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62nd Annual Bnai Zion American-Israel Friendship Award Dinner, New York, NY, February 15, 1970
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62nd Annual Bnai Zion American-Israel Friendship Award Dinner, New York, NY, February 15, 1970
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The original documents are located in Box D28, folder "62nd Annual Bnai Zion American-
Israel Friendship Award Dinner, New York, NY, February 15, 1970" of the Ford
Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File 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. The Council 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
BENAY/
Dr. Le Vine
62ND ANNUAL BNAI ZION AMERICA-ISRAEL
FRIENDSHIP AWARD DINNER, NEW YORK HILTON
HOTEL, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, 6 P.M.
Hate
They
SUNDAY, FEB. 15, 1970
Mordil
Celler
Clarry
Marts
Si murphy
CELLAR
John WELL-INFORMED ON THE RECENT HISTORY OF THE
THIS IS AN AUDIENCE THAT IS
past +
MIDDLE EASTERN SITUATION. YOU HAVE A
SOPHISTICATED KNOWLEDGE OF ISRAEL'S PROBLEMS.
YOU HAVE ALSO HEARD A GREAT DEAL OF RHETORIC.
SINCE YOU ARE DEVOTED TO ISRAELI-AMERICAN
FRIENDSHIP, YOU HAVE CAREFULLY FOLLOWED AND
ANALYZED EVERY DEVELOPMENT, EVERY REALITY,
/
AND ARE NOT MISLED BY VERBIAGE AND HIGH-
SOUNDING FORMULATIONS. YOU RETAIN FAITH IN
OUR NATION, THE UNITED STATES, TO DO JUSTICE
IN ITS RELATIONS WITH THE EMBATTLED
DEMOCRACY OF ISRAEL. BUT YOU every WANT TO KNOW ORD
measons
THE SCORE.
GERALD
LIBRARY
THE SITUATION IS TOO TENSE AND
to
EXPLOSIVE TO CONFUSE THE ISSUE. WE MUST
-2-
MEAN WHAT WE SAY AND SAY WHAT WE MEAN.
THERE HAVE BEEN ALL TOO MANY WILD RUMORS
AND EXAGGERATIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN CHARGES
THAT ISRAEL IS BEING SOLD OUT TO RUSSIAN
AND ARAB PRESSURES. THERE ARE FEARS THAT
ISRAEL IS BEING UNDERMINED, / CUT-OFF,
REJECTED, / AND NEGLECTED. THERE ARE FEARS
THAT ISRAEL IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY
ISOLATED.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I WANT TO
TELL YOU THAT I HAVE BEEN REASSURED ON THE
HIGHEST LEVELS IN WASHINGTON THAT THE UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT STANDS BY ITS FRIENDS.
ISRAEL IS ONE OF ITS FRIENDS.
THE FRIENDSHIP OF OUR TWO
COUNTRIES IS AN ARTICLE OF FAITH. PRESIDENT
NIXON HAS VERY RECENTLY REAFFIRMED in strong terms
ISRAELI-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP. MRS. GOLDA
MEIR, PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL, STATED THAT
SHE "NOTED WITH GRATIFICATION" THE CLEAR
LIBRARY
Digitized from Box D28 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
-3-
EXPRESSION BY PRESIDENT NIXON ON THE ISSUE
OF ISRAEL'S SECURITY AND INTEGRITY.
ALSO, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR RABIN
STATED IN WASHINGTON THAT HE WAS ENCOURAGED
BY THE PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT. AS A FRIEND
OF ISRAEL, I MIGHT ADD THAT 1, TOO, FOUND
GREAT REASSURANCE IN THE MESSAGE OF THE
PRESIDENT. I REFER, OF COURSE, TO THE
MESSAGE HE SENT THROUGH MY GOOD FRIEND
MAX FISHER, TO THE EMERGENCY CONFERENCE OF
JEWISH LEADERS IN WASHINGTON LAST MONTH.
THE SOVIET UNION HAS DENOUNCED
THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. MOSCOW'S ARAB
FRIENDS HAD SOME VERY UNKIND THINGS TO SAY
ABOUT RICHARD M. NIXON. COMMUNIST CHINA
HAS BLAMED THE PRESIDENT FOR SUPPORTING
ISRAEL AND PLEDGED CHINESE SUPPORT OF THE FORD
ARAB CAUSE.
GERALD LIBRAGY
THE PRESIDENT TOLD THE CONGRESS
IN HIS STATE OF THE UNION REMARKS THAT WE
-4-
ARE MOVING FROM AN ERA OF INTERNATIONAL
CONFRONTATION TO AN ERA OF NEGOTIATION.
THIS IS TRUE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AS IT IS
ELSEWHERE. WE ARE DEEPLY ENGAGED IN TRYING
TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF THE MIDDLE EAST FIND
PEACE. BUT WE WILL NOT DO THIS AT THE
EXPENSE OF ISRAEL. INDEED, WE WILL NOT DO
THIS AT THE EXPENSE OF ANY NATION'S
LEGITIMATE INTERESTS.
NO PEACE AGREEMENT WILL BE
WORTH THE PAPER IT'S WRITTEN ON IF EITHER
SIDE ENDS UP CHEATED AND BENT ON VIOLENT
REDRESS AS SOON AS IT HAS ADEQUATE POWER.
THIS ADMINISTRATION IS NOT GOING
TO NEGOTIATE THE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
THERE IS NO QUESTION OF OUR NEGOTIATING
AWAY THE BASIC RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF THE
NATIONS NOW AT WAR.
THEY MUST NEGOTIATE
THE PEACE THEMSELVES.
