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Syria - President Asad
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1555857
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Syria - President Asad
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Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders (Ford Administration)
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
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Arab-Israeli relations
Middle East conflicts
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Syria - President Asad" of the
National Security Adviser's Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection
at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 4 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
3216
1A
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 14, 1974
Dear Mr. President:
Following the resumption of full diplomatic relations
between our nations, I am very pleased to send
Richard W. Murphy as Ambassador of the United
States of America to the Syrian Arab Republic and
my personal representative to you. I am confident
that our exchange of Ambassadors will strengthen
further the relations between our nations, building
upon the close consultations between our two
Governments in months past. I am particularly
pleased to be sending Ambassador Murphy, a man
of long experience in the Arab world, to this important
assignment. He has my full confidence.
I am aware how much President Nixon valued his visit
to Damascus and the opportunity it gave to exchange
views with you. I am deeply gratified by the progress
which our two countries have made toward better
mutual understanding and toward building a durable
relationship for the future. Ambassador Murphy will
carry our efforts forward and I assure you that the
United States will do everything possible to promote
friendly and constructive ties with your Government.
I also want to reiterate to you, Mr. President, that
the United States remains firm in its commitment to
assist the parties in achieving a just and lasting peace
in the Middle East. In that regard, the United States
looks forward to working closely with Syria in the
period ahead toward the achievement of this great goal.
I have asked Ambassador Murphy, in carrying this
letter to you, to convey my personal best wishes for
the continued health and well being of you and your
family.
Sincerely yours,
Hoald
R.
Ford
His Excellency
Hafez al-Asad
President of the Syrian Arab Republic
Damascus
OFFICE
HAK hand
play the President
IC
9:00
MEMORANDUM
ACTION
3216 [Redo]
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
SECRET/NODIS ATTACHMENT
August 12, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
SECRETARY KISSINGER
FROM:
ROSEMARY NIEHUSS
SUBJECT:
Presidential Letter to President Asad
of Syria for Delivery by Ambassador
Murphy
Ambassador Murphy is still in Washington but plans to depart for Syria
after meeting with you. [We understand that the meeting is scheduled
for tomorrow, Tuesday, at 12 noon. He would like to carry a Presidential
letter of introduction and greetings to President Asad. State has thus,
in the attached, resubmitted this previously approved recommendation
and has prepared a new letter for signature by President Ford. It is
consistent with the spirit of President Ford's message to President
Asad of August 9. The purpose is to introduce Ambassador Murphy
and to maintain a sense of continuity and personal interest at the
Presidential level. In that regard, it explicitly refers to President
Nixon's visit to Damascus.
RECOMMENDATION: That you forward the memorandum at Tab I to
the President recommending he sign a letter to President Asad for
delivery by Ambassador Murphy when he presents his credentials in
Damascus. (Text cleared with the Speechwriter's office.)
SECRET/NODIS ATTACHMENT
3216 (Redo)
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
August 12, 1974
FOR GENERAL SCOWCROFT
Per your instruction, attached is a revised
package recommending a letter from Presi-
dent Ford to President Asad of Syria for
delivery by Ambassador Murphy. I have
coordinated with State (Hal) which provided
a new text for the Presidential letter.
On timing, I gather that Ambassador Murphy
would like to depart for Syria as soon as
possible (with the letter, if approved) after
meeting with Secretary Kissinger. That meet-
ing is now scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday,
at noon. In any event, Ambassador Murphy
has been staying in touch in the event of get-
ting the final letter before he departs.
Rosema PA Niehuss
3216
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
SECRET/NODIS
WASHINGTON
ACTION
ATTACHMENT
August 12, 1974
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
HENRY A. KISSINGER
SUBJECT:
Letter to President Asad of Syria
for Delivery by Ambassador Murphy
Richard W. Murphy has been confirmed as the first United States
Ambassador to Syria since the break in relations in 1967. This
follows the joint Presidential announcement in Damascus on June 16
of the restoration of full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and
Syria and agreement to an early exchange of ambassadors. Syrian
Ambassador-Designate Kabbani has arrived in Washington and will
be presenting his credentials to you in the near future.
