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1555800
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Egypt - President Sadat (1)
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1555800
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document
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Egypt - President Sadat (1)
collections
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders (Ford Administration)
Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders
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Israel
Egypt
Soviet Union
Foreign aid
Sinai Accord between Egypt and Israel, 1975
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1555800
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1975-09-30
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1975
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1974-09-01
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1974
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The original documents are located in Box 1, folder "Egypt - President Sadat (1)" 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 Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 1 of the NSA Presidential Correspondence with Foreign Leaders Collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library N DATE 10/17/74 WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM PAGE 001 MESSAGE ANNOTATIONS: NO MESSAGE ANNOTATIONS MESSAGE: PRIORITY DE RUEHC #4669 2712159 P 282151Z SEP 74 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 9123 C N F D E N T I STATE 214669 EXDIS E.O. 11652: GDS TAGS: EAID, EG, JO, SY SUBJECT- LETTER FROM PRESIDENT FORD TO PRESIDENT SADAT ON AID LEGISLATION REF: (A) CAIRO 7505, (B) STATE 209927 1. PLEASE DELIVER FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FORD TO PRESIDENT SADAT. 2. QUOTE DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: IN VIEW OF RECENT PRESS SPECULATION WHICH MAY HAVE COME TO YOUR ATTENTION ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION WHICH IS NOW BEFORE OUR CONGRESS, I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY PERSONAL ASSURANCES THAT I FULLY INTEND TO FOLLOW THROUGH IN SUPPORT OF THE PROGRAMS WE HAVE RECOMMENDED TO THE CONGRESS FOR EGYPT. 3. AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE REQUESTED DOLLARS 250 MILLION FOR ASSISTANCE TO EGYPT IN OUR CURRENT FISCAL YEAR WHICH BEGAN JULY -1. AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATION OF MONIES TO BE EXPENDED OF COURSE REST WITH THE CONGRESS. I AM CONFIDENT, HOWEVER, THAT WE WILL DEFINITELY HAVE AUTHORITY FOR ASSISTANCE TO EGYPT THIS FISCAL YEAR. NORMALLY THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION IS ONE OF THE LAST PIECES OF LEGISLATION PASSED BEFORE CONGRESS ADJOURNS. THIS YEAR, HOWEVER, THERE IS FURTHER DELAY RESULTING FROM SOME DIFFERING VIEWPOINTS ABOUT PARTS OF THE LEGISLATION WHICH DO NOT RELATE TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WE EXPECT THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE Z E D E N FORD bh 3/3/04 & GERALD LIBRARY DATE 10/17/74 WHITE HOUSE SITUATION ROOM PAGE 002 MESSAGE (CONTINUED): LEGISLATION TO PASS CONGRESS BY THE END OF DECEMBER, BUT IF THIS IS NOT OBTAINABLE WE WOULD SEEK TO DEVELOP THROUGH ALTERNATE LEGISLATIVE STRATEGIES THE NECESSARY LEVELS OF AID FOR EGYPT. 4. I HAVE ASKED SECRETARY KISSINGER TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER FULLY WITH YOU WHEN HE VISITS CAIRO NEXT MONTH. I CONTINUE TO LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME YOU PERSONALLY IN THE UNITED STATES. STNCERELY, GERALD R. FORD. UNQUOTE. 5. THE SECRETARY WILL ALSO EXPLAIN SITUATION WITH RESPECT TO AID LEGISLATION TO FAHMY IN NEW YORK. KISSINGER PSN: 010079 TOR: 272/04:28Z DTG: 282151Z SEP 74 N D FORD GERALD ? AHYUPIT COPY 10 OF 10 COPIES DEPARTMENT OF STATE Department of State UNITED TELEGRAM STATES OF SECRET 0 190100Z OCT 74 ZFF4 CONTROL: 5482Q () FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE 9547 BT SECRET STATE 230714 NODIS CHEROKEE E.O. 11652: XGDS TAGS: PFOR, ME, EG SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT SADAT 1. PLEASE CONVEY THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SADAT FROM PREISENT FORD: QTE. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I AM WRITING TO TELL YOU THAT I HAVE HAD A FULL REPORT OF SECRETARY KISSINGER'S TALKS WITH YOU. YOU HAVE SET OUT A CONSTRUCTIVE COURSE OF ACTION WHICH I BELIEVE REFLECTS GREAT STATESMANSHIP AND WISDOM ON YOUR PART. THE STRATEGY YOU AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAVE DISCUSSED HAS MY FULL BACKING. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT AS YOU PURSUE THE STRATEGY WORKED OUT WITH SECRETARY KISSINGER 1 FEEL A SPECIAL OBLIGATION TO DO EVERYTHING (UR) FEASIBLE TO HELP ASSURE THAT THE RESULTS ACHIEVED ARE COMMENSURATE WITH THE RISKS INVOLVED. I AM CONVINED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THIS STRATEGY NOT ONLY IS IN THE MUTUAL INTEREST OF EGYPT AND THE UNITED STATES, BUT WILL SERVE THE CAUSE OF PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. SECRETARY KISSINGER WILL SOON BE RETURNING TO THE AREA IN EARLY NOVEMBER TO HAVE FURTHER TALKS WITH YOU AND OTHER LEADERS IN THE AREA. WHILE I SHALL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW CLOSELY YOUR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH SECRETARY KISSINGER ON THESE CRITICAL MATTERS, I LOOK FORWARD PERSONALLY TO HAVING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A FULL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS EARLY NEXT YEAR. WARMEST REGARDS. GERALD R. FORD. UNQTE KISSINGER DRAFTED BY:P :JJSISCO APPROVED BY: THE SECRETARY CLEARANCES: S/S-0: L. MATTERSON NEA-MR. SAUNDERS FORD DECLASSIFIED LIBRARY & GERALD E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 STATE DEPT, GUIDELINES BY Why NARA, DATE 3/3/04 SEORET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 3a S/S 7422091 5422 DEPARTMENT OF STATE Washington, D.C. 20520 November 11, 1974 SECRET/NODIS MEMORANDUM FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRENT SCOWCROFT THE WHITE HOUSE Subject: Sadat's Response to President Ford's Letter Attached is the original copy of a letter from Egyptian President Sadat responding to President Ford's letter dated October 19, 1974. The text was transmitted in Cairo 8278 (NODIS/CHEROKEE) which the White House received. No further action is required. George S. Springsteen Executive Secretary for Attachment: President Sadat's letter FORD GERALD P SEGRET/NODIS GDS lab 3/3/04 3 SECRET & Cairo, October 19, 1974. Dear Mr. President, I received with thanks your letter dated Oct. 19, 1974, through which you wanted to assure me of your full backing of the strategy outlined in the course of my talks with Secretary Kissinger. ) It is an added pleasure for me to note, in particular, that you feel "a special obligation to do everything feasible to help assure that the results achieved are commensurate with the risks involved". In this connection it is pertinet to expect that you will see to it, in the near future, that the growing relations between United States and Egypt will develop in such a manner that the obligations and commitments of both sides would be more publicly known and reflect more concrete and major decisions. This, I hope, you share with me. The necessity of following this course is so evident at this juncture in particular, and in the light of the recent visit of Foreign Minister Fahmy to Moscow. We are approaching a point where the leaders of the Soviet Union would like to play, at least once, the game intellegently. Both the reception of the Foreign Minister and the immediate response of the General Secretary of the Central Committee, Brezhnev to hold a summit meeting in Cairo in January are indicative, in the sense that the Soviet leadership does not only want not to miss the bus for fear of the liquidation of their influence, but they apparently would like to frustrate, at the same time, any new developments in the U. S. Egyptian bilateral relations as well as any future moves towards a peaceful settlement of the Middle East crisis. This was crystal clear from the full and detailed report which Minister Fahmy submitted to me upon his return. TUMO GERALD LIBRARY DECLASSIFIED SECRET E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 STATE DEPT, GUIDELINES State Review 9/16/03 BY We , NARA, DATE 3/3/04 SECRET - 2 - Having said that, it is my fervent hope and conviction that the U. S. Egyptian relations would be bolstered by major decisions taken publicly. I seize this opportunity to reiterate my sincere desire that we will have a full exchange of views on a variety of problems when we meet early next year. Warmest regards. A.Sabut Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat SECRET BEBALD 4 COPY 8 OF 13 COPIES DEPARTMENT OF STATE Las WH Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECRET N00488 TELEGRAM PAGE 01 CAIRO 09945 072125Z 