THE UNITED STATES IS CONVINCED
-5-
THAT PEACE CAN BE BASED ONLY ON AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE PARTIES DIRECTLY INVOLVED. AS
THE PRESIDENT HAS SAID, "THERE IS NO
SUBSTITUTE FOR NEGOTIATIONS. PEACE AND
SECURITY CAN ONLY EMERGE FROM THE MUTUAL
AGREEMENT OF THE TWO SIDES IMMEDIATELY
CONCERNED.
MUCH WORK HAS BEEN DONE THROUGH
DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS UNDER THIS AND THE
PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION. YOU ARE A VERY
SOPHISTICATED GROUP AND REALIZE THAT THE
ART OF DIPLOMACY IS COMPLEX AND THAT WORDS
AND VERSIONS THAT APPEAR IN THE PRESS ARE
OFTEN CONFUSING AND MISLEADING. I HAVE
LOOKED CAREFULLY BEHIND THE DIPLOMATIC
SITUATION / AND ASSURED MYSELF THAT THIS
ADMINISTRATION, ALONE OR IN CONCERT WITH
ANY OTHER POWER CANNOT AND WILL NOT DICTATE
THE TERMS OF PEACE OR SEEK TO IMPOSE A
SETTLEMENT.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-6-
I ADVOCATE A GENUINE PEACE, A
REAL PEACE, A DURABLE PEACE. ONLY A PEACE
BASED UPON AGREEMENT THAT IS NOT ONE-SIDED
IS A PEACE THAT ALL SIDES WILL HAVE A
VESTED INTEREST IN MAINTAINING.
PRESIDENT NIXON STATED ON
SEPTEMBER 8, 1968, THAT "IT IS NOT REALISTIC
TO EXPECT ISRAEL TO SURRENDER VITAL
BARGAINING COUNTERS IN THE ABSENCE OF
GENUINE PEACE AND EFFECTIVE GUARANTEES."
THIS ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO RECOGNIZE
THAT FACT.
THE SOVIET UNION OR EGYPT OR
ANYONE ELSE WOULD BE BADLY MISGUIDED TO
CONCLUDE THAT THE UNITED STATES IS GOING
TO HIGH-PRESSURE ISRAEL INTO UNILATERAL
WITHDRAWAL.
THE STATE DEPARTMENT PEOPLE
R.FORD
HAVE REASSURED ME THAT THEIR REAL AIM IN
THE FOUR-POWER TALKS IS TO PREVENT A SPREAD
-7-
OF THE CONFLICT AND IF POSSIBLE, TO FIND
SOME FORMULA UNDER WHICH THE ARABS AND
ISRAELIS COULD MEET AND RESOLVE THEIR
DIFFERENCES. THERE MUST BE SOME "GIVE AND
TAKE" IN ANY INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY. BUT
THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE UNITED STATES
WILL "GIVE" AT THE EXPENSE OF ISRAEL WHILE
THE SOVIET UNION "TAKES" FOR THE ARABS.
I CAN UNDERSTAND HOW ISRAEL
FEELS. ISRAEL IS SURROUNDED, BESIEGED,
SUBJECTED TO VILIFICATION AND HATRED, TO
GUERRILLA ATTACKS AND SABOTAGE. THE
very proplely
ISRAELIS MAY POINT OUT THAT WHILE THE
UNITED STATES IS THE ADVOCATE OF PEACE,
THE SOVIET UNION IS THE ADVOCATE ONLY OF
THE ARABS. THE ISRAELIS MAY ALSO RAISE A
VERY LEGITIMATE QUESTION AS TO WHETHER A
ROLLBACK FROM OCCUPIED TERRITORY AND EVEN
ONE-SIDED CONCESSIONS TO THE ARAB STATES
FORD is LIBRARY
WILL REALLY SATISFY THE EXTREMISTS OF THE
-8-
SO-CALLED "NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT" OF
THE ARABS. IT HAS NOT BUILDING IN THE PAST, AND
NATIONAL
INSCRIBED ON THE/ARCHIVESATS. "WHAT IS PAST
IS PROLOGUE."
IT IS PERFECTLY UNDERSTANDABLE
THAT ISRAEL WOULD SCRUTINIZE EVERYTHING OUR
GOVERNMENT SAYS AND DOES. ISRAEL'S VERY
SURVIVAL IS AT STAKE. THE ISRAELIS REMEMBER
VERY WELL THE LIQUIDATION OF THE JEWS IN
THE WARSAW GHETTO DURING WORLD WAR II. THEY
REMEMBER THE NAZI GENOCIDE. AND THEY ARE
WELL AWARE OF THE ANTI-JEWISH PERSECUTION
NOW PRACTICED IN SYRIA, IRAQ, AND SOME OTHER
ARAB STATES.
IT IS VITAL THAT ISRAEL CORRECTLY
ASSESS AMERICAN INTENTIONS. IF ISRAEL
REACHED A CONCLUSION THAT IT WERE ISOLATED
OR SOLD-OUT, IT COULD BE A GRAVE THREAT TO
WORLD PEACE. IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS
BETWEEN SRAEL AND AMERICA ARE ESSENTIAL
FORD & LIBRARY FRALD
-9- 2 Therefore advocate
I AM THEREFORE MOVED TO PROPOSE
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TELEPHONE "HOT-LINE"
BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND JERUSALEM. SUCH A
MEANS OF INSTANTANEOUS CONTACT WOULD ENABLE
EITHER PRESIDENT NIXON OR PRIME MINISTER
MEIR TO CLARIFY ANY MISUNDERSTAND ING. IT
WOULD ALSO BE VERY USEFUL IF NEW FACTORS
DEVELOPED THAT THREATENED A DANGEROUS
ESCALATION OR SPREADING OF THE CONFLICT.