Ambassador Murphy's departure for Syria would be an appropriate
occasion for you to send a letter to President Asad for delivery during
the presentation of credentials ceremony there. The exchange of
ambassadors -- after a long hiatus -- is symbolic of progress we
have made in strengthening relations with Syria in the context of the
broader peace-making process, and a letter from you would provide
an opportunity for reaffirming the U.S. commitment to those objectives.
It would help promote a sense of continuity, building upon the personal
rapport established during President Nixon's visit to Damascus in
June and your message to President Asad of August 9 [Tab B].
A suggested letter for your signature -- introducing Ambassador
Murphy and reiterating your commitment to the strengthening of
bilateral relations and the active involvement of the U.S. in the
peace-making process -- is at Tab A.
RECOMMENDATION: That you sign the letter at Tab A to President
Asad for delivery by Ambassador Murphy in Damascus.
SEGRET/NODIS ATTACHMENT
SEGRET/NODIS
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT ASAD OF SYRIA
August 9, 1974
Dear Mr. President:
As I take up the office of President of the United States, I am,
as one of my first acts, writing you to assure you and other friends
of my firm dedication to the policies the United States has been pur-
suing in its international relations.
The foreign policy of the United States is soundly based on the
support of both our major political parties. The principle of con-
tinuity in foreign policy has deep roots in the traditions, institutions
and national interests of America. No principle will be more central
to the conduct of the affairs of the United States under my Administration.
I want to pledge to you that I am fully committed to honoring all obli-
gations undertaken by the United States in its relations with your country
and with all other nations of the world. I specifically wish to affirm
everything told you by President Nixon and Secretary Kissinger.
In particular, I want you to know of my strong commitment to
pursue our diplomatic strategy looking toward a just and durable peace
in the Middle East with the same vigor that has characterized our
efforts over the past nine months. The achievement of peace in the
DECLASSIFIED
SECRET/NODIS
E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5
State Dept. Guidelines
By
Van
, NARA, Date 3/8/04
SECRET/NODIS --- 2
Middle East will remain one of the highest foreign policy objectives
of the United States, and our endeavors to reach that goal will go
forward without interruption with the full participation and support
of Secretary Kissinger.
Finally, Mr. President, I welcome the historic turn this spring
in the relations between Syria and the United States, and I shall do
all I can to assure that my government does its share in building
on the foundation which has been laid. I look forward to meeting
you, and I shall value your views as our diplomatic efforts proceed.
Sincerely, yours,
[Gerald R. Ford]
SECRET/NODIS
7414897
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, D.C. 20520
August 12, 1974
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR MAJOR GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Letter from the President
to President Asad
Attached is a draft of a letter to President
Asad of Syria for the President's signature which
we would propose to have delivered personally by
our new Ambassador to Syria, Mr. Richard W. Murphy,
on presentation of his credentials to President
Asad.
Ambassador Murphy will be our first Ambassador
in Damascus since diplomatic relations were broken
at the time of the Arab-Israel War in 1967. The
decision to resume diplomatic relations and appoint
Ambassadors was announced jointly by President Nixon
and President Asad during the President's visit to
Damascus, June 15-16. This makes it particularly
fitting for President Ford to send with Ambassador
Murphy a personal letter to President Asad.
Ambassador Murphy plans to depart for Syria
in the next few days.
If the President agrees, it is recommended
that the signed letter from the President be deliv-
ered to the Department by August 13 so that Ambassador
Murphy may carry it with him when he leaves Washington
for Damascus.
Samuel R. Gammon
Acting Executive Secretary
Attachment
Draft Letter for President's Signature.
UNCLASSIFIED
Suggested Message
Dear Mr. President:
Following the resumption of full diplomatic
relations between our nations, I am very pleased
to send Richard W. Murphy as Ambassador of the United
States of America to the Syrian Arab Republic and my
personal representative to you. I am confident that
our exchange of Ambassadors will strengthen further
the relations between our nations, building upon the
close consultations between our two Governments in
months past. I am particularly pleased to be sending
Ambassador Murphy, a man of long experience in the
Arab world, to this important assignment. He has
my full confidence.
I am aware how much President Nixon and Secretary
Kissinger have valued their relationship with you. I
am deeply gratified by the progress which our two coun-
tries have made toward better mutual understanding and
toward building a durable relationship for the future.
Ambassador Murphy will carry our efforts forward and I assure
His Excellency
Hafez al-Asad,
President of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Damascus.
