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366551945
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Middle East Peace (August 1990)
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366551945
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Middle East Peace (August 1990)
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91142-009
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Brent Scowcroft Papers
Middle East Peace Process Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
2009-0275-S
2009-0275-S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin: Scowcroft, Brent, Collection
Series:
Middle East Peace Process Files
Subseries:
Chronological Files
OA/ID Number:
91142
Folder ID Number:
91142-009
Folder Title:
Middle East Peace (August 1990)
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
34
3
5
7
UNCLASSIFIED
RECORD ID: 9005776
NSC/S PROFILE
RECEIVED: 18 JUL 90 09
TO: STEIN, JACOB
CHRON FILE
FROM: PRESIDENT
DOC DATE: 02 AUG 90
SOURCE REF:
KEYWORDS: ISRAEL
MP
1
PERSONS: JACOB, STEIN
SUBJECT: PRES LTR TO STEIN RE ARAB - ISRAELI DISPUTE
ACTION: FOR DISPATCH
DUE DATE: 21 JUL 90
STATUS: C
STAFF OFFICER: HAASS
LOGREF:
FILES: WH
NSCP:
CODES:
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
FOR ACTION
FOR CONCURRENCE
FOR INFO
WH STRIPPING DESK
HAASS
NSC CHRON
WELCH
COMMENTS:
DISPATCHED BY
JRE
DATE 8/2 BY HAND W/ATTCH
OPENED BY: NSRCB
CLOSED BY: NSJRP
DOC 4 OF 4
UNCLASSIFIED
CHKUN HE
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
ID 9005776
REFERRAL
DATE: 02 AUG 90
MEMORANDUM FOR: WH STRIPPING DESK
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
TO: STEIN, JACOB
SOURCE: PRESIDENT
DATE: 02 AUG 90
SUBJ: PRES LTR TO STEIN RE ARAB - ISRAELI DISPUTE
REQUIRED ACTION: FOR DISPATCH
DUEDATE: 07 AUG 90
COMMENT:
Julie Phillips
FOR
GEORGE VAN ERON
DIRECTOR NSC SECRETARIAT
CHRON
FILE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 2, 1990
Dear Jack:
Thanks for your kind words on the NATO
Summit. I am confident that we will receive
high marks when the history of this era is
written.
Thanks too for sharing your thoughts on the
Middle East. I still think the path of
Israeli-Palestinian dialogue leading to
elections and negotiations remains the best
available course for promoting both peace and
Israel's security. We are hopeful that Jim
Baker's upcoming meeting with Israeli Foreign
Minister Levy will pave the way to convening
such a dialogue. We also recognize the
importance of bridging the gulf that divides
Israel from the Arab states. But there is no
need to choose between these two objectives;
to the contrary, we believe that progress on
the Palestinian issue is necessary if we are
to have a realistic chance at bringing about
meaningful improvement in Israel's relations
with its neighbors.
I agree with much of what you have to say
about South Africa. We are looking for ways
to give President De Klerk the positive
response he deserves for the constructive
steps he has taken. His visit here should
2
help in this. As for Max Fisher, I could
not agree more. His contributions are
considerable and worthy of recognition.
I shall look for the appropriate means.
Thanks again for taking the time to write.
Barbara joins me in wishing you and Jean
all the best.
Sincerely,
GBl
Mr. Jacob Stein
15 Winfield Terrace
Great Neck, New York 11023
5776
8
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1990 JUL 31 PM 8
July 31, 1990
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
BRENT SCOWCROFT AD
SUBJECT:
Letter From Jacob Stein
Purpose
To respond to Jack Stein's July 9 letter (Tab B).
Background
Jack Stein urged you to consider emphasizing negotiations between
the Arab states and Israel, since he believes Shamir will not
agree to negotiate with the Palestinians. Our judgment is that
the Arabs will refuse any approach that does not address the
Palestinian issue as the priority. We also cannot agree with the
notion, implicit in Stein's letter, that Israeli security would
be unaffected if it does not deal with the Palestinian problem.