00 ACTION NODS-00 INFO OCT-01 /001 W 0 071915Z DEC 74 122233 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO SECSTATE WASHDC NIACT IMMEDIATE 676 SECRET CAIRO 9945 NODIS/CHEROKEE FOR THE SECRETARY FROM AMBASSADOR E.O. 11652: GDS TAGS/ PFOR EG US SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT FORD FROM PRESIDENT SADAT REF: CAIRO 9943 1. PRESIDENT SADAT SENT WORD THIS AFTERNOON THAT HE WISHED OG SEE ME AT 1800 LOCAL AT T BARRAGES. THE PRESIDENT LOOKED FIT AND WE HAD ABOUT AN HOUR'S CONVERSATION. HE FIRST MANDED ME A LETTER TO PRESIDENT FORD WITH THE REQUEST THAT IT BE SENT IMMEDIATELY. THE TEXT OF THE LETTER FOLLOWS: QUOTE DECEMBER 7, 1974 DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: AS WE ARE APPROACHING THE END OF THE YEAR AND CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST AT THE DOOR I.. SEND YOU MY GREETINGS AND THAT OF MRS SADAT TO MRS. FORD AND YOUR FAMILY WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST OF LUCK AND A NEW YEAR FULL OF GOOD HOPES AND ADDITIONAL SUCCESSES TO YOU IN CARRYING OUT THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUR HIGH OFFICE. I AM SURE THAT YOU WILL, AS YOU HAVE ALREADY DEMONSTRATED, CONTINUE TO WORK IN A STATESMANLIKE MANNER FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY AND THE WELFARE OF YOUR PEOPLE. THIS WILL BE A LANDMARK IN THE HISTORY OF YOUR COUNTRY SECRET bb 3/3/04 LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF STATE UNITED AMERICA Department of State SECRET TELEGRAM STATES OF PAGE 02 CAIRO 09945 0721252 PARTICULARLY IF YOU WILL CONTINUE, GOD WILLING, IN YOUR OFFICE FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. SEIZING THIS OCCASION I FELT THAT IT MAY BE OPPORTUNE TO CONTINUE OUR CORRESPONDENCE AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON BASIC PROBLEMS PERTAINING TO OUR RELATIONS AND TO PEACE AND TRANQUILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST. I AM FULLY INFORMED THROUGH YOUR SECRETARY OF STATE ON BASIC PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE WORLD AT LARGE AND THE NEXT MOVES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. I AM SURE, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT DR. KISSINGER HAS BRIEFED YOU AS WELL ON MY VIEWS CONVEYED TO HIM THROUGH HIS MEETINGS WITH ME WHEN HE WAS IN THE AREA OR THROUGH HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH FOREIGN MINISTER FAHMI. I AM PLEASED TO SE THAT OUR APPRAISAL OF THE SITUATION IS ALMOST IDENTICAL AND THAT WE ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS WHICH HAVE A DIRECT UR INDIRECT IMPACT ON OUR STRATEGY FOR THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE. SO FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, MY CONSTANT PREOCCUPATION IS TO DO MY BEST TO LESSEN THE TENSION IN THE AREA OR, IF I MAY SAY SO, TO DEFUSE THE TIMEBOMS, IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO WORK ASSIDUOUSLY FOR FURTHER PROGRESS ON THE PATH TO PEACE AND WELFARE FOR THE PEOPLES IN THE AREA. IN THIS CONNECTION I TAKE IT THAT THE EGYPTIAN POSITION IS CRYSTAL CLEAR so FAR AS THE NEXT STEP IS CONCERNED. I AM SURE THAT YOU SHARE WITH ME THAT THE NEXT STEP MUST BE A MOVE OF A SUBSTANTIAL CHARACTER AND COMMENSURATE WITH ALL THE RISKS INVOLVED AND AT THE SAME TIME BE FINALIZED AND SIGNED WITHIN THE COMING 4 weeks OR SO. I HAVE EXPLAINED WITH ALL CANDOR MY POSITION TO DR. KISSINGER AS WELL AS THE LIMITS OF THE SOLUTION WHICH I AM PREPARED TO ACCEPT. I EQUALLY EXPLAINED TO HIM THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS INVOLVED WHICH HAVE CERTAINLY SOMETHING. TO DO WITH THE COMING VISITS BY THE HEADS OF STATES TO CAIRO AND THE SITUATION IN THE ARAB WORLD. CONSEQUENTLY AS THE EGYPTIAN POSITION IS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR TO YOU AND YOUR SECRETARY OF STATE AND AS THE TIME FACTOR IN THIS CASE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE I HOPE THAT YOU AGREE WITH ME THAT IS NECESSARY TO SEIZE THIS MOMENTUM AND WORK HARD TO ACHIEVE CONCRETE PROGRESS, AS I HAVE SAID SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECRET TELEGRAM PAGE 03 CAIRO 09945 0721252 BEFORE, IT IS MY HOPE THAT YOU WILL USE YOUR INFLUENCE SO THAT THE NEXT MOVE BE SIGNED WITH THE COMMING (SIC) FEW WEEKS KNOWING THAT ITS IMPLEMENTATION MAY TAKE A LONGER TIME. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WITH YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS VIEW AND WITH YOUR FULL BACKING OF THIS LINE, WHICH YOUR VERY ABLE SECRETARY OF STATE IS FULLY AWARE OF, IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE NET RESULTS WITHOUT LOOSING (SIC) UNNECESSARY TIME AND EFFORT ENGAGING OR AN ENDLESS EXERCISE OF EXAMINING UNACCEPTABLE AND NOT SERIOUS PROPOSALS FROM THE OTHER SIDE, WHILE OUR SITUATION AND THE SITUATION OF THE ISRAELIS ARE BOTH WELL KNOWN TO YOU, HAVING SAID THAT I AM FULLY CONVINCED THAT WITH YOUR SUPPORT AND BACKING AND WITH STATESMANSHIP AND VISION WE WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE AHEAD WITHOUT COMPLICATING THINGS AND WITHOUT LETTING OURSELVES BECOME ENGAGED IN A STERILE DEBATE ON MINOR SIDE ISSUES. IT IS, THEREFORE, NECESSARY TO HAVE A REAL APPRAISAL OF ALL THESE FACTORS AND THE MOMENTUM AND THE ISSUES WHICH ARE AT STAKE. IN CONCLUDING, MR. PRESIDENT, I AM SURE THAT WITH YOUR DETERMINATION AND CONVICTION TO WORK FOR PEACE AND TRANQUILITY YOU WILL SEE TO IT THAT IT BECOMES POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE WITHOUT ANY HESITATION REAL PROGRESS. SINCERELY YOURS, MOHAMED ANWAR EL-SADAT UNQUOTE 2. THE PRESIDENT'S SUBSEQUENT ORAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT MIDDLE EAST SITUATION, AS HE SEES IT, IS BEING REPORTED IN THE SUCCEEDING TELEGRAM. EILTS SECRET GERALD NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY SA THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON December 8, 1974 Mr. President: The attached letter from President Sadat to you was just received by cable. It is obviously timed for the eve of Foreign Minister Allon's arrival in the United States. It is a significant letter and merits careful reading. GRT PD Brent Scowcroft or FCRO 5B December 7, 1974 Dear Mr. President: As we are approaching the end of the year and Christmas is almost at the door I send you my greetings and that of Mrs. Sadat to Mrs. Ford and your family wishing you all the best of luck and a new year full of good hopes and additional successes to you in carrying out the heavy responsibilities of your high office. I am sure that you will, as you have already demonstrated, continue to work in a statesmanlike manner for international peace and security and the welfare of your people. This will be a landmark in the history of your country particularly if you will continue, God willing, in your office for a long time to come. Seizing this occasion I felt that it may be opportune to continue our correspondence and exchange views on basic problems pertain- ing to our relations and to peace and tranquility in the Middle East. I am fully informed through your Secretary of State on basic problems related to the world at large and the next moves in the Middle East. I am sure, Mr. President, that Dr. Kissinger has briefed you as well on my views conveyed to him through his meetings with me whenhe was in the area or through his correspondence with Foreign Minister Fahmi. I am pleased to see that our appraisal of the situation is almost identical and that we are fully aware of the various elements which GERALD LIBRARY a FORD 2 have a direct or indirect impact on our strategy for the immediate future. So far as I am concerned, my constant preoccupation is to do my best to lessen the tension in the area or, if I may say so, to defuse the timebomb, in order to be able to work assiduously for further progress on the path to peace and welfare for the peoples in the area. In this connection I take it that the Egyptian position is crystal clear so far as the next step is concerned. I am sure that you share with me that the next step must be a move of a substantial character and commensurate with all the risks involved and at the same time be finalized and signed within the coming 4 weeks or so. I have explaine d with all candor my position to Dr. Kissinger as well as the limits of the solution which I am prepared to accept. I equally explained to him the various elements involved which have certainly something to do with the coming visits by the Heads of States to Cairo and the situation in the Arab world. Consequently as the Egyptian position is abundantly clear to you and your Secretary of State and as the time factor in this case is of paramount importance I hope that you agree with me that [it] is necessary to seize this momentum and work hard to achieve concrete progress. As I have said before, it is my hope that you will use your influence FORD a GERALD LIBRARY 3 so that the next move be signed with the comming (sic) few weeks knowing that its implementation may take