Department of State
- 2 -
you that the United States will do everything possible
to promote friendly and constructive ties with your
Government.
I also want to assure you, Mr. President, that
the United States remains firm in its commitment to
assist the parties in achieving a just and lasting
peace in the Middle East. In that regard, the United
States looks forward to working closely with Syria
in the period ahead toward the achievement of this
great goal.
I have asked Ambassador Murphy, in carrying
this letter to you, to convey my own personal best
wishes for the continued health and well being of
you and your family.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
August 12, 1974
UNCLASSIFIED
MEMORANDUM FOR MAJOR GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT
THE WHITE HOUSE
Subject: Letter from the President
to President Asad
Attached is a draft of a letter to President
Asad of Syria for the President's signature which
we would propose to have delivered personally by
our new Ambassador to Syria, Mr. Richard W. Murphy,
on presentation of his credentials to President
Asad.
Ambassador Murphy will be our first Ambassador
in Damascus since diplomatic relations were broken
at the time of the Arab-Israel War in 1967. The
decision to resume diplomatic relations and appoint
Ambassadors was announced jointly by President Nixon
and President Asad during the President's visit to
Damascus, June 15-16. This makes it particularly
fitting for President Ford to send with Ambassador
Murphy a personal letter to President Asad. In addi-
tion, a gesture of this sort would be helpful in
maintaining and strengthening the personal rapport
established by the President with President Asad
during their meetings in Damascus.
Ambassador Murphy plans to depart for Syria
in the next few days.
If the President agrees, it is recommended
that the signed letter from the President be deliv-
ered to the Department before August 12 so that
Ambassador Murphy may carry it with him when he
leaves Washington for Damascus.
Samuel R. Gammon
Acting Executive Secretary
Attachment
Draft Letter for President's Signature.
Drafted: NEA/ARN:DAKO*n:dav Mr Clearances: NEA - Mr. Atherton
x22670 8/9/74
NEA - Mr. Saunders
UNCLASSIFIED
Suggested Message
Dear Mr. President:
Following the resumption of full diplomatic
relations between our nations, I am very pleased
to send Richard W. Murphy as Ambassador of the
United States of America to the Syrian Arab Republic
and my personal representative to you. I am confi-
dent that our exchange of Ambassadors will strengthen
further the relations between our nations, building
upon the close consultations between our two Govern-
ments in months past. I am particularly pleased
to be sending Ambassador Murphy, a man of long ex-
perience in the Arab world, to this important assign-
ment. He has my full confidence.
I am aware how much President Nixon valued his
visit to Damascus and the opportunity it gave to
exchange views with you. I am deeply gratified by
the progress which our two countries have made toward
better mutual understanding and toward building a
durable relationship for the future. Ambassador
Murphy will carry our efforts forward and I assure
His Excellency
Hafez al-Asad,
President of the Syrian Arab Republic,
Damascus.
- 2 -
you that the United States will do everything possible
to promote friendly and constructive ties with your
Government.
reiterate reafform to
I also want to assure 1 you, Mr. President, that
the United States remains firm in its commitment to
assist the parties in achieving a just and lasting
peace in the Middle East. In that regard, the United
States looks forward to working closely with Syria
in the period ahead toward the achievement of this
great goal.
I have asked Ambassador Murphy, in carrying
this letter to you, to convey my own personal best
wishes for the continued health and well being of
you and your family.
sincerely yours, yours,
Gerald R. Ford
111
Drafted: NEA/ARN:DAKOrn:dav
x22670 8/9/74
Clearances: NEA Mr. Saunders
NEA Mr. Atherton
IT
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 16, 1975
Dear Mr. President:
I take the occasion of Ambassador Murphy's return
to Damascus to affirm to you directly my determination
that the United States will remain fully engaged in the
search for a just peace in the Middle East. Ambassador
Murphy has been participating in our policy reassessment
and is in a position to explain to you our current thinking.
Because the issues we are considering are both sensitive
and complex, I thought it preferable that he report to
you personally and orally on our deliberations during
his visit here. I shall for my part welcome your ideas
on how we should all proceed to avoid a stalemate.
The Ambassador brings with him my warmest personal
regards to you, Mr. President.