ISRAEL WOULD HAVE THE REASSURANCE OF
INSTANTANEOUS COMMUNICATION WITH THE
PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT COULD ACT INSTANTLY,
IN SOME UNFORESEEN CRISIS, BY CONTACTING
MRS. MEIR.
RECENT EVENTS HAVE CAUSED ME
GREAT CONCERN. THE FIGHTING HAS STEADILY
INCREASED. ISRAELIS AND ARABS ARE DYING
EVERY DAY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SUEZ CANAL
THE YOUNG AND THE BRAVE ARE GIVING THEIR
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
LIVES. HUMANITY AND COMPASSION REBEL AGAINST
-10-
THE RISING LEVEL OF VIOLENCE. THE NEW
SHIPMENTS OF ARMS TO LIBYA BY FRANCE AND
TO EGYPT BY THE RUSSIANS ARE ESCALATING THE
ARMS RACE IN A MANNER THAT CONCERNS ME
INTENSELY.
A NEW FACTOR HAS BEEN INTRODUCED
IN THE MASSIVE FRENCH TRANSACTION WITH LIBYA.
I CANNOT IMAGINE WHY LIBYA, WITH AN ARMY FAR
SMALLER THAN THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE
DEPARTMENT, NEEDS OVER 100 OF THE LATEST
FRENCH MIRAGE JET FIGHTER-BOMBERS --- OR
HUNDREDS OF BRITISH CHIEFTAIN TANKS,
CONSIDERED THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL TANK.
PRESIDENT NIXON IS ABSOLUTELY
RIGHT IN URGING THAT ARMS SUPPLIERS FIND A
WAY TO LIMIT THE ARMS RACE. I HAVE URGED
THAT OUR GOVERNMENT SEIZE ON THE FORTUITOUS
AND VERY TIMELY OCCASION OF PRESIDENT
ERALD LIBRARY
POMPIDOU'S VISIT NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS THIS
NEW FRENCH POLICY. THE HUGE NEW INFUSION OF
-11-
ARMS INTO A HOTBED OF CONTENTION DOES NOT
HELP REDUCE VIOLENCE OR FATALITIES.
THERE ARE SOME VERY SERIOUS
MATTERS THAT OBVIOUSLY WILL DEVELOP IN THE
AGENDA OF TALKS IN WASHINGTON WITH PRESIDENT
POMPIDOU, MATTERS THAT INVOLVE THE INTERESTS
OF THE WHOLE WORLD. IT HAS BEEN A BASIC
TENET OF OUR GOVERNMENT THAT WHILE WE MAY
BE DIVIDED AT HOME ON FOREIGN POLICY MATTERS
WE ARE NEVERTHELESS SUBSTANTIALLY UNITED
WHEN OUR GOVERNMENT DEALS WITH OTHER NATIONS.
THE COMING NEGOTIATIONS IN
WASHINGTON BETWEEN OUR GOVERNMENT AND
PRESIDENT POMPIDOU ARE OF SUCH IMPORTANCE
THAT WE CANNOT PERMIT AN IMPRESSION THAT THE
CONGRESS IS NO LONGER PREPARED TO ACCORD
THE REPUBLIC OF FRANCE THE TRADITIONAL
COURTESIES. WE SEEK NEGOTIATION, NOT
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
CONFRONTATION. THE VIOLENCE AND KILLING IN
THE MIDDLE EAST ARE VERY, VERY SERIOUS.
THE
and more so every day.
Tragecally -12-
SITUATION IS, GROWING WORSE.
IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WE MUST
STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF THE PRESIDENT WHEN
HE SPEAKS FOR ALL OF US TO PRESIDENT POMPIDOU.
THIS IS THE WAY TO IMPRESS UPON THE FRENCH
PRESIDENT THE GREAT CONVICTION AND UNITY
OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ON THE MATTERS WE HAVE
DISCUSSED.
WE SHALL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN IN
THE INTEREST OF PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE
MIDDLE EAST. BUT WE WILL DO MORE THAN TALK.
THE UNITED STATES WILL NOT AND CANNOT STAND
BY AND WATCH THE MILITARY BALANCE TURN
AGAINST ITS FRIENDS.
WE WOULD, OF COURSE, PREFER THAT
PRESIDENT NIXON'S STATESMANLIKE EFFORT TO
LIMIT THE ARMS RACE WOULD GENERATE A POSITIVE
RESPONSE FROM FRANCE, FROM GREAT BRITAIN,
AND, OF COURSE, FROM THE SOVIET UNION.
GEBALD FORD LIBRARY
A BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL TO DETER
-13-
AGGRESSION AND TO KEEP THE CONFLICT UNDER
CONTROL. THE UNITED STATES IS PREPARED TO
SUPPLY THE MILITARY EQUIPMENT NECESSARY FOR
FRIENDLY GOVERNMENTS, SUCH AS ISRAEL, TO
DEFEND THEMSELVES. WE WOULD, OF COURSE,
PREFER RESTRAINT IN THE SHIPMENT OF ARMS
INTO THIS TROUBLED AREA. BUT WE ARE AWARE
OF WHAT OTHER MAJOR POWERS ARE DOING. WE
ARE MAINTAINING A VERY CAREFUL VIGILANCE.
WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO TAKE THE STEPS
REQUIRED. - 2 repeat with emphasis -
THE 1.968 REPUBLICAN PLATFORM
PLEDGED THAT ISRAELI MILITARY SUPPLIES
"MUST BE KEPT AT A COMMENSURATE STRENGTH
BOTH FOR HER PROTECTION AND TO HELP KEEP
THE PEACE OF THE AREA." WE PROMISED
COUNTER-VAILING HELP, INCLUDING SUPERSONIC
AIRCRAFT, IF NEEDED. WE WILL KEEP THIS
PLEDGE. I MIGHT ADD THAT DELIVERIES OF
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
PHANTOM AND SKYHAWK JETS ARE GOING FORWARD
-14-
ON SCHEDULE UNDER EXISTING CONTRACTS.
IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT ISRAEL,
CUT OFF FROM TRADITIONAL SOURCES OF ARMS
IN FRANCE, IS SEEKING A SENSE OF CONTINUITY
IN AIRCRAFT PROCUREMENT HERE. I DEEPLY
REGRET THAT LIVES ARE LOST DAILY IN THE
MIDDLE EAST. BUT AS LONG AS THERE IS NO
PEACE AND NO AGREEMENT ON ARMS LIMITATION,
WE WILL KEEP A VERY CLOSE EYE ON THE POWER
BALANCE.
I CAN ALSO REVEAL THAT WE ARE
LOOKING INTO THE BROADER QUESTION OF THE
MEDITERRANEAN, THE MISSION OF THE U.S. 6TH
FLEET, AND RELATED FACTORS. WE DO NOT WANT
A CONFRONTATION WITH THE SOVIET UNION OR
ANYONE ELSE. BUT WE HAVE COMMITMENTS IN
THE MEDITERRANEAN AND THE RIGHT TO MAINTAIN
MILITARY FORCES THERE. OUR SHIPS AND OUR
FLAG WILL REMAIN IN THAT AREA. WE WILL NOT
LIBRARY
FLEE BECAUSE OF PRESSURES AND THREATS. THE
-15-
6TH FLEET WILL CONTINUE SERVING THE CAUSE
OF FREEDOM.
WE HAVE NO WARLIKE MOTIVES IN
THE MIDDLE EAST. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESIRE
ONLY THE FRIENDSHIP OF ALL THE VARIOUS NATIONS
OF THAT REGION. IT IS OUR FERVENT PRAYER
THAT NATIONS ACCORD OTHERS THE RIGHT TO
EXIST. PERHAPS REALIZATION WILL COME THAT
TRUE LIBERATION CAN BE FOUND IN DEVELOPMENT
OF ONE'S OWN COUNTRY, RAISING OF ONE'S OWN
LIVING STANDARD, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF
ONE'S OWN SOCIAL JUSTICE. AGGRESSION WILL
NOT SUCCEED NO MATTER THE GRANDIOSE PHRASES
INVOKED TO JUSTIFY THE UNRELENTING WARFARE
BY REGULAR AND GUERRILLA FORCES. ALL PARTIES
ARE OBVIOUSLY BETTER SERVED BY PEACE
NEGOTIATIONS AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE FACTS
OF LIFE. THE REAL INTERESTS OF BOTH ARAB
AND ISRAELIS REQUIRE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE
FORD i LIBRARY
IN THAT LAND WHERE THE PROPHETS
-16-
DREAMED THAT NATION SHOULD NOT LIFT UP
SWORD AGAINST NATION, LET THERE BE PEACE.
FOR ISRAEL, A NATION OF PEOPLE WHOSE
SUFFERING MERITS A LIFE MORE CREATIVE THAN
PERPETUAL SERVICE IN AN ARMED CAMP, LET
THERE BE PEACE. FOR THE ARABS, WHOSE
POVERTY AND FRUSTRATION REQUIRES SCHOOLS
AND HOSPITALS AND A DECENT LIFE RATHER THAN
THE ENDLESS PURCHASE OF JETS AND GUNS, LET
THERE BE PEACE.
ISRAEL COULD BE A LIGHT UNTO
THE NATIONS OF THAT REGION IF THE ARABS
WOULD ACCEPT FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS OF THE
JEWISH FAITH AS ENTITLED TO NATIONHOOD AS
ANY OTHER PEOPLE. THE GENIUS AND
PRODUCTIVITY OF THE ISRAELIS COULD HELP
OTHERS MAKE THEIR DESERTS BLOSSOM. INSTEAD
OF THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION BECOMING ITS
GRAVE, LET THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION GIVE FORD
RISE TO TWO PEOPLES, ARAB AND JEWISH, EACH
LIBRARY
-17-
IN THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, WITH COMMERCE AND
TRAVEL FLOWING ACROSS PEACEFUL BORDERS, AND
WITH A NEW SENSE OF MUTUAL RESPECT IN
KEEPING WITH OUR DREAM OF THE BROTHERHOOD
OF MAN UNDER THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD.
I WANT TO ADD A SPECIAL AND
VERY PERSONAL WORD TO THIS AUDIENCE. MANY
OF YOU HAVE DEVOTED YOUR LIVES TO THE
ZIONIST CAUSE. YOU HAVE SEEN IN ZIONISM A
REDEMPTION OF FREEDOM AND HUMAN DIGNITY,
THE REBIRTH OF A NATION, AND THE REBIRTH
OF A PEOPLE. BUT WE ARE NOW WITNESSING
PAINFUL DAYS, TRAGIC DAYS, IN WHICH THE
POWERS AND POLITICAL TRENDS AND PRESSURES
OF THE WORLD APPEAR TO BE CONVERGING ON
THE MIDDLE EAST.
ISRAEL WAS REBORN IN BLOOD AND
FIRE. ISRAEL IS TODAY STRUGGLING IN AN
ORDEAL OF BLOOD AND FIRE. BUT THIS TIME
ELEALO FORD LIBRARY
IT IS DIFFERENT. THE STATE OF ISRAEL HAS
-18-
PROVED ITS METTLE. ISRAEL IS A NATION AMONG
THE NATIONS.