a longer time. I have no doubt that with your support of this view and with your full backing of this line, which your very able Secretary of State is fully aware of, it is possible to achieve net results without loosing (sic) unnecessary time and effort engaging or an endless exercise of examin- ing unacceptable and not serious proposals from the other side, while our situation and the situation of the Israelis are both well know to you. Having said that I am fully convinced that with your support and backing and with statesmanship and vision we will be able to move ahead without complicating things and without letting ourselves become engaged in a sterile debate on minor side issues. It is, therefore, necessary to have a real appraisal of all these factors and the momentum and the issues which are at stake. In concluding, Mr. President, I am sure that with your determination and conviction to work for peace and tranquility you will see to it that it becomes possible to achieve without any hesitation real progress. Sincerely yours, Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat FORD & GERALD LIBRARY DEPARTMENT OF STATE Department of State UNITED states STATES OF TELEGRAL SECRET NODU60 PAGE 01 STATE 276733 DECLASSIFIED 00 E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 ORIGIN NOUS-00 STATE DEPT, GUIDELINES State leview 9/16/03 BY Cab INFO OCT-01 1001 R , NARA, DATE 3/3/04 DRAFTED BY NEAIHHSAUNDERS/HLK APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY NEA - MR. ATHERTON S/S-0: RELTZ Copy / of 10 copies 095752 0 1805042 DEC 74 ZFF4 Control: 4164Q FM SECSTATE WASHDC Recd: Dec 18, 1974 TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE 12:26 AM SECETSTATE 276733 S NODIS CHEROKEE E.O. 11652: XGDS-3 TAGS:PFOR, EG, US SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SADAT FROM PRESIDENT FORD REF: (A) CAIRO 99451 (8) CAIRO 9946 FOR AMBASSADOR FROM THE SECRETARY 1. PLEASE CONVEY FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SADAT FROM PRESIDENT FORD. REFORD R 2. BEGIN MESSAGE. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: GERALD I HAVE BEEN GIVING CAREFUL THOUGHT TO YOUR LETTER OF DECEMBER 7 AND TO THE REPORTS FROM AMBASSADOR EILTS OF HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH YOU OVER THE PAST TEN DAYS, AS WELL AS TO THE VIEWS CONVEYED TO US FROM FOREIGN MINISTER FAHMY AND MR. MARWAN. I HAVE AL80 REVIEWED AT SOME LENGTH WITH SECRETARY KISSINGER AND REFLECTED ON THE COURSE OF EVENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND IN THE US-EGYPTIAN RELATIONSHIP OVER THE PAST YEAR. SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRE DEPARTMENT OF STATE Department of State UNITED TELEGRA! STATES OF BECHET S PAGE 02 STATE 276733 TWO THINGS STAND OUT IN MY MIND AS I LOOK BACK OVER THAT PERIOD. FIRST, THIS HAS CLEARLY BEEN ONE OF THOSE TIMES IN HISTORY WHEN HISTORIC CHANGES OCCUR IN THE COURSE OF INTERNA- TIONAL RELATIONSHIPS. A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THAT HAS BEEN THE SHIFT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE LEADING ARAB NATIONS. SECOND, IT IS CLEAR THAT YOUR OWN VISION OF WHAT COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND EGYPT HAS PLAYED A CENTRAL HOLE IN THAT EVOLUTION. THE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN YOU AND SECRETARY KISSINGER QUICKLY TURNED TO THE QUESTION OF WHAT COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED IF THE UNITED STATES AND EGYPT COULD MOVE S ACCORDING TO A COMMON STRATEGIC CONCEPT. THE SPECIFIC STEPS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN DURING THIS PERIOD HAVE REFLECTED THAT COMMON APPROACH. FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO MOVE AS QUICKLY AS EITHER OF US WOULD HAVE LIKED IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS. THIS HAS NOT BEEN BECAUSE OF ANY CHANGE IN OUR PERCEPTION OF OUR COMMON OBJECTIVES. IT HAS RESULTED FROM CIRCUMSTANCES NOT ENTIRELY WITHIN THE CONTROL OF EITHER OF US. AFTER A CERTAIN POINT, THE DELAY HAS INCREASED THE DIFFICULTY OF MUVING AHEAD. NOW I BELIEVE WE AGAIN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE AHEAD PROMPTLY, AND WE ARE DETERMINED TO MOVE AS RAPIDLY AND AS FAR AS POSSIBLE. I AM FULLY MINDFUL OF HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR YOU -- BUT ALSO FOR US -- THAT THE STEP-BY-STEP STRATEGY OUR TWU GOVERNMENTS CHARTED TOGETHER BE SEEN TO HAVE CONCRETE AND POSITIVE RESULTS. I AM ALSO MINDFUL OF THE RISKS AND DIFFICULTIES THIS STRATEGY ENTAILS FOR YOU. I REMAIN PERSUADED, HOWEVER, THAT ANY OTHER COURSE INVOLVES EVEN GREATER DANGERS AND HOLDS OUT MUCH LESS HOPE UF ULTIMATELY ACHIEVING THE PEACE WE BOTH SEEK. FOR EXAMPLE, TO RECONVENE THE GENEVA CONFERENCE AT THIS TIME NOULD PRODUCE A STALEMATE SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRE OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF TELEGRAI SECRET PAGE 63 STATE 276733 AND ONLY TRANSFER TO THAT MULTILATERAL FORUM SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES WE NOW SEE DEVELOPING. I THEREFORE BELIEVE THAT WE MUST PROCEED CALMLY AT THIS TIME. ONE REALITY WE MUST FACE IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL, TO PROTECT ITS OWN DOMESTIC POSITION, CANNOT AGREE TO WITHDRAW WITHOUT SOME RECIPROCAL UNDERTAKINGS ON THE PART OF EGYPT. WE UNDERSTANU, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT YOU WILL REQUIRE A SUBSTANTIAL ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL. LET US WORK TUGETHER TO SEE IF WE CANNOT FIND A FORMULA WHICH WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS AND SERVE OUR COMMON OBJECTIVES. HOW BEST TO PROCEED WILL, OF COURSE, BE THE SUBJECT OF CONTINUING DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN US. SECRETARY KISSINGER WILL BE DISCUSSING SPECIFIC ISSUES WITH YOU AND WITH FOREIGN MINISTER FAHMY, BUT WHAT IS ESSENTIAL BETWEEN US IS A CONTINUING PHILOSOPHICAL RAPPORT WHICH WILL ENABLE us TU APPROACH THESE PROBLEMS IN THE SPIRIT OF STRATEGIC COOPERATION WHICH HAS CHARACTERIZED OUR RELATIONSHIP OVER THE PAST YEAR. ON OUR SIDE, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT I FULLY RECOGNIZE THE GREAT SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES WHICH YOU HAVE MADE POSSIBLE IN CHARTING THE COURSE OF FUTURE EVENTS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST. AS SECRETARY KISSINGER HAS TOLD YOU, WE REGARD OUR TALKS LAST WEEK WITH FOREIGN MINISTER ALLON AS THE BEGINNING OF INTENSIFIED EXCHANGES TO FIND A REALISTIC BASIS FOR THE FURTHER NEGOTIATION THAT IS NECESSARY IF WE ARE TO MOVE FORWARD TOWARD A PEACE SETTLEMENT. WE DU NOT REGARD THE PRESENT ISRAELI POSITION AS FINAL AND THE ISRAELI GUVERNMENT IS AWARE OF OUR VIEW. AS WE PURSUE OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ISRAELIS, IT IS HELPFUL TO US TO HAVE IN MIND THE CONCERNS AND IDEAS YOU HAVE CONVEYED TO US so FRANKLY THROUGH AMHASSADOR EILTS. IT IS ONLY THROUGH THIS KIND OF FRANK GIVE-ANO-TAKE EXCHANGE THAT WE CAN HEGIN TO MAKE PROGRESS AS WE GERARD DID IN THE NEGOTIATIONS LEADING TO THE DISENGAGEMENT AGREEMENTS EARLIER THIS YEAR, TOWARD THE NEXT STAGE IN THE PURSUIT OF A JUST AND LASTING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRE DEPARTMENT OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF TELEGRA! SECRET PAGE 04 STATE 276733 EAST. I WAS TOUCHED, MR. PRESIDENT, BY YOUR THOUGHTFUL GREETINGS AS OUR HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES AND BY YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO ME IN CARRYING OUT THE RESPONSIBILITIES I BEAR FOR FURTHERING PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE WORLD AND FOR ASSURING THE WELFARE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, THESE ARE THE HIGHEST GOALS OF MY OFFICE, AND EACH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE OTHER IN THE INCREASINGLY INTERDEPENDENT WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE. MRS. FORD JOINS ME IN SENDING WARM PERSONAL REST WISHES TO YOU AND MRS. SADAT AS YOUR OWN HOLIDAYS APPROACH. MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THIS SEASON GIVE US ALL STRENGTH. SINCERELY, S GERALD R. FORD, END MESSAGE. KISSINGER & GERALD SECRET NOI 10 BE REPRODUCED WITHCIUT THE AUTHORIZATION CF THE EXECUTIVE SECRE SECRET COPY / OF 13 COPIES 3 STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF TELEGRAM 0 2321157 JAN 75 ZFF4 1. CONTROL: 4846Q FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE 0000 BT S E C R E T STATE 016360 NOOTS DECLASSIFIED CHEROKEE E.O.:12958, SEC. 3.5 state Review 9/16/03 STATE DEPT, GUIDELINES, E.O. 11652: XGDS-3 BY has NARA, DATE 3/3/04 TAGS: PFOR, EG, US SUBJECT: MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT SADAT FROM PRESIDENT FORD REF: CAIRO 768 AND 793 FOR AMBASSADOR FROM THE SECRETARY 1. PLEASE CONVEY FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SADAT FROM PRESIDENT FORD, INFORMING FAHMY IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CONSIDER MOST APPROPRIATE. 