Sincerely,
Herald R. Fab
DECLASSIFIED
E.O. 12958, Sec. 3.5
His Excellency
State Dept. Guidelines
Hafiz al-Asad
By
Wh
, NARA, Date 3/9/04
President of the Syrian
Arab Republic
Damascus
CLASSIFIED BY HENRY A. KISSINGER
EXEMPT FROM GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION
SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 11652
EXEMPTION CATEGORY 5b (3)
AUTOMATICALLY DECLASSIFIED ON Imp to Det
SECRET
DEPARTMENT DEPT OF STATE
ACTION COPY
COPY
/
OF 15 COPIES
Department of State
UNITED STATES OF
TELEGRAM
SECRET
N00909
PAGE 01 DAMASC 01715 1209242
CONTROL: 2174Q
RECD: 12 MAY 75
CO
5:09AM
ACTION NOOS-00
INFO OCT-01 /001 W
098586
0 120753Z MAY 75
FM AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS
To SECSTATE WASHOC IMMEDIATE 3407
8
SCRE 6 R T DAMASCUS 1715
NODIS
EO 116521 GOS
TAGS: PFOR, SY, us
SUBJECT: MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ASAD
1. FOLLOWING IS TEXT OF LETTER FROM PRESIDENT
ASAD FOR PRESIDENT FORD, AS TRANSLATED BY PRESIDENT'S
PERSONAL INTERPRETER, WHICH ASAD HANDED ME MAY 11,
SIGNED ORIGINAL (ARABIC) BEING POUCHED.
2. "DEAR MR. PRESIDENT. I WISH TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR
LETTER DATED APRIL 16, 1975 DELIVERED TO ME BY AMBASSADOR
MURPHY, AND IN WHICH YOU AFFIRMED YOUR DETERMINATION THAT
THE UNITED STATES WOULD REMAIN FULLY ENGAGED IN THE SEARCH
FOR A JUST PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
3. "AMBASSADOR MURPHY ALSO REPORTED TO ME ORALLY ON THE
DELIBERATIONS THAT TOOK PLACE DURING HIS STAY IN WASHINGTON,
IN CONNECTION WITH THE REASSESSMENT OX AMERICAN POLICY
TOWARD THE MIDDLE EAST.
4. "IN RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST, I WISH TO REAFFIRM ONCE
AGAIN WHAT I HAD STATED IN OUR CORRESPONDENCE AND IN MY
TALKS WITH YOUR SECRETARY OF STATE DR. KISSINGER, THAT
WE IN THE SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLPC SINCERELY DESIRE THAT PEACE
BASED ON JUSTICE BE ESTABLISHED IN THIS AREA, TO PUT AN
END TO THE TRAGEDIES AND SUFFERINGS OF OUR AREA DURING
THE LAST TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS.
SECRET
lb 3/9/04
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT
OF
STATE
Department of State
UNITED STATES OF
TELEGRAME
SECRET
PAGE 02 DAMASC 01715 1209242
5. "BY ITS ARROGANCE, INSISTENCE ON EXPANSION AND PEGSISTENCE
IN ITS AGGRESSION AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE AND THE
NEIGHBORING ARAB COUNTRIES, HISRAEL HAS THWARTED EFFORTS
TO END THESE SUFFERINGS AND BLOCKED THE JUST PEACE WHICH WE
SEEK. ISRAEL BASED ITS STAND UN THE WRONG THINKING THA
ARMED FORCE IS THE MEANS TO IMPOSE ITS GREED AND THAT
ARMED STRENGTH WILL ALWAYS BE IN ITS FAVOUR.
6. "WE VIEW THE REASSESSMENT OF AMERICAN POLICY
IN THE MIDDLE EAST POSITIVELY. WE BELIEVE THAT AN OBJECTIVE STUDY OF
THE ELEMENTS OF THE SITUATION AND ADOPTION OF THE
REQUIREMENTS UF JUSTICE AS A BASIS FOR A SOLUTION, WILL GREATLY
CONTRIBUTE TO BRINGING ABOUT A JUST PEACE ELIMINATING
CAUSES OF INJUSTICE AND AGRESSION. THEREBY THE CEASEFIRE
WILL NOT BECOME EITHER AN ATTEMPT TO FREEZE THE STATUS QUO,
PRESERVING THE CAUSES OF CONFLICT, OR THE FORERUNNER FOR
ANOTHER WAR.
