DEPARTMENT OF STATE Memorandum of Conversation
Date: February 18, 1949
Subject: Elevation of the Legation of Saudi Arabia to the Grade Of Embassy
Participants: The Secretary Ambassador Asad Al-Faqih The Chief of Protocol
Copies to: G S/S-FR NEA NE
His Excellency Asad Al-Faqih, Ambassador Designate of Saudi Arabia, called upon me today at 3:45 p.m. to present a copy of his Letter of Credence and of his Remarks to be made to the President as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Sheikh Asad Al-Faqih was presented by Mr. Woodward, Chief of Protocol.
I inquired concerning the health of the Royal Family and was informed that H.R.H. Prince Faisal, Foreign Minister, had undergone an operation for sinus in Paris, and that His Majesty King Ibn Saud was obliged occasionally to use the wheel chair which President Roosevelt had given him a few years ago. The Ambassador assured me that His Majesty's condition was not serious.
I inquired also concerning Sheikh Ali Ali Reza, and found that he too had been operated upon recently for stomach ulcers.
Otherwise our conversation was limited to an exchange of courtesies.
D.A.
S/S-FR:SWoodward:lbd