2. BEGIN MESSAGE: DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: AS SECRETARY KISSINGER HAS REPORTED TO YOU THROUGH AMBASSADOR EILTS, I HAD A SERIOUS TALX WITH FOREIGN MINISTER ALLON WHEN HE WAS HERE LAST WEEK ABOUT THE NEED TO MOVE DECISIVELY IN THE WEEKS IMMEDIATELY AHEAD TO A NEW AGREEMENT ON THE SINAI FRONT AND ABOUT WHAT IS RE- QUIRED FROM ISRAEL TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. AFTER OUR TALKS WITH MR. ALLON, SECRETARY KISSINGER CONSULTED CLOSELY WITH ME ON THE INSTRUCTIONS HE GAVE AMBASSADOR EILTS PRIOR TO HIS RETURN TO EGYPT. FROM THE AMBASSADOR'S TALKS WITH YOU AND FOREIGN MINISTER FAHMY IN ASWAN, YOU THEREFORE NOW HAVE A FULL PICUTRE OF WHERE MATTERS STAND FOLLOWING OUR MEETINGS WITH MR. ALLON AS WELL AS OUR VIEWS ABOUT HOW MATTERS SHOULD FORD PROCEED. WE HAVE NOW RECEIVED FROM AMBASSADOR EILTS A a DETAILED REPORT OF HIS TALKS IN ASWAN, IN WHICH HE HAS EXPLAINED FULLY YOUR RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE THO-STEP GERALD LIBRARY PROCEDURE WE HAVE PROPOSED. 1 NOT TO BE REPRODUCED SECRET WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETA SECRET OF STATE DP Department of State TELEGRAM STATES OF -2- STATE 16360, 23 JAN'75 DR. KISSINGER AND I HAVE REFLECTED CAREFULLY TOGETHER ON YOUR VIEWS AND HAVE CONSIDERED THE PROS AND CONS OF TRYING TO COMPLETE EVERYTHING IN THE COURSE OF ONE TRIP BY HIM TO THE AREA. AFTER THOROUGH DELIBERATION, I HAVE CONCLUDED THAT FOR DR. KISSINGER TO ATTEMPT TO 6R ING MATTERS TO A CONCLUSION IN ONE STEP WOULD BE FAR T00 RISKY. HE MUST HAVE A PRELIMINARY MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER RABIN, FOREIGN MINISTER ALLON AND DEFENSE MINISTER PERES TO WORK FURTHER ON OVERCOMING ISRAELI RESISTANCE TO #ITHDRANAL FROM THE OIL FIELDS AND THE PASSES AND ON INDUCING GREATER ISRAELI FLEXIBILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE OTHER ASPECTS OF THE AGREEMENT ON WHICH THE ISRAELIS ARE INSISTING. THE TALKS HE WILL HAVE WITH THEM WILL REQUIRE A LITTLE TOMTO HAVE THEIR EFFECT IN ISRAEL. DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD, RATHER THAN REMAINING IN THE AREA, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT HE BE HERE TO HELP ME CO- ORDINATE THE EFFORTS THAT WILL BE NEEDED TO BRING ABOUT SUCCESS. I WOULD THEN PLAN ON SENDING DR. KISSINGER BACK TO THE AREA ABOUT MARCH 6 OR 7 FOR AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO BRING THE NEGOTIATIONS TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION, AS YOU AND HE 010 TOGETHER DURING THE ASWAN-JERUSALEM SHUTTLE LAST YEAR. WITH REGARD TO THE SUBSTANCE OF A NEW AGREEMENT, WE HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDI NG OF NHAT YOUR OBJECTIVES ARE; AND WE ARE WORKING IN THAT DIRECTION. SPECIFICALLY WE ARE URGING STRONGLY THAT ISRAEL MOVE ON BOTH THE PASSES AND THE OIL FIELDS. I MUST UNDERLINE, HOWEVER, WHAT DR. KISSINGER HAS SAID ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF RECIPROCITY IN ANY NEW AGREEMENT. IN THE END, THE AGREEMENT WILL NEED TO TAKE CONCRETE FORM AND, WHILE THE LANGUAGE AND THE WAYS IN WHICH IT IS RECORDED CAN BE WORKED OUT TO TAKE YOUR AS WELL AS ISRAEL' POLITICAL REQUIREMENTS INTO ACCOUNT, THERE WILL NEED TO BE SOME EGYPTIAN CONTRIBUTION IF OUR FORD EFFORTS ARE TO SUCCEED. FOREIGN MINISTER FAHMY'S DIS- ? CUSSIONS WITH AMB EILTS HAVE SUGGESTED A NUMBER OF USE- FUL IDEAS IN THIS RESPECT. GERALD AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT NAYS CAN BE FOUND TO WORK THESE PROBLEMS OUT. DR. KISSINGER WILL THEN NEED TIME TO DEVELOP THE NECESSARY FORMULATIONS, WHICH FURTHER REINFORCES THE DESIRABILITY OF AN INTERVAL BETWEEN HIS TWO PROPOSED TRIPS TO THE AREA. SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETA SECRET OF STATE Department of State UNITED TELEGRAN STATES of -3 - STATE 16360, 23 JAN'75 MS. PRESIDENT, IT IS OUR BEST AND FIRM JUDGMENT THAT A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION CAN BE ACHIEVED TO THE EFFORTS IN WHICH WE ARE NOW ENGAGED. WHILE OBVIOUSLY THERE CAN BE NO ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE OF THIS IN ADVANCE, I' WOULD NOT BE COMMITTING OUR PRESTIGE BY SENDING SECRETARY KISSINGER TO THE AREA IF I DID NOT BELIEVE THERE WAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS. THIS JUDGMENT, HOWEVER, IS BASED ON OUR BEING ABLE TO PROCEED AS WE HAVE SUGGESTED. I MUST ASK YOU TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR JUDGMENT OF HOW THE NEGOTIATIONS CAN MOST EFFECTIVELY BE CONDUCTED, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT NOT ONLY THE PROBLEMS I KNOW YOU FACE AND THE SITUATION 15 ISRAEL, BUT ALSO THE PRESSURES WITH WHICH WE MUST DEAL HERE. I ASSURE YOU THAT I FULLY APPRECIATE THE RISKS INVOLVED FOR YOU. THERE ARE RISKS FOR US AS WELL IN SENDING DR. KISSINGER ON THIS MISSION. TO HELP MEET YOUR CONCERNS WE WOULD BE PREPARED, IF YOU WISH, FN ANNOUNCING SECRETARY KISSINGER'S EARLY FEBRUARY VISIT, TO SAY THAT IT IS PREPARATORY AND THAT HE ANTICIPATES RETURNING TO THE AREA AGAIN IN A FE ! WEEKS FOR A MORE EXTENDED STAY TO CONTINUE THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE INTENTION OF DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO BRING THEM TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION AT THAT TIME. IN ADDITION, If IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO YOU, DURING THE INTERVAL BETWEEN TRIPS AND WHILE WE ARE WORKING ON THE SITUATION HERE, DR. KISSINGER WOULD BE PREPARED TO LEAVE A MEMBER OF HIS PARTY BEHIND TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE AREA. FINALLY, AMBASSADOR EILTS HAS REPORTED THE IMPORTANCE YOU ATTACH TO AN AGREEMENT THAT YOU CAN DEFEND PUBLICLY AND BE PROUD OF, AS WELL AS YOUR VIEW THAT, IF RE CANNOT AGREE, IT WOULD BE BETTER AND MORE HONORABLE FOR EVERYONE TO AGREE TO GO TO GENEVA IMMEDIATELY. WE ARE OF COURSE PREPARED TO DO SO, AND DO NOT SHRINK FROM RECONVENING THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, IF THAT IS REALLY THE WISH OF THE OTHERS CONCERNED. THIS WOULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD HAVE THE ADVANTAGE FOR US THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS AT GENEVA SOULD SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE STALEMATE THAT WOULD INEVITASLY RESULT. IT IS PRECISELY BECAUSE A STALEMATE WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE REAL INTERESTS SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRET SECRET OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TELEGRAM -4- STATE 16360, 23 JAN'75 OF ALL CONCERNED, INCLUDING EGYPT, AND BECAUSE OF OUR ADMIRATION FOR ALL YOU HAVE BEEN SEEKING TO ACCOMPLISH, THAT WE HAVE PROPOSED PERSEVERING ON THE PRESENT COURSE DESPITE THE COMPLICATIONS AND DIFFICULTIES IT HOLDS- WE VALUE YOUR LEADERSHIP IN THE AREA AND RESPECT THE 09JECTIVES YOU SEEK FOR EGYPT, FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND FOR WORLD PEACE. FOR THESE REASONS, WE ARE PREPARED TO CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS, WHICH ARE NOT WITHOUT RISK FOR US, TO HELP ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES OUR TWO COUNTRIES FULLY SHARE. 1 WILL LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR EARLY AND, I HOPE, FAVORABLE REACTION TO THE IDEAS I HAVE SET FORTH IN THIS LETTER. SINCERELY, GERALD R. FORD END MESSAGE. 3, WITH RESPECT TO FAHMY'S COMMENT ABOUT MY WESSAGE TO ASAD AS RELAYED BY FAISAL (PARA 5 REFTEL), I AM REPEATING TEXT TO CAIRO AND YOU MAY SHOW IT TO FAHMY. AS HE WILL SEE, IT WAS NON-SUBSTANTIVE AND REPRESENTED ONLY AN ATTEMPT TO KEEP SYRIA CALM DURING THIS PERIOD. YOU SHOULD TELL FAHMY THAT, AS I HAVE ASSURED HIM BE- FORE, I WILL KEEP PRESIDENT SADAT AND HIM INFORMED OF ALL SIGNIFICANT EXCHANGES WE MAY HAVE WITH THE SYRIANS. YOU SHOULD ALSO TELL HIM THAT, NOW THAT YOU HAVE FULLY BRIEFED PRESIDENT SADAT AND HIM ON ALLON VISIT, 1 WILL BE SENDING FURTHER NON-SUBSTANTIVE MESSAGE TO ASAD AND WILL SEND YOU COPY TO SHOW FAHMY. I WILL ALSO. WRITE HUSSEIN ALONG THE LINES FAHMY SUGGESTS. IN ADDITION, WHILE I REALIZE THERE IS NO NEED FOR SUB- STANTIVE MESSAGE TO KING FAISAL, I THINK IT USEFUL NOT T.O LET TOO LONG A PERIOD ELAPSE WITHOUT COMMUNICATING WITH HIM, AND NE HILL THEREFORE ALSO BE SENDING A GENERAL AND NON-SUBSTANTIVE MESSAGE TO FAISAL. INGERSOLL NEA:ALATHERTON, JR. /HLK 1/23/75 EXT 29588 FORD THE SECRETARY R S/S - JPMOFFAT SECRET OF NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRET COPY + OF 13 COPI 8 SEPARTMENT of STATE: Department of State UNITED SHE TELEGRA SECRET NOU412 STATES OF PAGE wl STATE 062406 00 ORIGIN NODS-00 S INFO OCT-01 JUES R DRAFTED BY TEXT RECEIVED FROM WHITE HOUSE APPROVED BY S - MR. BREMER S/S - MR. EALUM 001359 0 192321Z MAR 75 ZFF6 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO USUEL ASWAN IMMEDIATE INFO AMCONSUL JERUSALEM IMMEDIATE S I S E C R E T STATE 062406 NODIS CHEROKEE TUSEC 781 E.U. 0. 