7. "IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT THE UNITED STATES IS CERTAINLY
CAPABLE OF EXERCISING INFLUENCE ON ISRAEL, TO MAKE HER
RESPOND TO THE CALL OF REASON AND TO HEED THE WILL OF WORLD
SOCIETY AS REPRESENTED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION,
WHOSE RESOLUTIONS IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY HAVE PROVIDED A CLEAR GUIDELINE AND DRAWN A WAY
TO A JUST SOLUTION.
8. "AS YOU ARE AWARE, MR. PRESIDENT, THE SYRIAN ARAB
REPUBLIC HAS TAKEN A POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCITVE ATTITUDE
TOWARD EVERY SINCERE EFFORT AIMING AT ESTABLISHING A JUST
PEACE IN THIS AREA WITH ITS MWIN PRE-REQUISITES BEING ISRAELI
WITHORAWAL FROM THE OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES AND RECOGNI-
TION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE. IN THIS,
WE HAVE BEEN GUIDED BY THIS OBJECTIVE AND WE HAVE BEEN
RESPONSIVE TO THE MEANS IN-AS-MUCH-AS IT LEADS TO
THIS GREAT OBJECTIVE.
9. "WE CONSIDER THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, WITH THE PARTICIPATION
OF THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE IN FULL EQUALITY WITH THE OTHER
CONCERNED PARTIES, AS THE BEST MEANS TO PROVIDE A
WAY TO DEAL WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE SITUATION IN ORDER TO
REACH A JUST SOLUTION. WE THINK THAT, WHEN THERE IS A WILL
SECRET
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
OF STATE
Department of State
GRINA
THE
TELEGRAM
STATES OF
SECRET
PAGE 03 DAMASC 01715 120924Z
T
ACHIEVE THE AIM SOUGHT AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, THERE
SHOULD BE NO DIFFICULTY IN REACHING AGREEMENT ON PROCEDURAL
MATTERS. AT THE SAME TIME, WE SELIEVZ THAT THE EXPANSION
OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE CONFERENCE SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A
POSITIVZ FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO ITS SUCCESS.
10. "IN-AS-MUCH-AS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS THROUGH THE GENEVA CONFERENCE OPENS
THE WAY TO JUST AND LASTING PEACE IN THE AREA, THEHTRAGEDY
AILL BE ENORMOUS IN ITS CONSEQUENCES TO ALL PARTIES IF
ISRAEL CONTINUES TO DEFY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
THROUGH ITS DEFIANCE OF UNITED NATIONS RESOLUTIONS WHICH
REQUIRE WITHORAWAL FROM THE OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES
AND RECOGNITION OF THE INALIENABLE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE OF
PALESTINE.
11. "PLEASE ACCEPT, MR. PRESIDENT, MY HIGHEST ESTEEM,
SINCERELY, HAFEZ AL-ASAD, PRESIDENT OF THE SYRIAN ARAB
REPUBLIC."
MURPHY
SECRET
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
36054A
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TO NSC/S
May 28
The attached is the signed original of a mes -
sage from President Asad -- in response to
a short letter from the President to Asad which
was hand-carried by Ambassador Mur phy back
to Syria (recall Murphy, Keating, Eilts and
Pickering were in the US in April for the
policy reassessment) -- which, as State
notes, was previously transmitted by telegram
and of which we are all aware.
This original is for the President's files. No
further action necessary.
Rosemar V Niehuss
SECRET/NODIS
NODIS
(CLASSIFICATION)
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
S/S:
7510652
EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
TRANSMITTAL FORM
Date:
MAY 23 1975
For: Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft
National Security Council
The White House
Pursuant to referral dated
, NSC No.
(if any)
a copy of which is attached, we are enclosing the following:
Information copy
of direct reply
Translation
Other
Draft reply for:
President's signature
Other signature
We believe no response is necessary for the reason cited below
The attached item, which was sent directly to the Department
of State, is being forwarded for your attention.
We believe no response is necessary for the reason cited below
A draft reply is attached
A draft reply wili be forwarded
XX A translation is attached
Other
REMARKS:
THIS LETTER WAS TRANSMITTED VIA DAMASCUS 1715 ESECRET/NODIS
ON MAY 12. THE ARABIC TEXT AND TRANSLATION ARE SENT F.O.R. WHITE
HOUSE RECORDS.
