DIPLOMACY: A Triumphant Middle East Hegira

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Deeper Concerns. Faisal discussed with Nixon the details of how the agreement might be implemented, but there were deeper concerns on the King's mind. Before he dies, Faisal wants to pray once more at the mosque in Jerusalem near the Dome of the Rock, revered by Moslems as Mohammed's steppingstone to heaven. But the King refuses to journey to the ancient city as long as it is held by the Israelis. The fate of the refugees is another bitter problem.

With newsmen listening, Faisal chose to describe his worries at an all-male state dinner in the royal guest palace. As the smell of incense wafted through the huge, high-ceilinged rooms, the King delivered a blunt if hyperbolic message to his guest: "The injustice and aggression that were wrought upon the Arabs of Palestine are unprecedented in history." Although he praised the peacemaking efforts of Kissinger and Nixon, the King warned: "There will never be a real and lasting peace in the area unless Jerusalem is liberated and returned to Arab sovereignty, unless liberation of all the occupied Arab territories is achieved, and unless the Arab peoples of Palestine regain their rights to return to their homes and be given the right of self-determination."

Replying to Faisal's toast, Nixon said: "We are aware that we cannot produce an instant formula to solve all longtime differences. But what is new in the present situation is that the U.S. is playing a role, a positive role, working toward the goal of permanent peace in the Middle East."

Later that evening Nixon told the King: "I know that most people come to Saudi Arabia to get oil. We can use oil, but we need more, something that is worth far more than oil—we need wisdom." The President should have stopped there, but perhaps showing the strain of the trip, he rambled on: "Just to demonstrate that I am somewhat of a practical politician, let me say that while we treasure most your wisdom that we will take with us after this visit, we of course will need the oil to carry us to our next stop. And, Your Majesty, I just want to make clear—we of course will pay the world price."

Before leaving, Mrs. Nixon managed to get away for a brief shopping tour of the bazaars of Jidda. "I would like to spend a lot of time here without escorts," she said, "so I could have some fun."

During the farewell ceremonies, Faisal took the extraordinary step of allying himself with Nixon in his fight against impeachment. Although he did not mention Watergate by name, there was no mistaking the meaning of the King's softly spoken words as he called for Americans to rally round the President. Said Faisal: "Anybody who stands against you, Mr. President, in the United States of America or outside the United States of America, or stands against us, your friends in this part of the world, obviously has one aim in mind — namely, that of causing the splintering of the world, the wrong polarization of the world, the bringing about of mischief that would not be conducive to tranquillity and peace in the world."