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Periodically, I find myself exploring the US State Department’s archival records — a treasure trove of documentation that illuminates Washington’s approach to international relationships.
One particular file, Document 109, dated June 5, 1974, at 5:15 p.m., captures a pivotal Washington encounter between King Fahd, who was then serving as Saudi Arabia’s second deputy prime minister, and US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Also joined by veteran diplomat Mohammed Ibrahim Masoud and other officials, the meeting would prove foundational.
Historians of bilateral relations recognize this gathering as the bedrock upon which numerous subsequent economic and military initiatives were constructed.
According to the declassified record, Kissinger declared: “It is our firm view that a strong Saudi Arabia is in the interest of the United States and will contribute to peace and stability in the area. The United States would never be indifferent to any threat to the Kingdom from the north or the south. We look with favor on Saudi Arabia’s playing a stabilizing role in the Gulf. We count on it to play that role. In your meetings at the Defense Department tomorrow, you will find your requests are well received.”