116521 GOS TAGS: OVIH (KISSINGER, HENRY A.) SUBJECT: LETTER FROM PRESIDENT FURD 10 PRESIDENT SADAT REFERENCE: ASWAN 235 FOX THE AMBASSADOR 1. PLEASE DELIVER FOLLOWING LETTER FROM PRESIDENT FORD TO PRESIDENT SADAT: 2, BEGIN TEXT DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I All GLAD YOU HAVE WRITTEN 10 SHAKE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ME ABOUT THE PRESENT STAGE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS SECRETARY KISSINGER IS CONDUCTING. DR. KISSINGER HAS KEPT ME FULLY INFORMED UN A DAILY BASIS OF THE ISSWES INVULVED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS AND I HAVE A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CONCERNS AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE PROOLEM. I HAVE INSTRUCTED DR, KISSINGER TU SPARE NO EFFORTS TO BRING THE NEGOTIATIONS TU A SUCCESSFUL CUNCLU- S SION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. HE HAS MY FULL CONFIDENCE, AND I AM HAPPY TO NUTE FROM YOUR LETTER THAT YOU CONTINUE TO BECRET. FORD ba 3/3/04 & GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECI DEPARTMENT OF STATE Department of State and LINE MERICA SECRET TELEGRAM STATES OF PAGE 02 STATE 062406 SHARE NY CONFIDENCE IN HIM. S I WILL WRITE MORE FULLY AS SOON AS THE OUTCOME OF OUR PRESENT EFFORTS HAS BECOME CLEANER, BUT I HANTEU TO LOSE NO TIME IN THANKING YOU FOR WRITING TO Mc AND IN ASSURING YOU OF OUR DETERMINATION TO DO ALL WE CAN TU ACHIEVE A FURTHER STEP Tunaru A JUST AND DURABLE PEACE IN THE MIDULE EAST. KHATEVEK THE OUTCOME OF THE PRESENT NEGUTIATING EFFORT, THAT HILL REMAIN THE OVERRIDING OBJECTIVE OF MY AUMINISTRA- TION. SINCERELY, GENALD R. FORD. END TEXT INGERSOLL Liney S SECRET FORD & GERALD LIBRARY EYECUTIVE Jab a dispatched Ga ma State channels MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE 6:00 pm 3/19/75 WASHINGTON ACTION SECRET March 19, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT SUBJECT: Letter from President Sadat As you know, President Sadat has sent you a message giving you his assessment of the state of the current Middle East negotiations (Tab B). Secretary Kissinger suggests that a substantive reply be withheld for the moment, pending the response of the Israeli Government to Sadat's most recent offers, which are being conveyed in Jerusalem today. He recommends, however, that you send an acknowledgment to President Sadat expressing appreciation for the thoughts contained in his letter, reaffirming your strong wish to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion and making clear your full confidence in Secretary Kissinger's current effort. A draft text to this effect is at Tab A for your considera- tion. Subject to your approval, I will have it cabled to Cairo immediately. RECOMMENDATION That you authorize dispatch of the message to President Sadat at Tab A. Approve M3 Disapprove FORD DECLASSIFIED & SEGRET E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 NSC MEMO, 11/24/99, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES BY link GERALD LIBRARY , NARA, DATE 11/17/03 RFORD FORD & GERALD LIBRARY Dear Mr. President: I am glad you have written to share your thoughts with me about the present stage of the negotiations Secretary Kissinger is conducting. Dr. Kissinger has kept me fully informed on a daily basis of the issues involved in the negotiations and I feel that I have a full understanding of your concerns and perceptions of the problem. I have instructed Dr. Kissinger to spare no efforts to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion if at all possible. He has my full confidence, and I am happy to note from your letter that you continue to share my confidence in him. I will write more fully as soon as the outcome of our present efforts has become clearer, but I wanted to lose no time in thanking you for writing to me and in assuring you of our determination to do all we can to achieve a further step toward a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Whatever the outcome of the present negotiating effort, that will remain the overriding objective of my Administration. Sincerely, DECLASSIFIED Gerald R. Ford E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES BY Wh , NARA, DATE 11/17/03 His Excellency Muhammad Ahmad Anwar al-Sadat President Arab Republic of Egypt Cairo a FORD LIBRARI FORD LIBRARY & GERALD 9e FORD SECRET LIBRARY & OERALD Dear Mr. President: At this particular juncture I felt it may be opportune to share with you certain thoughts with respect to the present stage of contacts which are carried on with my admiration and confidence by your Secretary of State. I am sure that Dr. Kissinger is putting you fully in the picture so far as the present contacts in the area. However, you may agree with me that the situation reached almost a deadlock as a result of the Israelis' continued intransigence, insisting that we give them in return for a very limited disengagement agreement; a statement lifting belligerency or agreeing to a formula under which all the implications of a real and final peace would ensue. I hope you agree with me that it is impossible to continue the present contacts on that basis in the light of the persistence of the Israelis to get concessions which could not be given under any pretext DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 NSC MEMO, 11/24/08, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES state 9/16/03 except when we reach the final state of a just and durable peace, which, obviously, must include all the parties concerned and all the essentials NARA, DATE 11/17/03 of peace. From your messages, I had the distinct impression that you are also aware of the position of the parties and that on that basis, you have instructed your Secretary of State to come to our area to continue with his usual dedication to the cause of peace, to try to bring the parties to agree on a further step after long and arduous efforts to prepare for BY SECRET SECRET -2- his trip to attain these goals. Most unfortunately, as you must have known from your Secretary of State, we have almost reached a deadlock because of the intransigence of the Israelis, which is completely out of proportion so far as the limited goal of the present exercise. And because of the Israeli position, it is abundantly clear that such an attitude on their part is completely unacceptable to us. I am sure, Mr. President, that with your wisdom and your vigor, you will take the appropriate measures which would enable your Secretary of State to succeed in his tireless efforts. In conclusion, I would like to assure you that, irrespective of the results of the present mission of Dr. Kissinger, it is my intention to continue to develop our relations. The purpose of my message is to draw attention to the serious repercussions on the chances of peace and tranquillity in the area and on international peace and security in general if the Israeli Government continues to follow such a defiant position, and, as such, they bear the full responsibility if the situation deteriorates because of the line they are adhering to. With warm regards, Mohammed Anwar al-Sadat GERALD R FORD SECRET MEMORANDUM THE WHITE HOUSE ACTION WASHINGTON SECRET March 19, 1975 ming while you toer his the MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT SUBJECT: Letter from President Sadat as your known president Sadnt has sent your o At the conclusion of their talks on Tuesday, President Sadat prepared a letter which he asked Secretary Kissinger to transmit to you. The letter (Tab B) provides Sadat's very sober assessment of the current round of talks. He expresses the view that Israel demand for a statement lifting belligerency" in return for an additional step in the disengagement process is unacceptable. In Sadat's judgment it is inconceivable for Egypt to consider termination of the state of belligerency except in the context of a final peace settlement. In closing, Sadat states that the purpose of his letter is "To draw attention to the serious repercussions on the chances for peace and tranquillity in the area and on international peace and security in general if the Israeli Govern- ment continues to follow such a defiant position and, as such, they bear the full responsibility if the situation deteriorates because of the line they are adhering to." As reflected in his reports on the current positions of both sides, the outcome of the current round of talks remains uncertain. Secretary Kissinger believes that a substantive reply will be in order but recommends that for the moment be withheld pending the response of the Israeli Government to Sadat's most recent offers, which are being conveyed in Jerusalem today. Secretary Kissinge recommends, however that you send an acknowledgment to President Sadat expressing appreciation for the thoughts contained in his letter, reaffirming your strong wish to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion and making clear your full confidence in Secretary Kissinger's current effort. A draft text to this effect is at Tab A for you consideration. Subject