YOU CAN TAKE PRIDE, AS DEDICATED
SUPPORTERS OF ISRAEL, AS ZIONISTS, IN THE
NATION YOU HAVE HELPED BUILD. BUT THE
WATCHMAN OF ISRAEL DOES NOT SLEEP AND DOES
NOT SLUMBER. TRYING DAYS LIE AHEAD. YET,
IN YOUR HEART OF HEARTS, YOU CAN DRAW FAITH
AND SUSTENANCE AND REASSURANCE FROM ONE
FACT. IT IS THAT THIS IS THE UNITED STATES
OF AMERICA. THIS IS OUR COUNTRY AND WE,
JEWS AND NON-JEWS, PEOPLES OF ALL PARTS OF
THIS COUNTRY, THE SILENT AMERICANS AND THE
ARTICULATE AMERICANS, WILL NOT LET ISRAEL
DOWN.
THANK YOU.
END : :
BERALD FORD VIBRARY
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
MINORITY LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE 62nd ANNUAL BNAI ZION AMERICA-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP AWARD DINNER
AT THE NEW YORK HILTON HOTEL
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
6:00 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1970
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
This is an audience that is well-informed on the recent history of the
Middle Eastern situation. You have a sophisticated knowledge of Israel's problems.
You have also heard a great deal of rhetoric. Since you are devoted to Israeli-
American friendship, you have carefully followed and analyzed every development,
every reality, and are not misled by verbiage and high-sounding formulations. You
retain faith in your nation, the United States, to do justice in its relations with
the embattled democracy of Israel. But you want to know the score.
The situation is too tense and explosive to confuse the issue. We must
mean what we say and say what we mean. There have been all too many wild rumors
and exaggerations. There have been charges that Israel is being sold out to Russian
and Arab pressures. There are fears that Israel is being undermined, cut-off,
rejected, and neglected. There are fears that Israel is becoming increasingly
isolated.
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to tell you that I have been reassured on the
highest levels in Washington that the United States Government stands by its friends.
Israel is one of its friends.
The friendship of our two countries is an article of faith. President Nixon
has very recently reaffirmed Israeli-American friendship. Mrs. Golda Meir, Prime
Minister of Israel, stated that she "noted with gratification" the clear expression
by President Nixon on the issue of Israel's security and integrity.
Also, Israeli Ambassador Rabin stated in Washington that he was encouraged
by the President's statement. As a friend of Israel, I might add that I, too,
found great reassurance in the message of the President. I refer, of course, to
the message he sent through my good friend, Max Fisher, to the emergency conference
of Jewish leaders in Washington last month.
The Soviet Union has denounced the President's message. Moscow's Arab
friends had some very unkind things to say about Richard M. Nixon. Communist China
has blamed the President for supporting Israel and pledged Chinese support to the
Arab cause.
(more)
-2-
The President told the Congress in his State of the Union remarks that we
are moving from an era of international confrontation to an era of negotiation.
This is true in the Middle East, as it is elsewhere. We are deeply engaged in
trying to help the people of the Middle East find peace. But we will not do this
at the expense of Israel. Indeed, we will not do this at the expense of any
nation's legitimate interests.
No peace agreement will be worth the paper it's written on if either side
ends up cheated and bent on violent redress as soon as it has adequate power.
This Administration is not going to negotiate the peace in the Middle East.
There is no question of our negotiating away the basic rights and interests of the
nations now at war. They must negotiate the peace themselves.
The United States is convinced that peace can be based only on agreement
between the parties directly involved. As the President has said, "There is no
substitute for negotiations. Peace and security can only emerge from the mutual
agreement of the two sides immediately concerned.
Much work has been done through diplomatic channels under this and the
previous Administration. You are a very sophisticated group and realize that the
art of diplomacy is complex and that words and versions that appear in the press
are often confusing and misleading. I have looked carefully behind the diplomatic
situation and assured myself that this Administration, alone or in concert with
any other power, cannot and will not dictate the terms of peace or seek to impose
a settlement.
I advocate a genuine peace, a real peace, a durable peace. Only a peace
based upon agreement that is not one-sided is a peace that all sides will have a
vested interest in maintaining.
President Nixon stated on September 8, 1968, that "it is not realistic to
expect Israel to surrender vital bargaining counters in the absence of genuine
peace and effective guarantees." This Administration continues to recognize that
fact.
The Soviet Union or Egypt or anyone else would be badly misguided to conclude
that the United States is going to high-pressure Israel into unilateral withdrawal.
The State Department people have reassured me that their real aim in the
Four Power talks is to prevent a spread of the conflict and, if possible, to find
some formula under which the Arabs and Israelis could meet and resolve their
differences. There must be some "give and take" in any international diplomacy.
(more)
-3-
But this does not mean that the United States will "give" at the expense of
Israel while the Soviet Union "takes" for the Arabs.
I can understand how Israel feels. Israel is surrounded, besieged,
subjected to vilification and hatred, to guerrilla attacks and sabotage. The
Israelis may point out that while the United States is the advocate of peace, the
Soviet Union is the advocate only of the Arabs. The Israelis may also raise a very
legitimate question as to whether a rollback from occupied territory and even one-
sided concessions to the Arab states will really satisfy the extremists of the
so-called "national liberation front" of the Arabs. It has not in the past, and
inscribed on the Archives is "What is Past is Prologue."
It is perfectly understandable that Israel would scrutinize everything our
government says and does. Israel's very survival is at stake. The Israelis
remember very well the liquidation of the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto during World
War II. They remember the Nazi genocide. And they are well aware of the anti-Jewish
persecution now practiced in Syria, Iraq, and some other Arab States.
It is viral that Israel correctly assess American intentions. If Israel
reached a conclusion that it were isolated or sold-out, it could be a grave threat
to world peace. Improved communications between Israel and America are essential.
I am therefore moved to propose the establishment of a telephone "hot-line"
between Washington and Jerusalem. Such a means of instantaneous contact would
enable either President Nixon or Prime Minister Meir to clarify any misunderstanding.
It would also be very useful if new factors developed that threatened a dangerous
escalation or spreading of the conflict. Israel would have the reassurance of
instantaneous communication with the President. The President could act instantly,
in some unforeseen crisis, by contacting Mrs. Meir.
Recent events have caused me great concern. The fighting has steadily
increased. Israelis and Arabs are dying every day on both sides of the Suez Canal.
The young and the brave are giving their lives. Humanity and compassion rebel
against the rising level of violence. The new shipments of arms to Libya by France
and to Egypt by the Russians are escalating the arms race in a manner that concerns
me intensely.
A new factor has been introduced in the massive French transaction with Libya.
I cannot imagine why Libya, with an army far smaller than the New York City Police
Department, needs over 100 of the latest French Mirage jet fighter-bombers -- or
hundreds of British Chieftain tanks, considered the world's most powerful tank.
(more)
-4-
President Nixon is absolutely right in urging that arms suppliers find a
way to limit the arms race. I have urged that our Government seize on the
fortuitous and very timely occasion of President Pompidou's visit next week to
discuss this new French policy. The huge new infusion of arms into a hotbed of
contention does not help reduce violence or fatalities.
There are some very serious matters that obviously will develop in the
agenda of talks in Washington with President Pompidou, matters that involve the
interests of the whole world. It has been a basic tenet of our Government that
while we may be divided at home on foreign policy matters we are nevertheless
substantially united when our Government deals with other nations.
The coming negotiations in Washington between our Government and President
Pompidou are of such importance that we cannot permit an impression that the
Congress is no longer prepared to accord the Republic of France the traditional
courtesies. We seek negotiation, not confrontation. The violence and killing in
the Middle East are very, very serious. The situation is growing worse.
It seems to me that we must strengthen the hand of the President when he
speaks for all of us to President Pompidou. This is the way to impress upon the
French President the great conviction and unity of the American people on the
matters we have discussed.
We shall do everything we can in the interest of peace and stability in the
Middle East. But we will do more than talk. The United States will not and cannot
stand by and watch the military balance turn against its friends.
We would, of course, prefer that President Nixon's statesmanlike effort to
limit the arms race would generate a positive response from France, from Great
Britain, and, of course, from the Soviet Union.
A balance is essential to deter aggression and to keep the conflict under
control. The United States is prepared to supply the military equipment necessary
for friendly governments, such as Israel, to defend themselves. We would, of course,
prefer restraint in the shipment of arms into this troubled area. But we are aware
of what other major powers are doing. We are maintaining a very careful vigilance.
We will not hesitate to take the steps required.
The 1968 Republican Platform pledged that Israeli military supplies "must
be kept at a commensurate strength both for her protection and to help keep the
peace of the area." We promised counter-vailing help, including supersonic
aircraft, if needed. We will keep this pledge. I might add that deliveries of
(more)
-5-
Phantom and Skyhawk jets are going forward on schedule under existing contracts.
It is understandable that Israel, cut off from traditional sources of arms
in France, is seeking a sense of continuity in aircraft procurement here. I
deeply regret that lives are lost daily in the Middle East. But as long as there
is no peace and no agreement on arms limitation, we will keep a very close eye on
the power balance.
I can also reveal that we are looking into the broader question of the
Mediterranean, the mission of the U.S. 6th Fleet, and related factors. We do not
want a confrontation with the Soviet Union or anyone else. But we have commitments
in the Mediterranean and the right to maintain military forces there. Our ships
and our flag will remain in that area. We will not flee because of pressures and
threats. The 6th Fleet will continue serving the cause of freedom.
We have no warlike motives in the Middle East. The American people desire
only the friendship of all the various nations of that region. It is our fervent
prayer that nations accord others the right to exist. Perhaps realization will
come that true liberation can be found in development of one's own country,
raising of one's own living standard, and the development of one's own social
justice. Aggression will not succeed no matter the grandiose phrases invoked to
justify the unrelenting warfare by regular and guerrilla forces. All parties are
obviously better served by peace negotiations and the acceptance of the facts of
life. The real interests of both Arab and Israelis require peaceful coexistence.
In that land where the Prophets dreamed that nation should not lift up
sword against nation, let there be peace. For Israel, a nation of people whose
suffering merits a life more creative than perpetual service in an armed camp, let
there be peace. For the Arabs, whose poverty and frustration requires schools and
hospitals and a decent life rather than the endless purchase of jets and guns,
let there be peace.
Israel could be a light unto the nations of that region if the Arabs would
accept fellow human beings of the Jewish faith as entitled to nationhood as any
other people. The genius and productivity of the Israelis could help others make
their deserts blossom. Instead of the cradle of civilization becoming its grave,
let the cradle of civilization give rise to two peoples, Arab and Jewish, each in
their own countries, with commerce and travel flowing across peaceful borders, and
with a new sense of mutual respect in keeping with our dream of the brotherhood of
man under the fatherhood of God.
(more)
-6-
I want to add a special and very personal word to this audience. Many of
you have devoted your lives to the Zionist cause. You have seen in Zionism
a redemption of freedom and human dignity, the rebirth of a nation, and the
rebirth of a people. But we are now witnessing painful days, tragic days, in
which the powers and political trends and pressures of the world appear to be
converging on the Middle East.
Israel was reborn in blood and fire. Israel is today struggling in an
ordeal of blood and fire. But this time it is different. The State of Israel has
proved its mettle. Israel is a nation among the nations.
