Khalid gives U.S. assurance

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 15

Khalid gives U.S. assurance

(A.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) RIYADH, March 28.

The new King of Saudi Arabia. Khalid Ibn Abdul Aziz, has made clear his determination to continue with the domestic and international policies of his elder brother. King Feisal, who was assassinated three days ago.

The new Monarch told the United States Vice-President (Mr Nelson Rockefeller) ati the Riyadh Palace that Saudi' Arabia would continue to 1 develop her close ties with the United States. Mr Rockefeller had handed the King a letter from Presi-! dent Ford, expressing con-: dolences at King Feisal's death, Mr Rockefeller said that: both Mr Ford and the American Secretary of State: (Dr Henry Kissinger) wantedi to assure King Khalid off their desire to strengthen, and deepen, ties of co-oper-l ation, particularly through: the joint United States -j Saudi economic and military! commissions established nine! months ago. Leading Saudi officials: continue to dismiss as “unfounded, mischievous and absurd” an/ speculations! that there was a conspiracy to kill King Feisal, insisting that his death was the work: of one nientally-derangedf member of the familv, a. nephew. " They say that there will j be no change at ail in thej new King’s policies, but add! that it is too early to give! details of how power would;, be shared between the;! Monarch, the Royal Princes.:' and_other Ministers. i ( King Khalid told Mr: Rockefeller: “I have been;! with the late King Feisal forl I

150 years, and I know noth-, 'ing about government and; I policies except what I have; ; learned through his teach-l I ing his mind, and his poli- i tics.” King Feisal often declared! that Zionism and Commun-IJ ! ism had joined in a sinister; I conspiracy to dominate the i world.