to your approval, it will be conveyed to Cairo by message. immediately, itedelfed RECOMMENDATION That you authorize dispatch of the message to President Sadat at Tab A. Approve Disapprove SECRET the involvent, DECLASCIFIED FORD & LIBRARY OERALD E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES BY lela warr PATT 11/17/03 98 ACTION SECRET March 19, 1975 MEMORANDUM FOR: THE PRESIDENT FROM: BRENT SCOWCROFT SUBJECT: Letter from President Sadat As you know, President Sadat has sent you a message giving you his assessment of the state of the current Middle East negotiations (Tab B). suggests that Secretary Kissinger a substantive reply be withheld for the moment, pending the response of the Israeli Government to Sadat's most recent offers, which are being conveyed in Jerusalem today. He recommends, however, that you send an acknowledgment to President Sadat expressing appreciation for the thoughts contained in his letter, reaffirming your strong wish to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion and making clear your full confidence in Secretary Kissinger's current effort. A draft text to this effect is at Tab A for your considera- tion. Subject to your approval, I will have it cabledito Cairo immediately. RECOMMENDATION That you authorize dispatch of the message to President Sadat at Tab A. Approve Disapprove DECLASSIFIED FORD SECRET E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES BY We , NARA, DATE 11/17/03 & LIBRARY BERALD 10 Secret Sensitive THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 16, 1975 Dear Mr. President: I am taking advantage of Ambassador Eilts' return to send you this brief message together with my warmest greetings. I want you to know that I remain strongly concerned about the impasse that has developed. As I said in my State of the World speech, the active role of the United States to move matters forward must and will be continued. I have pledged the United States to a major effort for peace in the Middle East and will not accept either stagnation or a stalemate in that effort. As you know, we are currently conducting an intensive reassessment of our Middle East policy. This is still going on. The issues involved in the Middle East problem are sensitive and complex, and I have therefore asked Ambassador Eilts to convey to you orally our current thinking. I would, of course, welcome any views you may have. Once the reassessment is completed, I will again be in touch with you. NSC MEMO, 11/24/98, STATE DEPT. GUIDELINES NARA, DATE 3/3/04 You discussed with Vice President Rockefeller the possibility that we might meet somewhere in Europe. I welcome that opportunity and would like to suggest a DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 FORD & CLASSIFIED BY HENRY A. KISSINGER EXEMPT FROM GENERAL DECLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 11652 GERALD LISHARY BY EXEMPTION CATEGORY 5b (3) AUTOMATICALLY DECLASSIFIED ON Imp to Det. - 2 - meeting, perhaps in early June. I have asked Ambassador Eilts to discuss details with you. I share your view that something tangible should come out of that meeting in order to further cement the relations between our two countries. Sincerely, Herald R. Ford His Excellency Anwar al-Sadat President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Cairo FORD & SECRET GERALD LIE your - OF STATE Department of State AMERICA SECRET N00649 TELEGRAM STATES OF PAGE 01 CAIRO 04412 0213432 ACTION COPY 00 ACTION NODS-00 INFO OCT-01 1001 W 002205 O 0212382 MAY 75 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3700 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 R 5 + CAIRO 4412 STATE DEPT, GUIDELINES NODIS/CHEROKEE BY for NARA DATE 3/3/04 EO 11652: XG05-2 TAGS: PFOR EG us SUBJECT: LETTER FROM PRESIDENT SADAT TO PRESIDENT FORD 1. IT BEING FRIDAY, FAHMY ASKED ME TO MEET WITH HIM AT HIS APARTMENT AT NOON TODAY. THERE HE HANDED ME A LETTER, DATED MAY 2, FROM PRESIDENT SAUAT TO PRESIDENT FORD. TEXT FOLLOWS: QUOTE DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I APPRECIATE YOUR LETTER OF APRIL 16, 1975 WHICH AMBASSADOR EILTS HANDED ME UPON HIS RETURN FROM WASHINGTON. I WELCOME, IN PARTICULAR, YOUR ASSURANCES THAT THE ACTIVE ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES TO MOVE MATTERS FURWARD MUST AND WILL BE CONTINUED AND THAT YOU WILL NOT ACCEPT EITHER STAGNATION UR A STALEMATE IN YOUR EFFORT FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. IT IS IN THIS LIGHT THAT I AWAIT THE COMPLETION OF YOUR REASSESSMENT OF YOUR MIDULE EASTERN POLICY WHICH, I TRUST, WILL REFLECT CLEARLY YOUR FIRM INTENT TO 00 THE UTMUST TO BRING ABOUT PEACE WITH JUSTICE FOR THE PEOPLES AND COUNTRIES OF THIS REGION. I AM LOOKING FORWARD WITH KEEN INTEREST TO OUR SALZBURG MEETING ON JUNE IST, IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT THIS MEETING WILL At OF CARDINAL IMPORTANCE FOR OUR TWO COUNTRIES AND THE WORLD AT LARGE. THIS IS A LOGICAL CONSEQUENCE OF THE IMPACT WHICH THE AMERICAN-EGYPTIAN SECRET FORD & GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF STATE D'd Department of State UNITED STATES OF TELEGRAM SEGRET PAGE 02 CAIRO 04412 0213432 RELATIONS HAVE ALWAYS HAD ON OUR AREA AND FAR BEYOND IT. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL AGREE WITH ME, THEREFORE, THAT OUR MEETING SHOULD SEEK TO ATTAIN CONCRETE AND TANGIBLE RESULTS WITH RESPECT BOTH TO PEACE-MAKING AND TO OUR BILATERAL RELATIONS RATHER THAN REMAIN A MERE VISIBLE DEMONSTRATION OF THE ALREADY ESTABLISHED FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES. UNLESS WE DO so, OUR MEETING WILL FAIL THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE MANY WHO SELIEVED AND EXPECTED THAT THE UNITED STATES IS INTERESTEU IN A STABLE AND PROGRESSING MIUDLE EAST AND IS PREPARED ACTIVELY TO ASSIST IN ACHIEVING THAT END. THIS, NO DOUBT, COULD HAVE SERIOUS REPEHCUSSIONS DETRIMENTAL TO THE COMMUN CAUSE WE BOTH HAVE IN MINU. YOUR LETTER AND RECENT STATEMENTS, HOWEVER, ENCOURAGE ME TO BELIEVE THAT YOU SHARE A SIMILAR CONCERN AND, HENCE, I WOULD WELCOME HEARING FROM YOU UF ANY SUBSTANTIAL NEW DEVELOPMENTS -- BILATERALLY OR OTHERWISE -- WHICH YOU IN YOUR VIEW COULD EMERGE FROM OUR MEETING. SINCERELY, MOHAMED ANWAR EL SADAT END QUOTE 2. FAHMY, IN. CONTRAST TO HIS EOGINESS OF THE PAST FEW DAYS, WAS TODAY IN A RELAXED MOUD. HE AGAIN DISCLAIMED ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LEAKS UN THE EGYPTIAN SIDE OF THE NEWS OF THE UPCUMING SALZBURG MEETING, ASSERTING THIS HAD COME FROM THE PRESIDENCY. THE PRESIDENT MAU FELT THAT, IN VIEW OF THE LONG MANK-TIMING THAT HAS BEEN NECESSARY PENDING COMPLETION Or OUR MIDOLE EAST POLICY REASSESSMENT, IT was TACTICALLY IMPORTANT TO HIM DOMESTICALLY ANU IN ARAB WORLD TO MAKE GENERAL REFERENCE TO AN UPCOMING MAJOR MEETING WITH AN IMPORTANT WESTERN STATESMAN IN THE COURSE OF MIS ASYIUT SPEECH OF YESTERDAY. WHILE GENERAL IN NATURE, THE REFERENCE HAU LED TO SUBSEQUENT PRESS HOUDING OF OFFICIALS WITH THE PRESIDENT'S PARTY. THEIR AINTS MAD ENABLED THE PRESS TO PIECE TWO AND TWO TOGETHER AND COME UP WITH AN ANSWER. FAHMY INSISTED THAT, AFTER OUR TELEPHONE CONVENSATION OF LAST NIGHT, HE HAD AT UNCE INSTRUCTED THE CENSORS TO STUP THE STORY & FROM BEING FILED, BUT REGRETTABLY HIS EFFORT HAD NOT BEEN FOOLPHOOF. HE HOPED WE WOULD UNDERSTAND. EILTS GERALD SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION 12 822 SECRET COPY OP IMMED DE RUESOR #0076 1761144 0 251134Z JUN 75 ZFF-4 SECRET SENSITIVE SANDY CIRCUIT NIACT IMMEDIATE/GHP077 TO: SECRETARY KISSINGER FROM: AMBASSADOR EILTS SUBJECT: PRESIDENT SADAT'S LETTER TO PRESIDENT FORD DECLASSIFIED E.O. 13526 (as amended) SEC 3.3 MR # 12-085,43 1. AFTER FAHMY AND GAMASY HAD GIVEN ME THE MAP CONTAINING THE EGYPTIAN COUNTER-PROPOSAL AS REPORTED CAIROIS 6274 (CHEROKEE) state rev 9/16/03 CIA letter 5/14/13 due NARA, Date 6/12/14 FAHMY HANDED ME A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT SADAT TO PRESIDENT FORD TO BE DELIVERED THROUGH YOU, HE WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED THAT THE LETTER NOT RECEIVE ANY CIRCULATION AND THEREFORE SPECIFICALLY ASKED THAT IT BE SENT THROUGH THIS CHANNEL. TEXT OF LETTER FOLLOWS: 2, "AMBASSADOR EILTS WAS KEEN TO REPORT TO ME UPON HIS ARRIVAL LATEST ISRAELI POSITION AS CONVEYED TO YOU AND TO DR. KISSINGER BY PRIME MINISTER RABIN, AMBASSADOR EILTS ALSO COMMUNICATED TO ME YOUR OWN VIEWS AND THE VARIOUS ALTERNATIVES WHICH YOU AND DR. KISSINGER HAVE DISCUSSED TO BREAK THE PRESENT STALEMATE RESULTING FROM THE INTRANSIGENCE OF THE ISRAELIS SINCE THEIR FAILURE TO RESPOND FAVORABLY TO DR, KISSINGERIS TIRELESS EFFORTS IN MARCH WITH A VIEW TO BRING ABOUT FURTHER PROGRESS. 