You can take pride, as dedicated supporters of Israel, as Zionists, in the
nation you have helped build. But the watchman of Israel does not sleep and does
not slumber. Trying days lie ahead. Yet, in your heart of hearts, you can draw
faith and sustenance and reassurance from one fact. It is that this is the United
States of America. This is our country and we, Jews and non-Jews, peoples of all
parts of this country, the silent Americans and the articulate Americans, will not
let Israel down.
I thank you.
###
Distribution Full
Special Halleries Del. 10:30 a.m. to N.H. 9:30p.m. 2/13/70 M Office Copy
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
MINORITY LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE 62nd ANNUAL BNAI ZION AMERICA-ISRAEL FRIENDSHIP AWARD DINNER
AT THE NEW YORK HILTON HOTEL
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
6:00 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1970
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
This is an audience that is well-informed on the recent history of the
Middle Eastern situation. You have a sophisticated knowledge of Israel's problems.
You have also heard a great deal of rhetoric. Since you are devoted to Israeli-
American friendship, you have carefully followed and analyzed every development,
every reality, and are not misled by verbiage and high-sounding formulations. You
retain faith in your nation, the United States, to do justice in its relations with
the embattled democracy of Israel. But you want to know the score.
The situation is too tense and explosive to confuse the issue. We must
mean what we say and say what we mean. There have been all too many wild rumors
and exaggerations. There have been charges that Israel is being sold out to Russian
and Arab pressures. There are fears that Israel is being undermined, cut-off,
rejected, and neglected. There are fears that Israel is becoming increasingly
isolated.
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to tell you that I have been reassured on the
highest levels in Washington that the United States Government stands by its friends.
Israel is one of its friends.
The friendship of our two countries is an article of faith. President Nixon
has very recently reaffirmed Israeli-American friendship. Mrs. Golda Meir, Prime
Minister of Israel, stated that she "noted with gratification" the clear expression
by President Nixon on the issue of Israel's security and integrity.
Also, Israeli Ambassador Rabin stated in Washington that he was encouraged
by the President's statement. As a friend of Israel, I might add that I, too,
found great reassurance in the message of the President. I refer, of course, to
the message he sent through my good friend, Max Fisher, to the emergency conference
of Jewish leaders in Washington last month.
The Soviet Union has denounced the President's message. Moscow's Arab
friends had some very unkind things to say about Richard M. Nixon. Communist China
has blamed the President for supporting Israel and pledged Chinese support to the
Arab cause.
(more)
GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
-2-
The President told the Congress in his State of the Union remarks that we
are moving from an era of international confrontation to an era of negotiation.
This is true in the Middle East, as it is elsewhere. We are deeply engaged in
trying to help the people of the Middle East find peace. But we will not do this
at the expense of Israel. Indeed, we will not do this at the expense of any
nation's legitimate interests.
No peace agreement will be worth the paper it's written on if either side
ends up cheated and bent on violent redress as soon as it has adequate power.
This Administration is not going to negotiate the peace in the Middle East.
There is no question of our negotiating away the basic rights and interests of the
nations now at war. They must negotiate the peace themselves.
The United States is convinced that peace can be based only on agreement
between the parties directly involved. As the President has said, "There is no
substitute for negotiations. Peace and security can only emerge from the mutual
agreement of the two sides immediately concerned.
Much work has been done through diplomatic channels under this and the
previous Administration. You are a very sophisticated group and realize that the
art of diplomacy is complex and that words and versions that appear in the press
are often confusing and misleading. I have looked carefully behind the diplomatic
situation and assured myself that this Administration, alone or in concert with
any other power, cannot and will not dictate the terms of peace or seek to impose
a settlement.
I advocate a genuine peace, a real peace, a durable peace. Only a peace
based upon agreement that is not one-sided is a peace that all sides will have a
vested interest in maintaining.
President Nixon stated on September 8, 1968, that "it is not realistic to
expect Israel to surrender vital bargaining counters in the absence of genuine
peace and effective guarantees." This Administration continues to recognize that
fact.
The Soviet Union or Egypt or anyone else would be badly misguided to conclude
that the United States is going to high-pressure Israel into unilateral withdrawal.
The State Department people have reassured me that their real aim in the
Four Power talks is to prevent a spread of the conflict and, if possible, to find
some formula under which the Arabs and Israelis could meet and resolve their
differences. There must be some "give and take" in any international diplomacy.
(more)
-3-
But this does not mean that the United States will "give" at the expense of
Israel while the Soviet Union "takes" for the Arabs.
I can understand how Israel feels. Israel is surrounded, besieged,
subjected to vilification and hatred, to guerrilla attacks and sabotage. The
Israelis may point out that while the United States is the advocate of peace, the
Soviet Union is the advocate only of the Arabs. The Israelis may also raise a very
legitimate question as to whether a rollback from occupied territory and even one-
sided concessions to the Arab states will really satisfy the extremists of the
so-called "national liberation front" of the Arabs. It has not in the past, and
inscribed on the Archives is "What is Past is Prologue.
It is perfectly understandable that Israel would scrutinize everything our
government says and does. Israel's very survival is at stake. The Israelis
remember very well the liquidation of the Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto during World
War II. They remember the Nazi genocide. And they are well aware of the anti-Jewish
persecution now practiced in Syria, Iraq, and some other Arab States.
It is viral that Israel correctly assess American intentions. If Israel
reached a conclusion that it were isolated or sold-out, it could be a grave threat
to world peace. Improved communications between Israel and America are essential.
I am therefore moved to propose the establishment of a telephone "hot-line"
between Washington and Jerusalem. Such a means of instantaneous contact would
enable either President Nixon or Prime Minister Meir to clarify any misunderstanding.
It would also be very useful if new factors developed that threatened a dangerous
escalation or spreading of the conflict. Israel would have the reassurance of
instantaneous communication with the President. The President could act instantly,
in some unforeseen crisis, by contacting Mrs. Meir.