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
To: PRESIDENT FORD
From:
PRESIDENT ASAD OF SYRIA
Date: 5/11/75
Subject: ARAB/ISRAELI PROBLEM
Suzanne S Butcher George S. Springsteen
Executive Secretary
SECRET/NODIS
(CLASSIFICATION)
His Excellency Gerald R. Ford
President of the United States of America,
Washington
Dear Mr President,
I wish to thank you for your letter dated April 16, 1975
delivered to me by Ambassador Murphy, and in which you affirmed
your determination that the United States would remain fully
engaged in the search for a just peace in the Middle East.
Ambassador Murphy also reported to me orally on the
deliberations that took place during his stay in Washington,
in connection with the reassessment of American policy toward
the Middle East.
In response to your request, I wish to reaffirm once
again what I had stated in our correspondence and in my talks
with your Secretary of State Dr Kissinger, that we in the
Syrian Arab Republic sincerely desire that peace based on
justice be established in this area, to put an end to the
tragedies and sufferings of our area during the last twenty
seven years.
By its arrogance, insistence on expansion and persistence
in its aggression against the Palestinian people and the
neighbouring Arab countries, Israel has thwarted efforts to
end these sufferings and blocked just peace which we seek.
Israel based its stand on the worng thinking that armed force
is the means to impose its greed and that armed strength will
always be in its favour.
BERALD
- 2 -
We positively view the reassessment of American policy
in the Middle East. We believe that objective study of the
elements of the situation and adoption of justice requirements
as a basis for a solution, will greatly contribute to bringing
about just peace eliminating causes of injustice and aggression,
and thereby ceasefire will not become an attempt to freeze the
status quo, and preserve the causes of conflict or the forerunner
for another war.
It is our belief that the United States is certainly
capable of excercising influence on Israel, to make her respond
to the call of reason and heed the will of world society as
represented in the United Nations Organization, whose resolutions
in the Security Council and the General Assembly have provided
a clear guideline and drawn a way to a just solution.
As you are aware, Mr President, the Syrian Arab Republic
has taken a positive and constructive attitude toward every
sincere effort aiming at establishing just peace in this area
with its main pre-requisites of Israeli withdrawal from the
occupied Arab territories and recognition of the rights of the
Palestinian people. In this, we have been guided by this
objective and we have been resposive to the means in-as-much-as
it leads to this great objective.
We consider Geneva conference, with the pwrticipation of
the Palestinian people in full equality with the other concerned
parties, as the best means which provides a way to deal with
all aspects of the situation in order to reach a just solution.
- 3 -
We think that, when there is a will to achieve the aim sought
at the Geneva conference, there should be no difficulty in
reaching agreement on procedural matters. At the same time, we
believe that the expansion of membership in the conference should
be viewed as a positive factor contributing to its success.
In-as-mauch-as the implementation of United Nations
resolutions through Geneva Conference opens the way to just and
lasting peace in the area, the tragedy will be so big in its
consequences to all parties if Israel continues to defy the
International Community through its defiance to United Nations
resolutions which require withdrawal from the occupied Arab
territories and recognition of the inalienable rights of the
people of Palestine.
Please accept, Mr President, my highest esteem,
Sincerely,
Hafez Al-Assad
President of the Syrian Arab
Republic
Damascus May 11, 1975
Unofficial Translation
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DOC
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NSC CORRESPONDENCE PROFILE
MO
DA
MO
DA
HR
50
M
24
FROM: /ASAD, KISSINGER, Hafez H
9
7503605 7503
REFERENCE:
CIRCLE AS APPROPRIATE
TO: PRES
S/S 7510652
UNCLAS LOG IN/OUT
SOURCE/CLASS/DESCRIPTION
KISSINGER
COLBY, W
OTHER
LOU
NO FORN
NODIS
SCOWCROFT
X
SCHLESINGER, J
C
EYES ONLY EXDIS
DAVIS
ST EX SEC
X
S
CODEWORD
TS
SENSITIVE
SUBJECT: Translation Israeli of lts to her for ASAD of Syria
u Orab problem
INTERNAL ROUTING AND DISTRIBUTION
REC
ACTION REQUIRED
ACTION
INFO
CY
ADVANCE CYS TO HAK/SCOWCROFT
FOR
MEMO FOR HAK
(
+
)
STAFF SECRETARY
MEMO FOR PRES
(
)
REPLY FOR
FAR EAST
(
)
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
APPROPRIATE ACTION
(
)
DISTRIBUTION/INITIAL ACTION ASGMT
MID EAST / NO. AFRICA / SO. ASIA
X
MEMO
TO
(
)
EUROPE / CANADA
RECOMMENDATIONS
(
)
LATIN AMERICA
JOINT MEMO
(
)
UNITED NATIONS
REFER TO
FOR:
(
)
ECONOMIC
ANY ACTION NECESSARY?
