Al-Faqih Presses for an American Role at Buraimi

Buraimi was an oasis at the meeting point of rival Saudi, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat claims. Britain conducted much of the external diplomacy for the Gulf rulers whose interests it supported. A Saudi official's arrival in the oasis in 1952 had brought those claims into direct confrontation; an American diplomatic effort helped obtain a standstill while the governments argued about a settlement. [2]

Saudi ambassador Asad Al-Faqih faced an unwelcome answer in Washington on 8 January 1953. The United States declined to join a proposed commission to consult the inhabitants of Buraimi about their allegiance. After hearing the decision from Under Secretary David Bruce, Al-Faqih told another official that King Ibn Saud would interpret refusal as unwillingness to help Saudi Arabia. [1]

The proposed procedure carried consequences for the rival territorial claims. Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal insisted that Buraimi already belonged to Saudi Arabia and that accepting arbitration would itself concede a dispute. Britain, representing interests of Abu Dhabi and Muscat, supported their claims and sought impartial arbitration. Washington preferred that method and feared that serving on a plebiscite commission would compromise its ability to mediate. [2] [4] [1]

On 16 March, Al-Faqih tried another approach with Under Secretary Walter Bedell Smith. An impartial body could investigate and recommend a settlement, he suggested, and he asked whether Americans might help examine observance of the standstill agreement. Smith left participation possible if both sides wanted it, while maintaining his preference for arbitration. [3]

Related Diplomats

1. Assad Al-Faqih [1] [3]

Related Reading

• Saudi Arabia and the United States
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia