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1553568
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November 29, 1976 - Ford, Saudi Ambassador Ali Alireza
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1553568
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November 29, 1976 - Ford, Saudi Ambassador Ali Alireza
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Memoranda of Conversations (Nixon and Ford Administrations)
Ford Administration Memoranda of Conversations
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1976-11-29
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1976
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1976-11-29
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1976
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File scanned from the National Security Adviser's Memoranda of Conversation Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
19
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
DECLASSIFIED
AUTHORITY state dept. review 3/13/04
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
BY doe
NLF, DATE 7/24/07
PARTICIPANTS:
President Ford
Amb. Ali Alireza, Saudi Ambassador to the
United States
Brent Scowcroft, Assistant to the President
for National Security Affairs
DATE AND TIME:
Monday, November 29, 1976
9:58 - 10:37 a. m.
FORD
PLACE:
The Oval Office
BERALD
LIBRARY
President: It's not very pleasant weather.
Alireza: I rather like it. We are deprived of rain in Saudi Arabia so I
appreciate it.
President: First, I appreciate your delaying your trip to meet with me.
I wanted to consult with you about an issue that is of importance to us all.
It's not a partisan political issue in this country but a problem of general
concern. When Governor Carter was here we discussed it and we are in
general agreement on the problem of oil prices.
You were here when I had that good talk with Prince Saud last Fall,
so I don't need to describe the discussion we had at that time.
We have been communicating with other governments on this issue
and will continue to do SO. I am gravely concerned about the world
economic situation and the possible impact of an increase in oil prices.
I noticed that President Perez visited Moscow where it was announced
there was a friendship agreement and that Soviet leaders would visit
Venezuela. I am deeply worried about the economic situation both in the
more industrial states and in the less developed countries, which are
very vulnerable. In Portugal we have been working hard to get a moderate
government operating and eliminate Communist influence. A deterioration
CLASSIFIED BY BRENT SCOWCROFT
EXEMPT FROM GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION
SEGRET/NODIS/XGDS
SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 11652
EXEMPTION CATEGORY 5 (b) (1,3)
AUTOMATICALLY DECLASSIFIED ON Imp. to det.
SEGRET/NODIS/XGDS
2.
in this economic situation could reverse the progress we have made.
In Italy also there are grave economic problems, which if the present
government can't solve, it will undoubtedly bring Communists into the
government. Great Britain is now trying to negotiate an IMF loan to
stabilize its currency. While it is not directly related, the Australians
have just devalued
I think our two countries have been working together against the
expansion of Soviet and Communist influence and I wanted to talk about
what we might be able to do in this situation.
I don't need to tell you my feelings for Saudi Arabia over the many
years. I have fought hard for Saudi Arabia and supported the closest of
relations between us. I fought against irresponsible actions on the boycott
on the part of the Congress. I will continue to do so because our aims and
objectives are identical. I will continue to do so even after I leave office.
But it is difficult when the American people see a price increase which
does such damage around the world. I want to help, but when my econo-
mists tell me of the jeopardy a price increase could put the world economy
recovery in, I want to work with you to deal with this problem.
Soviet influence in the Middle East has been much reduced, but a
change in attitude in the United States could also jeopardize that. We
want to continue working for peace in the Middle East, but any sharp
action by OPEC will make it harder to move toward peace.
I know it is a very difficult problem for the King and I know he is
working toward our common goal, but I hope you will communicate to
him my deep concern about the economic and political difficulties we face.
Again, I am sorry I had to delay your trip.
Alireza: Mr. President, it is always a privilege to be able to meet with
you and convey your views to my King.
My government has spent about 10 percent of its wealth in helping
other countries around the world. Prince Saud has told me to tell you
that we are still doing everything we can, but one thing has changed --
demand has now outrun supply. But the problem is political not economic.
We will do everything we can without breaking OPEC. But if you could
bring pressure on other members it would be helpful. If through your
good office you can persuade other producers
FORD
SEGRET/NODIS/XGDS
GERALD
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
3.
President: I plan to meet with others of your colleagues.
Alireza: Tomorrow the pilgrimage begins and the King plans to meet
at Mecca to discuss this issue.
As far as Great Britain, Italy, and the other countries you mentioned
are concerned, we have done what we could through loans and other measures.
President: You have been very responsible.
Alireza: As far as the Communists and the Soviet Union are concerned,
you know our position and I need not repeat it. We greatly appreciate
your fight on the Maverick and the boycott with the Congress.
President: I have spoken with my successor on this and urged that he
oppose further legislation. Notwithstanding his campaign rhetoric, he
indicated his position would be responsible.
Alireza: Secretary Kissinger has spoken with me and Ambassador
Zahedi, and Deputy Secretary Robinson spoke to me. We understand your
message. But again I would urge your intervention with other producers.
President: We shall do SO. We have the prospect of a substantial world
economic recovery right now, but it is very fragile in a number of areas
and I am afraid it could be destroyed.
Alireza: We have been hit hard by inflation in industrial prices.
President: I agree. But we are making progress in that regard, but it
takes time. I also appreciate your responsible leadership on Lebanon,
such as at the Riyadh conference. I think there is real progress now,
thanks to your leadership.
Alireza: I hope you can restrain the neighbor to the south. Without the
Syrian troops in the area, the guerrillas will have free rein.
President: We are working with the Israelis on that point and I am hopeful
that the Lebanese situation can be resolved.
Alireza: We are grateful for your leadership over your term of office.
As you know, the Saud family has for years led the fight against Communism.
We are fortunate to have them leading our country. [More discussion on
these lines.]
SECRET/NODIS/XGDS
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
SEGRET/NODIS/XGDS
4.
President: We are very grateful for that leadership. I will impress on
my successor the importance of our two countries working together for
our common objectives.
Alireza: You are not only head of the United States, but the leader of
one of the two great powers in the world. We look to you to lead us in
the fight against radicalism and leftist influence.
President: Please convey my greetings to King Khalid. Please assure
him of my warm regards and my hope that we can continue to work
together to meet these problems.
Alireza: It is never an imposition for me to discuss with you on behalf
of my government. I am always at your disposal.
President: I hope you have a good trip. I think the new Mexican President
is a good man. I met with him last September.
Alireza: Their currency is in trouble right now.
President: They have problems but I think with half a chance the new
President will do well.
[The conversation ended.]
SEGRET/NODIS/XGDS
BERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 018471
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Briefing Paper
TITLE
Meeting with Saudi Arabian Ambassador
Ali Alireza
CREATION DATE
11/29/1976
VOLUME
9 pages
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
031400999
COLLECTION TITLE
National Security Adviser. Memoranda of
Conversations
BOX NUMBER
21
FOLDER TITLE
November 29, 1976 - Ford, Saudi
Ambassador Ali Alireza
DATE WITHDRAWN
08/02/2004
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
GG
2
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
Presidential Libraries Withdrawal Sheet
WITHDRAWAL ID 018472
REASON FOR WITHDRAWAL
National security restriction
TYPE OF MATERIAL
Note
DESCRIPTION
Brent Scowcroft's handwritten notes
from Ford's meeting with Ambassador
Alireza
CREATION DATE
11/29/1976
VOLUME
6 pages
COLLECTION/SERIES/FOLDER ID
031400999
COLLECTION TITLE
National Security Adviser. Memoranda of
Conversations
BOX NUMBER
21
FOLDER TITLE
November 29, 1976 - Ford, Saudi
Ambassador Ali Alireza
DATE WITHDRAWN
08/02/2004
WITHDRAWING ARCHIVIST
GG