(
)
SCIENTIFIC
CONCURRENCE
(
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PROGRAM ANALYSIS
NSC PLANNING
DUE COMMENTS: DATE: (INCLUDING 8/05
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS)
CONGRESSIONAL
OCEANS POLICY
INTELLIGENCE
DATE
FROM
TO
S
SUBSEQUENT ACTION REQUIRED (OR TAKEN):
CY TO
5/27
NSC/S
5/28
Oakley
NSC/S
Close out d pend to
SUBSEQUENT ROUTING/ACTIONS
Pres. files per chit.
5/28
"C"
No ACTiON RE9 Rosemary PER OAKLEY
DISPATCH
CY RQMTS: SEE ABOVE PLUS:
MICROFILM & FILE RQMTS:
NSC/S DISP INSTR
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& DATE
BY
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BY ADC
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NS
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WH
EP
PA
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(NBC-74-21)
533-147
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
10H
Department of State
STATE AMERICA UNITED
TELEGRAM
OF
EXEM EXCES
SECRET 0602
PAGE 01 STATE 152936
60
ORIGIN SS-25
INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 SSO-00 NSCE-00 /026 R
DRAFTED BY NSC:RNIEHUSS
APPROVED BY P:MR. HABIB
NEA - MR DUBS
NSC - MR. HOUGHTON (PHONE)
S/S O:LRMACFARLANE
003667
0 202355Z JUN 76
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS IMMEDIATE
BECRET STATE 152936
EXDIS
E.O. 11652:G0S
TAGS: PFOR, US, SY
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE TO ASAD
REF: SECTO 17005 (CLEARANCE)
1. PLEASE CONVEY THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FORD
TO PRESIDENT ASAD AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY:
2. BEGIN TEXT:
DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I WISH TO EXPRESS MY PERSONAL APPRECIA-
TION FOR THE EFFORTS OF YOUR GOVERNMENT IN ENSURING THE SAFE
TRANSIT OF THE REMAINS OF OUR DIPLOMATS, AMBASSADOR MELOY
AND MR. WARING, THROUGH LEBANON TO DAMASCUS. THE ARRANGE-
MENTS WERE MOST IMPORTANT TO US IN THIS SAD PERIOD AND
ESPECIALLY TO THE FAMILIES WHO MOURN FOR THEIR LOST ONES. I
AM ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE ASSISTANCE AND CLOSE COOPERATION
THAT HAS PREVAILED BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF BOTH OUR GOVERNMENTS
REGARDING THE EVACUATION OF AMERICAN CITIZENS FROM BEIRUT.
I WANT IN PARTICULAR TO CONVEY MY THANKS FOR THE HELP AND
FORD
SOUND ADVICE GIVEN US BY GENERAL SHIHABI. WHO DESPITE THE
is
GERALD
LIBRARY
SECRET
lity 3/9/04
NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
FORM
OF SEATE
Department of State
OF AMERICA UNITED and
TELEGRAM
SECRET
PAGE 02 STATE 152936
MANY DEMANDS ON HIS TIME MADE HIMSELF AVAILABLE TO AMBAS-
SADOR MURPHY WHENEVER THE NEED WAS URGENT. I AM CONFIDENT
THAT THIS PATTERN OF COOPERATION WILL CONTINUE TO CHAR-
ACTERIZE THE RELATIONS BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES AS WE
PURSUE OUR EFFORTS TO BRING A JUST AND LASTING PEACE TO THE
MIDDLE EAST. WARM REGARDS, GERALD R. FORD. END TEXT. ROBINSO
R.
AUTHOIT BERALD FORD
SECRET
NOT TO BE REPRODUCE
WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION
THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
FORM