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Arab Boycott - John Bennison Letter re Administration Position
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Arab Boycott - John Bennison Letter re Administration Position
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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Arab Boycott - John Bennison Letter
re Administration Position" of the John Marsh Files 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 R. 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
Some items in this folder were not digitized because it contains copyrighted
materials. Please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library for access to
these materials.
Digitized from Box 4 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
AUG 28 1976
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date August 27, 1976
TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM: DAVID LISSY
LIBRARY
FORD = :
Letter on Arab Boycott
By Joy Cook
League of B'nai B'rith
The league registered (D-N.J.), a cc-author of
A White House official
yesterday máde public the
shock and outrage" at the anti-boycott bill
has complained that statement, contained in the letter and said it was which may come up for
American businesses
an Aug. 10 letter from a án "àppeal to prejudice" Senate action today, de-
S.FORD
FORDS
Mail
could be harassed by
lawyer with the White
against Jews.
nounced the letter's "bla-
"cértain New York inter-
House Council on Inter-
Within hours of a for- tant anti Semitic over-
ests" if the firms are
national Economic Policy.
mal protest by the league,
tones."
Piso
forced to reveal their pár-
It outlined the Adminis-
a top aide to President
The letter had been
ticipation in the Arab
tration's opposition to a Ford had repudiated the written by John C. Ben-
economic boycott of Is-
bill aimed at blocking letter as "offensive and nison acting general
rael.
Arab boycott activities in inappropriate."
counsel to the White
The Anti-Defamation the
U.S.
Sen. Harrison Williams
Continued on Page 5
94/22/8
[Ang.25,1976]
A letter proporting to outline the Administration's position
on Arab boycott legislation was brought to our attention this morning
by the White House Legislative Affairs Office, as well as the Anti-
Defamation League, and an immediate inquiry was undertaken. The letter
was written by a ataff lawyer at CIEP who should not have attempted
to summarize the Administration's position on a complex issue. In
referring to "certain New York interest groups", the lawyer's summary
and choice of words are offensive and inappropriate. He regrets his
action and apologized.
FORD
it
A letter proportedito outline the Administration's position on
boycott legislation was brought to our attention this morning by the
Anti-Defamation League. The letter was written by an agency staff
lawyer at a level who should not have attempted to summarize the
Administration's position on a complex issue.
in referring to "certain
New York interest groups", the lawyer ssummary and choice of words
were
regarded as offensive and inappropriate. He regrets his action
and is writing a letter of apology to the recipient of the original
letter.
FOR
A letter written by a staff lawyer of the Council on International
Economic Policy regarding the Administration's views on pending
anti-boycott legislation was called to our attention thes morning by the
Anti-Defamation League. The letter attempted to summarize
the Administration's views on a complex matter. It included
references to "certain New Yorl interest groups." This was an offensive
and inappropriate statement. Such statements are not acceptable from an-
official of this government. The letter writer has been personally
repremanded and has apologized for his action.
FCO
The letter was brought to our attention this morning by the Anti .
Defamation League. The letter was written by an agency staff lawyer
who inappropriately attempted to summarize the Administration's
position on a complex issue. His particular choice of words was
offensive and inappropriate and in no way reflect the views of this
sreprimanded
Administration. He has been personally repeiminded by his superiors
and is writing a letter of apology.
of CIEP
A letter proported ing to outline the Administration's position on that
boycott legislation was brought to our attention this morning by the
Anti League. The letter was written by an agency staff
lawyer at level who should not have attempted to summarize the
Administration's position on a complex issue. in referring to "certain
New York interest groups", the lawyer ssummary and choice of words
as offensive and inappropriate. He regrets his action
and
apology
original
whit
I
helps
Tye
14
Department
1
11.
A letter proportedto outline the Administration's position on
Shat
boycott legislation was brought to our attention this morning by the
Anti-Defamation League. The letter was written by an agency staff
lawyer at a level who should not have attempted to summarize the
Administration's position on a complex issue. in referring to "certain
New York interest groups", the lawyer'ssummary and choice of words
were regarded as offensive and inappropriate. He regrets his action
and is writing a letter of apology to the recipient of the original
letter.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 25, 1976
Dear Dave:
We appreciated your telephone call this morning
advising us of the letter written by a staff lawyer
at CIEP on the Administration's Arab boycott position.
The following statement represents the Administration's
position on this matter:
A letter purporting to outline the
Administration's position on Arab
boycott legislation was brought to
our attention this morning by the
White House Legislative Affairs
Office, as well as the Anti-
Defamation League of B'nai B'rith,
and an immediate inquiry was
undertaken. The letter was written
by a staff lawyer at CIEP who should
not have attempted to summarize the
Administration's position on a complex
issue. In referring to "certain New
York interest groups", the lawyer's
summary and choice of words are
offensive and inappropriate. He
regrets his action and has apologized.
The lawyer emphasized that he had not
intended to offend anyone.
