Saudis, Soviets discussing new diplomatic relations

Saudi Arabia and the Soviet Union are involved in secret negotiations about reestablishing diplomatic relations for the first time in more than 40 years. Delicate contacts between the governments have been handled by Syrian and Kuwaiti officials, Western diplomatic sources said. The Saudis have insisted on keeping the contacts secret so as not to adversely influence the proposed US sale to Saudi Arabia of AWACS r econnaissance planes and other sophisticated weapons.