3, I HOPE YOU AGREE WITH ME THAT, JUDGING FROM THE LATEST VERSION OF THE ISRAELI PROPOSALS, IT IS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR, AS I HAVE TOLD YOU IN SALZBURG, THAT THE ISRAELIS ARE NEITHER WILLING NOR CAPABLE, FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, TO MOVE ALONG THE LONG AND ARDUOUS ROAD TO PEACE, THEIR INTRANSIGENCE, WHICH WILL NO DOUBT LEAD TO VIRTUAL STAGNATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, WILL, IF NOT CHECKED, RESULT IN A SERIOUS DETERIORATION IN THE PRESENT SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST FROM WHICH CERTAIN CIRCLES, TOGETHER WITH THE RADICALS IN THE AREA, WILL BENEFIT AND PROFIT, 4, DURING OUR TALKS IN SALZBURG AND FROM YOUR VARIOUS STATEMENTS, I AM FULLY CONVINCED OF YOUR SINCERITY AND DETERMINATION NOT TO ALLOW SUCH A STATE OF AFFAIRS TO DEVELOP IN SPITE OF THE ACROBATIC AND PERFIDUOUS METHODS WHICH THE ISRAELIS ARE RESORTING TO, BOTH IN THEIR DEALINGS RECALLED PSN:029951 PAGE 01 TOR:176/14:36Z 0768251134Z JUN 75 SECRET *******S COPY & FORD GERAL 07 LIBRARY E *******S COPY WITH YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, AND IN RESPONDING TO THE VARIOUS POSITIVE INITIATIVES AND PROPOSALS WHICH ARE CONSTANTLY MADE TO PUT THINGS ON THE MOVE. 51 WITH ALL CANDOR, THE PRESENT ISRAELI ATTITUDE IS AN OBVIOUS RESULT OF THE CONTINUOUS UNITED STATES PAMPERING TO ISRAEL. THUS THEY TOOK YOU MR. PRESIDENT, TOGETHER WITH THE UNITED STATES, FOR GRANTED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY FELT THAT THEY CAN MANIPULATE YOU AND DICTATE TO YOU, IN AN UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE, THEIR OWN VIEWS, 6, CONSEQUENTLY AND WITH ALL EARNST, I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO CONCLUDE THAT THE PRESENT ISRAELI POSITION IS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND ISRAEL, THE KEY TO WHICH IS UNDOUBTEDLY IN YOUR HANDS, HAVING SAID THAT, YOU MAY RECALL THAT I HAVE ALREADY MADE MY POSITION ABUNDANTLY CLEAR IN SALZBURG AND 1 HAVE RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO YOUR EFFORTS IN SUCH A MANNER THAT, IF YOU TAKE EGYPTIS POSITION IN MARCH IN ASWAN AND SUBSEQUENTLY IN SALZBURG, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN ASK ME TO DO ANYTHING MORE THAN WHAT I HAVE DONE, I TOOK THAT POSITION BECAUSE OF MY DETERMINA- TION TO WORK FOR PEACE. GENUINE PEACE, MOREOVER, 1 WANTED TO EXTEND TO YOU A HELPING HAND IN YOUR ARDUOUS EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE THE SAME END, AS YOU KNOW, I HAVE TAKEN BOLD INITIATIVES WITHOUT HESITATIGN AND AGAINST ALL RISKS INVOLVED. 7. FROM THE ABOVE, IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT THE FAILURE OF YOUR EFFORTS FALLS SQUARELY AND SOLELY ON THE ISRAELIS. THERE IS NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE FOR THEM BUT TO WITHDRAW COMPLETELY FROM THE PASSES AND RETURN THE OILFIELDS, AND, FOR MY PART, I WILL STAND BY THE OTHER DETAILS WHICH I HAVE OUTLINED TO YOU AND WHICH DEPUTY PREMIER FAHMY DID TO DR, KISSINGER, 8, FAILING TO DO THIS, THE ISRAELIS BEAR ALL THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ADAMANCE. THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE UNDER SUCH CONDITIONS - IN CASE YOU INFORM ME OF THE FAILURE OF ISRAEL TO RESPOND TO YOU -- FOR ME BUT TO REQUEST PROMPTLY THAT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE BE CONVENED FORTHWITH, TO WHICH ALL THE PARTIES SHOULD BE INVITED, INCLUDING THE Pohn0.9. PARALLEL TO THIS, I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT IN CASE THERE IS NO PROGRESS, I DO NOT INTEND TO RENEW THE MANDATE OF THE UNITED NATIONS EMERGENCY FORCES, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I WILL NOT ASK THEM TO DEPART FOR THE TIME-BEING. 10, THESE DECISIONS I MUST TAKE BEFORE THE AFRICAN SUMMIT CONFERENCE TAKES PLACE IN KAMPALA ON THE 28TH OF JULY AND THE RECONVENING OF THE ARAB SUMMIT CONFERENCE WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED TO CONVENE DURING THIS RECALLED PSN8029951 PAGE 02 TOR8176/14:36Z DTG:251134Z JUN 75 CECRET *******3 COPY a FORD GERALD SECRET *******$ COPY MONTH IN MOGADISHIO WHICH WAS POSTPONED TO GIVE YOU AMPLE TIME TO ACHIEVE PROGRESS BEFORE THE ESCALATION OF DISCUSSION IN THE CONFERENCE. 11, I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO TAKE THESE DECISIONS EVEN AFTER I HAVE DECIDED TO REOPEN THE SUEZ CANAL, I HAVE DONE so WITH EVERY DETERMINATION TO DEFEND MY COUNTRY AND ITS RIGHTS AGAINST ANY ISRAELI AGGRESSIVE DESIGN OR MILITARY ACTION WHICH WOULD NO DOUBT ENDANGER INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY WITH AbL THE REPERCUSSIONS INVOLVED. 12, IN CONCLUDING, I REITERATE ONCE AGAIN THAT, HAVING EXAMINED THE SITUATION FROM ALL ITS ANGLES, IT IS HIGH TIME FOR THE UNITED STATES, AS A WAY OUT, TO PROPOSE AN AMERICAN MAP REFLECTING ITS PROPOSALS IN ORDER TO AVOID A COMPLETE AND DRASTIC DETERIORATION OF THE SITUATION. 13, FINALLY, I STILL VIVIDLY REMEMBER OUR FRANK DISCUSSIONS IN SALZBURG AND I HAVE NO DOUBT IN YOUR DESIRE AND ABILITY TO SEE PEACE REIGN IN THIS AREA, 14, WITH WARM REGARDS AND BEST WISHES, MOHAMED ANWAR EL SADAT"A BT RECALLED PSN8829951 PAGE 03 OF 03 TOR:176/14:36Z DTG:251134Z JUN 75 SECRET *******8 COPY & FORD GERALD LIBRARY 13 821 SECRET *******S COPY OP IMMED DE RUEIHW #3249 1780300 0 270250Z JUN 75 ZFF4 156891/299 156091/299 FROM: SECRETARY KISSINGER//WASH 4311 TO AMBASSADOR EILTS TDTG: 0270310Z JUN 75 VIA: SANDY CIRCUIT DECLASSIFIED E.O. 13526 (as amended) SEC 3.3 MR 12-085.94 DELIVER 008 state review 9/14/03 CIA letter 5/14/13 del NARA, Date 6/12/14 SECRET /SENSITIVE TO: CAIRO AMBASSADOR EILTS--EYES ONLY FROM: WHITE HOUSE--SECRETARY KISSINGER 1. YOU SHOULD PASS THROUGH FAHMY FOLLOWING RESPONSE FROM PRESIDENT FORD TO PRESIDENT SADATIS LATEST LETTER, EMe PHASIZING THAT IT WAS SENT THROUGH SAME PRIVACY CHANNEL YOU USED IN TRANSMITTING SADAT LETTER. 2, BEGIN TEXT: DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: AMBASSADOR EILTS HAS CONVEYED YOUR PRIVATE LETTER TO ME, AND I WANT TO RESPOND IN THE SAME SPIRIT OF PERSONAL TRUST AND COMPLETE CANDOR, YOU KNOW FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF MY DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE ISRAELI POSITION, WHICH I NEVERTHELESS FELT WE HAD TO RELAY TO YOU IN ORDER TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO FORM YOUR OWN JUDGMENT. AFTER REVIEWING CAREFULLY THE CONTERPROPOSAL WHICH DEPUTY PRIME MINISTERS FAHMY AND GAMASY OUTLINED ON YOUR BEHALF TO AMBASSADOR EILTS, Y HAVE COME TO THE JUDGMENT THAT THE BEST WAY TO PROCEED IS AS FOLLOWS, I BELIEVE THAT TO PASS YOUR PROPOSAL PORMALLY TO ISRAEL AT THIS TIME WOULD IN ALL PROBABILITY LEAD TO A TERe MINATION OF NEGOTIATIONS. AS A NEXT STEP, I AM THEREFORE SENDING A FORMAL MESSAGE TO PRIME MINISTER RABIN REQUESTING ISRAEL TO RECONSIDER ITS POSITION. I WILL INFORM YOU AS SOON AS I HAVE RECEIVED ISRAEL'S REPLY, AND WE CAN THEN DETERMINE TOGETHER HOW BEST TO PROCEED. WHSR COMMENT MCPARLANE, RODMAN RECALLED PSN8031948 PAGE 01 TOR:178/04817Z DTG8270250Z JUN 75 BECRET *******3 COPY LALD P. FORD *******5 COPY MEANWHILE, I AM PROCEEDING ON YOUR ASSURANCE THAT YOUR SALZBURG FORMULATIONS STAND, PROVIDED YOUR FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PASSES AND THE OIL FIELDS ARE MET. I APPRECIATE YOUR EXPRESSIONS OF CONFIDENCE, MR, PRESIDENT, AND WANT TO REITERATE MY DETERMINATION TO ACHIEVE EARLY PROGRESS, IN WHATEVER WAY PROVES MOST FEASIBLE, TOWARD PEACE IN YOUR AREA, WITH WARM REGARDS AND PERSONAL GOOD WISHES, GERALD R. FORD END TEXT. 3, FYI: IN CONVEYING FOREGOING, IF YOU BELIEVE IT WOULD BE HELPFUL, YOU MAY MAKE THE POINT AS YOUR PERSONAL VIEW THAT THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT EGYPTIAN MAP WOULD BE LEAKED ONCE IT WAS GIVEN TO ISRAELIS, GIVEN LEAKS THAT HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED FROM ISRAEL WITH RESPECT TO THE ISRAELI PROPOSAL, THIS WOULD REVEAL GRAPHICALLY THE PRESENT IRRECONCILABILITY OF ISRAELI AND EGYPTIAN POSITIONS AND MAKE MATTERS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT SHOULD WE SUBSEQUENTLY PUT FORWARD OUR OWN PROPOSAL BASED ON WHAT WE KNOW THE EGYPTIAN POSITION IS FROM SALZBURG TALKS AND SADAT'S LATEST LETTER. END FYI, BT RECALLED PSN:031948 PAGE 02 OF 02 TOR:178/04117Z 07612702582 JUN 75 SECRET *******S COPY FORD GERALD I WH Service 14a ZOPIU OF STATE * Department of State UNITED STATES OF MEMBER TELEGRAM COPY f OF 13 COPIES SECRET NOD052 PAGE 01 STATE 197497 63 ORIGIN NODS-00 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12958, SEC. 3.5 INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 /001 R STATE DEPT, GUIDELINES, State Deview 9/16/03 BY laha , NARA, DATE 3/3/04 DRAFTED BY NEA:RATHERTON 200-0 APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY P - MR. SISCO S/S-O:LMATTESON " $ 124956 0 200244Z AUG 75 ZFF4 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE SECRET STATE 197497 NODIS CHEROKEE E.O. 11652: XGDS TAGS: PFOR SUBJECT: MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FORD 202-0 FOR AMBASSADOR EILTS FROM SECRETARY KISSINGER 1. PLEASE DELIVER FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FORD TO PRESIDENT SADAT VIA FAHMY, BEGIN MESSAGE: DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER OF AUGUST 14, REAFFIRMING YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE 08- JECTIVE WE SHARE OF ACHIEVING A COMPREHENSIVE, JUST AND DURABLE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, I FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH YOUR VIEW THAT THE AGREEMENT CURRENTLY UNDER NEGOTIATION, IMPORTANT AS IT IS FOR REDUCING TENSIONS AND RECAPTURING THE MOMENTUM TOWARD GERALD ? LIBRARY FORD PEACE, CONSTITUTES ONLY A STEP TOWARD A FINAL SETTLEMENT. I RECOGNIZE THAT YOUR PREFERENCE WOULD HAVE BEEN TO PRO- SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF MEMBER TELEGRAM SECRET PAGE 02 STATE 197497 CEED NOW TO A FINAL SETTLEMENT. 