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the letter to Jack Stein at Tab A.
Attachment
Tab A
Letter to Jacob Stein
Tab B
Letter from Jacob Stein
CC: Vice President
Chief of Staff
5776
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20506
July 27, 1990
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR BRENT SCOWCROFT
THROUGH:
RICHARD N. HAASS
FROM:
C. DAVID WELCH
SUBJECT:
Response to Jacob Stein
Attached at Tab I is a memo to the President, forwarding a reply
to Jack Stein's July 9 letter.
Concurrence by Bob Frasure
RECOMMENDATION
That you sign the memo to the President at Tab I.
Attachments
Tab I
Memo to the President
Tab A
Draft Reply to Jacob Stein
Tab B
Letter from Jacob Stein
JACOB STEIN
15 Winfield Terrace
Great Neck, N.Y. 11023
July 9, 1990
President George Bush
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President.
Dear George,
I trust that your visit to England and the
NATO meeting was successful. It appears that you have
successfully initiated a whole new change in the relationship
between the west and their historic adversary, the Soviet
Union. CONGRATULATIONS!
Jean and I returned from London last week
after watching Wimbledon. Great tennis! Mr. Gieves,
appreciated the signed photo and cuff links and said he had
left a "thank you" note at the Embassy.
Allow me a few thoughts on Israel and on our
Middle East Policy as it relates to the new government in
Israel.
We have thus far been unsuccessful in
making meaningful progress through the route of Israel-
Palestinian talks. I am concerned that further efforts along
this path will create added U.S.-Israel tensions without any
possibility of beneficial results. I believe that we had
hoped that a resolution of the Israel-Palestinian problem
would result in improving Israel-Arab States relations.
I believe that there is little likelihood that
the present Shamir led government will negotiate with the
Palestinians. Perhaps we should change directions and try to
initiate an Arab State-Israel dialogue. The P.L.O was a
creation of the Arab States, but it is the Arab States that
maintain the state of war with Israel. It is the Arab States,
not the Palestinians, that threaten Israel's security.
Perhaps a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of
Israel, Egypt, and any other Arab State that we can, with the
help of the Russians, influence to join, would be an approach
worth exploring. The agenda could be peace between Israel and
the Arab states. A satisfactory resolution of the Palestinian
problem, would be on the agenda in the context of an overall
peace settlement. I think recent belligerent threats by Iraq
against Israel and the very real military buildup of missile
inventory in several of the Middle East States, with a
potential for chemical or biological warfare. should move 115
JACOB STEIN
Page 2
to direct our efforts to bring about Israel-Arab States
talks.
This might in one sense be called an
international conference, but we should avoid that
terminology and call it direct negotiations between countries
at war.
It appears that one door to a peace process
--Israel-Palestinian talks--has been closed if not bolted.
Lets' try the other door. Perhaps it can be achieved by
involving the Arab States that represent the real threat to
Israel.
Mandela. A well orchestrated visit. A polished
performance, which should give us some concern. His
continued commitment to "use of force," is disconcerting.
His high praise for Castro, Qadaffi and Arafat is alarming.
But we should be understanding of the support he received by
so many for his fight against apartheid.
President de Klerk merits some response for
the brave steps he has taken towards ending apartheid. I ask
you to consider some balanced positive response to the
de Klerk initiatives to encourage him to further action and
to show his supporters that his moves are not without
international response.
A very personal item. I believe that once or
twice a year you honor several Americans who have contributed
to the development of our society. I would like to nominate
MAX FISHER for such recognition. Max has succeeded as a
businessman, is a highly regarded community leader, has
served society with competence and dignity in many
capacities, and as he nears his 84th birthday I believe that
he should be recognized. Please think about it.
As to the" increased revenue" item, my feedback is that Bush
is "pragmatic," that now the deficit will be eliminated and
interest rates will come down. very little comment about
"read my lips." I guess we can expect that from the Democrats
in 1992. I'm ready for it!
Jean joins me in wishing you and Barbara and
all the Bush family a healthful and restful Summer.
Written Jack in Friendship