With best regards.
Sincerely,
Edward C. Schmults
Deputy Counsel to the President
Mr. David A. Brody
Director
Washington Office
Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith
FORD
1640 Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest
Washington, D. C.
20036
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 25, 1976
Dear Dave:
We appreciated your telephone call this morning
advising us of the letter written by a staff lawyer
at CIEP on the Administration's Arab boycott position.
The following statement represents the Administration's
position on this matter:
A letter purporting to outline the
Administration's position on Arab
boycott legislation was brought to
our attention this morning by the
White House Legislative Affairs
Office, as well as the Anti-
Defamation League of B'nai B'rith,
and an immediate inquiry was
undertaken. The letter was written
by a staff lawyer at CIEP who should
not have attempted to summarize the
Administration's position on a complex
issue. In referring to "certain New
York interest groups", the lawyer's
summary and choice of words are
offensive and inappropriate. He
regrets his action and has apologized.
The lawyer emphasized that he had not
intended to offend anyone.
With best regards.
Sincerely,
Edward C. Schmults
Deputy Counsel to the President
Mr. David A. Brody
Director
Washington Office
Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith
FORD
1640 Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest
Washington, D. C.
20036
August 10, 1976
Mr. Anthony Scotto
Vice President and Legislative Director
International Longshoreman's Association
17 Battery Place
Suite 1530
New York, New York 10004
Dear Mr. Scotto:
As an addendum to our conversation the other day,
I am sending you additional information which should
assist you in your analysis of pending Arab boycott
legislation.
In the Senate, the Stavenson bill (S.9953) has
three principal provisions:
(1) a requirement for the publication of the
names of firms complying as well as those not
complying with boycott requests;
(2) a total ban against supplying information
regarding race, religion, or national origin;
and
(3) a "refusal to deal" clause which prohibits
U.S. companies from choosing U.S. subcontractors
on the basis of boycott requirements.
Secretary William B. Simon, in presenting a
Treasury statement before the House Committee on Inter-
national Relations, noted that each of these provisions
is either adequately covered by existing law or is other-
wise detrimental to a long term solution of the boycott
problem. The publication requirement would give boycott
officials an enforcement tool and make it more difficult
for them to tolarata defacto noncompliance by U.S.
businesses. Several large American companies, for
instance, do considerable business with both the Arabs
and Israel. This public disclosure provision would no
doubt result in many of these companies being placed on
FORD s LIBRARY 029810
August 10, 1976
Page 2
the Arab black list, thereby preventing the sale or ship-
ment of their products to the Mideast. Furthermore,
should it become public knowledge they are complying
with the boycott they could be harassed by certain New
York interest groups.
In the House, the Bingham bill (H.R. 4967) and the
Drinan bill (H.2. 5913) are even more harmful to trade
in that they would prohibit U.S. companies from completing
any boycott forms whatsoever. Any firm refusing to fill
out boycott forms would be automatically placed on the
blacklist, thereby preventing their products from being
sold or shipped to Arab countries supporting the boycote.
In delicate matters such a3 these, confrontational
legislation is usually coumter-productive.
Regardless of particular provisions of these bills,
Secretary Simon and other key Administration spokesman
have expressed the feeling that any-boycott legislation
is particularly inappropriate at this time. Department
of Commerce statistics show that in the first 4 months
of 1976, exports to Arab countries supporting the boycott
increased by 37 percent over the same period a year ago.
There are precious few items exported to Arab countries
that they cannot obtain elsewhere. This fact-was borne
out at hearings which totally destroyed a persistent myth
that the U.S. is the major exporter to these countries.
Our exports amount to less than 130 of total imports into
Arab countries. Also, Commerce figures indicate that our
exports to Arab boycott countries exceeded $4.4 billion
in 1975, accounting for some 200,000 to 300,000 American
jobs.
Administration officials are concerned that This
legislation might be viewed narrowly as a means to pre-
emptishellew York Lisa Law and equalize restrictions
presently borne only by New York. However, clearly
this legislation would not help to increase New York
exports botthetdes. it would only reduce exports from
all ports in the U.S. As I have indicated, experts
view these bills as having serious national impact in
terms of export and job losses.
If you need any other information, please donnot
GERATO FORD LIBRARY
Mr. Scotto
August 10, 1976
Page 3
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John C. Eannison
Acting General Counsel
JCB:1gb:8/10/76
"
bcc: Secretariat
GERALD " FORD LIBRARY
8/25/76
A letter purporting to outline the
Administration's position on Arab boycott
legislation was brought to our attention this
morning by the White House Legislative Affairs
Office, as well as the Anti-Defamation League
of B'nai Brith, and an immediate inquiry was
undertaken. The letter was written by a staff
lawyer at CIEP who should not have attempted to
summarize the Administration's position on a
complex issue. In referring to "certain New York
interest groups", the lawyer's summary and choice
of words are offensive and inappropriate. He
regrets his action and has apologized. The lawyer
emphasized that he had not intended to offend
anyone.
