as they
affect U. S. interests. In each section of the study, options for U. S. policy
should be presented and analyzed.
This study should be conducted by the NSC Interdepartmental Group for
the Near East and South Asia. This study should be submitted to the
NSC Senior Review Group by June 22; 1973.
.Henry A. Kissinger
cc: The Chairrxian, . Joint Chiefs of Staff
No Objection
Full 2010/09/20: LOC-HAK-33-6-17-0