Recent events have caused me great concern. The fighting has steadily
increased. Israelis and Arabs are dying every day on both sides of the Suez Canal.
The young and the brave are giving their lives. Humanity and compassion rebel
against the rising level of violence. The new shipments of arms to Libya by France
and to Egypt by the Russians are escalating the arms race in a manner that concerns
me intensely.
A new factor has been introduced in the massive French transaction with Libya.
I cannot imagine why Libya, with an army far smaller than the New York City Police
Department, needs over 100 of the latest French Mirage jet fighter-bombers -- or
hundreds of British Chieftain tanks, considered the world's most powerful tank.
(more)
-4-
President Nixon is absolutely right in urging that arms suppliers find a
way to limit the arms race. I have urged that our Government seize on the
fortuitous and very timely occasion of President Pompidou's visit next week to
discuss this new French policy. The huge new infusion of arms into a hotbed of
contention does not help reduce violence or fatalities.
There are some very serious matters that obviously will develop in the
agenda of talks in Washington with President Pompidou, matters that involve the
interests of the whole world. It has been a basic tenet of our Government that
while we may be divided at home on foreign policy matters we are nevertheless
substantially united when our Government deals with other nations.
The coming negotiations in Washington between our Government and President
Pompidou are of such importance that we cannot permit an impression that the
Congress is no longer prepared to accord the Republic of France the traditional
courtesies. We seek negotiation, not confrontation. The violence and killing in
the Middle East are very, very serious. The situation is growing worse.
It seems to me that we must strengthen the hand of the President when he
speaks for all of us to President Pompidou. This is the way to impress upon the
French President the great conviction and unity of the American people on the
matters we have discussed.
We shall do everything we can in the interest of peace and stability in the
Middle East. But we will do more than talk. The United States will not and cannot
stand by and watch the military balance turn against its friends.
We would, of course, prefer that President Nixon's statesmanlike effort to
limit the arms race would generate a positive response from France, from Great
Britain, and, of course, from the Soviet Union.
A balance is essential to deter aggression and to keep the conflict under
control. The United States is prepared to supply the military equipment necessary
for friendly governments, such as Israel, to defend themselves. We would, of course,
prefer restraint in the shipment of arms into this troubled area. But we are aware
of what other major powers are doing. We are maintaining a very careful vigilance.
We will not hesitate to take the steps required.
The 1968 Republican Platform pledged that Israeli military supplies "must
be kept at a commensurate strength both for her protection and to help keep the
peace of the area." We promised counter-vailing help, including supersonic
aircraft, if needed. We will keep this pledge. I might add that deliveries of
(more)
-5-
Phantom and Skyhawk jets are going forward on schedule under existing contracts.
It is understandable that Israel, cut off from traditional sources of arms
in France, is seeking a sense of continuity in aircraft procurement here. I
deeply regret that lives are lost daily in the Middle East. But as long as there
is no peace and no agreement on arms limitation, we will keep a very close eye on
the power balance.
I can also reveal that we are looking into the broader question of the
Mediterranean, the mission of the U.S. 6th Fleet, and related factors. We do not
want a confrontation with the Soviet Union or anyone else. But we have commitments
in the Mediterranean and the right to maintain military forces there. Our ships
and our flag will remain in that area. We will not flee because of pressures and
threats. The 6th Fleet will continue serving the cause of freedom.
We have no warlike motives in the Middle East. The American people desire
only the friendship of all the various nations of that region. It is our fervent
prayer that nations accord others the right to exist. Perhaps realization will
come that true liberation can be found in development of one's own country,
raising of one's own living standard, and the development of one's own social
justice. Aggression will not succeed no matter the grandiose phrases invoked to
justify the unrelenting warfare by regular and guerrilla forces. All parties are
obviously better served by peace negotiations and the acceptance of the facts of
life. The real interests of both Arab and Israelis require peaceful coexistence.
In that land where the Prophets dreamed that nation should not lift up
sword against nation, let there be peace. For Israel, a nation of people whose
suffering merits a life more creative than perpetual service in an armed camp, let
there be peace. For the Arabs, whose poverty and frustration requires schools and
hospitals and a decent life rather than the endless purchase of jets and guns,
let there be peace.
Israel could be a light unto the nations of that region if the Arabs would
accept fellow human beings of the Jewish faith as entitled to nationhood as any
other people. The genius and productivity of the Israelis could help others make
their deserts blossom. Instead of the cradle of civilization becoming its grave,
let the cradle of civilization give rise to two peoples, Arab and Jewish, each in
their own countries, with commerce and travel flowing across peaceful borders, and
with a new sense of mutual respect in keeping with our dream of the brotherhood of
man under the fatherhood of God.
(more)
-6-
I want to add a special and very personal word to this audience. Many of
you have devoted your lives to the Zionist cause. You have seen in Zionism
a redemption of freedom and human dignity, the rebirth of a nation, and the
rebirth of a people. But we are now witnessing painful days, tragic days, in
which the powers and political trends and pressures of the world appear to be
converging on the Middle East.
Israel was reborn in blood and fire. Israel is today struggling in an
ordeal of blood and fire. But this time it is different. The State of Israel has
proved its mettle. Israel is a nation among the nations.
You can take pride, as dedicated supporters of Israel, as Zionists, in the
nation you have helped build. But the watchman of Israel does not sleep and does
not slumber. Trying days lie ahead. Yet, in your heart of hearts, you can draw
faith and sustenance and reassurance from one fact. It is that this is the United
States of America. This is our country and we, Jews and non-Jews, peoples of all
parts of this country, the silent Americans and the articulate Americans, will not
let Israel down.
I thank you.
# # #