R.FORD
8/25/76
A letter purporting to outline the
Administration's position on Arab boycott
legislation was brought to our attention this
morning by the White House Legislative Affairs
Office, as well as the Anti-Defamation League
of B'nai Brith, and an immediate inquiry was
undertaken. The letter was written by a staff
lawyer at CIEP who should not have attempted to
summarize the Administration's position on a
complex issue. In referring to "certain New York
interest groups", the lawyer's summary and choice
of words are offensive and inappropriate. He
regrets his action and has apologized. The lawyer
emphasized that he had not intended to offend
anyone.
FORD
are
8/25/76
A letter purporting to outline the
Administration's position on Arab boycott legislation
was brought to our attention this morning by the
White House Legislative Affairs Office, as well
of Bnai Brite
as the Anti-Defamation League and an immediate
inquiry was undertaken. The letter was written by
a staff lawyer at CIEP who should not have attempted
to summarize the Administration's position on a
complex issue. In referring to "certain New York
interest groups", the lawyer's summary and choice
of words are offensive and inappropriate. He
regrets his action and has apologized. The lawyer
emphasized that he had not intended to offend anyone.
FORD it LIBRANT QTYE
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 25, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Jack Marsh
Bill Seidman
Bill Gorog
From:
Ed Schmults
8
Here is a copy of the statement that
George Meany put out today on the Arab
boycott issue. I have dexed this to
Dick Cheney and Ron Nessen.
Attachment
FORD &
IMMEDIATELY, Wednesday, August 25, 1976
AFL-CIO President, George Meany, today strongly
urged Senate passage of the bill that would inhibit
U. S. businessmen from collaborating in Arab trade
boycotts against Israel and lashed out as "profoundly
disturbing" Administration hostility to the measure.
In a letter to Senator Adlai Stevenson, III (D. ILL.)
Manager of the bill which extends the export administra-
tion act and goes to the Senate floor today, Meany
objected to the use by Administration spokesmen of
"code words that reflect tacit support of the Arab
boycott being conducted against Israel".
The bill (S. 3084) would require U. S. companies to
disclose publicly any Arab pressure to join in the
anti-Israel boycott, along with their degree of
compliance. It would also forbid exporters to
comply with demands for information regarding race,
religion, or national origin where such information
is sought to help enforce a foreign boycott. These
provisions are "wholly consistent with American
interest and policies," Meany said, and efforts to
strike or weaken them "cannot be countenanced."
FORD
2 -
Meany assailed as "appalling" arguments advanced
by John C. Bennison, Acting General Counsel of the
Administration's Council on International Economic
Policy, in a letter to the International Longshoremen's
Association, that public disclosure would make it
difficult for Arab boycotters "to tolerate de facto
noncompliance by U. S. businesses" and that those
revealed to be complying with the boycott "could be
harrassed by certain N. Y. interest groups.
The latter phrase, Meany said, "can only be taken
to mean the individuals and organizations who support
who
the right of Israel to exist and
reject the
notion that good business practice requires American
citizens and corporations to support the Arabs in
their implacable determination to destroy Israel
and her people. "
Any argument that America's need to trade with the
Arabs justifies connivance in the Arab plot against
Israel is "beneath contempt," Meany said. "It is
jobs
true that perisies of American workers are
FORD
involved, but there are other and better ways to
create jobs -- ways that do not involve the betrayal
of America friends, ways that the Administration
has so far Superty fiercely opposed. "
"The AFL-CIO does not share the Administration's
willingness to tolerate illicit, unethical business
tactics in exchange for Arab business contracts,
Meany concluded. " We do not see how any Senator,
of either party, can in good conscience fail to support
the anti-Arab boycott provision in this bill. In the
name of decency and national self respect, we urge
its passage as strongly as we know how. #
&
FORD
AUG 27 1976
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 26, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
DAVID LISS
my
SUBJECT:
Bennison Letter/George Brown remarks
In our discussions yesterday you asked me about the handling
of the George Brown issue. We got off the subject and I
never answered.
The latest George Brown flap has received no White House
response. I am holding a couple of hundred letters to the
President which we have not answered because an appropriate
response has not been agreed upon.
It is conceivable that a reporter working on the Bennison
letter could ask why we have said nothing about George Brown.
CC: Jim Connor
SEP 2 1976
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 1, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
JACK MARSH
BILL SEIDMAN
BILL GOROG
FROM:
DAVID LISSY ones
SUBJECT:
BENNISON LETTER
FYI Andy Penn (Jack Anderson) called to ask questions
about the Bennison letter. I got no sense that any
specific column was in the works.
FORD i LIBRARY GERALD
Boycon Letter by
Ford Aide Draws
Fire From Jews
BY ROBERT A. ROSENBLATT
Times Staff Writer
- - ---