1 ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT THE SITUATION FOLLOWING ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PASSES AND THE OIL FIELDS WILL NOT BE AN ACCEPTABLE PER- MANENT SOLUTION TO YOU OR TO THE ARAB WORLD GENERALLY, N WE DISCUSSED FRANKLY AT SALZBURG WHY AN INTERIM STEP IS THE BEST WAY TO PROCEED AT THIS TIME WHILE PERMITTING THE REALITIES IN THE AREA AND INTERNATIONALLY TO MATURE TO THE POINT WHERE AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO ACHIEVE FINAL PEACE CAN BE MADE. IN THOSE DISCUSSIONS,* E BOTH AGREED THAT THE ISSUES OF A COMPREHENSIVE SETTLEMENT MUST BE ADDRESSED WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES SEEM MOST PROMISING FOR SUCCESS. AS I SAID TO YOU, THE UNITED STATES WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE PEACEMAKING PROCESS AND WILL DO ITS UTMOST TO MOVE MATTERS FORWARD EXPEDITIOUSLY. WHILE RECOGNIZING THAT A FINAL PEACE AGREEMENT IS IMPORTANTLY S A MATTER TO BE NEGOTIATED BY THE PARTIES, THE UNITED STATES WILL BE PREPARED TO PUT FORWARD IDEAS OF OUR OWN WHEN AND IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO DO SO. I AM CERTAIN, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT THE COURSE ON WHICH WE ARE EMBARKED IS THE RIGHT ONE AND THAT, PENDING A FINAL SETTLEMENT, THE AGREEMENT NOW BEING NEGOTIATED WILL BRING N MAJOR BENEFITS TO EGYPT. SECRETARY KISSINGER WILL COME TO THE MIDDLE EAST THIS WEEK WITH MY FULL SUPPORT AND DETERMINATION TO ACHIEVE THE STEP IMMEDIATELY AHEAD OF US. O AS WE ENTER THIS FINAL STAGE OF THE CURRENT NEGOTIATIONS, I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT DR. KISSINGER'S EFFORTS WITH THE VISION YOU HAVE ALWAYS SHOWN AND WITH YOUR STATES- D MANLIKE ABILITY TO KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE MAIN ISSUES WITHOUT BEING DIVERTED BY PERIPHERAL MATTERS. THESE QUALITIES OF YOURS HAVE BEEN DECISIVE IN BRINGING MEASURABLE PROGRESS FOR THE FIRST TIME TOWARD THE PEACE THAT HAS ELUDED ALL PREVIOUS LEADERS IN ThE AREA. FOHD S ? DR. KISSINGER WILL CONVEY TO YOU PERSONALLY MY STRONG CON- VICTION THAT, ONCE THIS IMMEDIATE STEP IS ACCOMPLISHED, WE MUST REMAIN FIRM IN PURSUIT OF OUR CUMMON STRATEGY OVER GERALD THE MONTHS AHEAD UNTIL THE TIME IS RIPE TO DEVOTE OUR FULL ATTENTION AND ENERGY TO DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY TO BRING ABOUT A FINAL PEACE SETTLEMENT. THE UNITED STATES FOR ITS SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF STATE * Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TELEGRAM SECRET NODIU 200-0 200-4 PAGE 03 STATE 197497 PART WILL FULFILL ITS RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS RESPECT. FINALLY, MR. PRESIDENT, ONCE THE INTERIM AGREEMENT WE ARE DISCUSSING HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, IT IS MY STRONG HOPE AND DESIRE THAT YOU AND MRS. SADAT WILL PAY A VISIT TO OUR COUNTRY THIS YEAR AS MRS. FORD'S AND MY GUESTS, WITH WARM REGARDS, GERALD R. FORD. END MESSAGE, KISSINGER FORD LIBRARY s OERALD SECRET NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY WHCourin 202-0 OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TELEGRAM SECRET T NOD114 Dictubution-? PAGE 01 CAIRO 08306 201414Z General Seoucreft 42 Oakley ACTION NODS-00 « INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 /001 W 000399 0 2013432 AUG 75 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5993 ZODIU SECRET CAIRO 8306 NODIS CHEROKEE FOR THE SECRETARY FROM AMBASSADOR EO 11652: GDS TAGS: PFOR EG US IS SUBJECT: MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT SADAT FROM PRESIDENT FORD REF: STATE 197497 SINCE FAHMY IS IN ALEXANDRIA, I DELIVERED REFERENCE MESSAGE TODAY TO MINSTATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS MOHAMED RIAD WITH REQUEST IT BE FORWARDED IMMEDIATELY TO PRESIDENT SADAT THROUGH FAHMY. RIAD AT ONCE DISPATCHED THE LETTER BY SPECIAL MESSENGER. FAHMY SHOULD HAVE IT LATE THIS 200-0 AFTERNOON AND WILL FORWARD IT IMMEDIATELY TO PRESIDENT SADAT AT BORG AL-ARAB. EILTS GERALD SECRET bh 3/3/04 NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY COPY 9 OF 13 COPIES is 002292 200-0 OF STATE * * Department US of State UNITED STATES OF MEMBER SECRET NOD281 TELEGRAM PAGE 01 STATE 214854 60 ORIGIN NODS-00 INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 1001 R DRAFTED BY NEA:ALATHERTON APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY P - MR. SISCO S/S:CABORG 034550 100228Z SEP 75 ZFF4 ZONIU FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE SECRET STATE 214854 NODIS CHEROKEE E.O. 11652: GDS TAGS: PFOR, EG, Us SUBJECT: MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT SADAT FOR THE AMBASSADOR 1. PLEASE DELIVER FOLLOWING MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT FORD N TO PRESIDENT SADAT: QUOTE: DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I WRITE TO YOU AS A FRIEND, AS AN ADMIRER OF YOUR GREAT STATESMANSHIP, OF YOUR COURAGE AND INTEGRITY, D ABOVE ALL, MR. PRESIDENT, I AM WRITING TO YOU CONVINCED MORE THAN EVER THAT THE COURSE WE HAVE CHOSEN TOGETHER IS THE RIGHT ONE, FOR EGYPT, FOR ALL OF THE ARABS, AND FOR THE UNITED STATES, S THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE SECOND AGREEMENT BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL ON THE SINAI WAS, AS I HAVE SAID, A SECRET bola 3/3/04 GERALD NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY N OF STATE Department of State D UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SECRET TELEGRAM PAGE 02 STATE 214854 HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT. IT IS A DECISION YOU TOOK IN ORDER TO ADVANCE TOWARD A JUST AND LASTING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST S NOT ONLY, AS YOU SAID TO ME, FOR YOUR COUNTRY BUT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. NOW THAT THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU MY VIEWS OF THE CURRENT SITUATION AND OF PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE. THE AGREEMENT JUST CONCLUDED HAS BROUGHT TANGIBLE BENEFITS N TO EGYPT. NOT ONLY WILL YOU RECOVER THE USE OF YOUR NATION'S OIL RESOURCES IN THE SINAI, BUT YOU HAVE ALSO BROUGHT ABOUT ISRAEL'S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE STRATEGIC O SINAI PASSES. TO HAVE FOREGONE THESE GAINS IN ORDER TO PURSUE, WITHOUT LAYING ANY GROUNDWORK, AN ALL-OR-NOTHING NEGOTIATION AT GENEVA WOULD IN MY JUDGMENT HAVE ASSURED STALEMATE AND A RAPID DETERIORATION OF THE SITUATION TO THE THE RENEFIT OF NO ONE COUNTRY. IT WAS THIS REALITY WHICH LED US, AS IT DID YOU, TO CONCLUDE THAT A FURTHER INTERIM AGREEMENT WAS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE EARLY PRACTICAL PROGRESS. IN SEIZING THIS OPPORTUNITY, YOU HAVE MADE POSSIBLE WHAT COULD BECOME, IN YOUR OWN WORDS, A TURNING POINT TOWARD PEACE WITH JUSTICE NOT ONLY FOR EGYPT BUT ALSO FOR THE ENTIRE ARAB WORLD TO WHICH EGYPT HAS so LONG GIVEN LEADERSHIP, THESE REALITIES WILL SURVIVE LONG AFTER THE CRITICISM EMANATING FROM SOME QUARTERS HAS BEEN FOR- GOTTEN. N HERE IN THE UNITED STATES I BELIEVE THINGS ARE GOING WELL. THE CONGRESS IS SHOWING A SYMPATHETIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE AGREEMENT AND OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH THE UNITED STATES HAS UNDERTAKEN IN CONNECTION WITH IT. I BELIEVE THAT THE CONGRESS WILL SHORTLY GIVE ITS APPROVAL TO THE U.S. PROPOSAL TO ENTRUST TO AMERICAN CIVILIAN TECHNICIANS THE EARLY WARNING SYSTEM IN THE SINAI PASSES, TO SERVE AS YOU so APTLY PUT IT, AS WITNESSES TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEACE AGREEMENT. THE CONGRESS ALSO APPEARS FAVORABLY DISPOSED TOWARD PROVIDING THE ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE TO EGYPT WHICH WE DISCUSSED IN SALZBURG AND WHICH SECRETARY KISSINGER FURTHER DISCUSSED WITH YOU IN ALEXANDRIA. I PLAN TO SUBMIT A REQUEST TO THE CONGRESS SECRET FORD & GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY N O OF STATE D UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Department of State PAGE 03 STATE 214854 TELEGRAM FOR DOLS 700 MILLION IN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE FOR EGYPT, S WE HAVE ALSO BEEN IN TOUCH WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER GOVERN- MENTS TO EMPHASIZE HOW IMPORTANT THIS AGREEMENT IS AS A STEP TOWARD A JUST AND LASTING PEACE. WE HAVE ENCOURAGED THEM TO GIVE BROAD SUPPORT TO YOU. DESPITE THE PREDICTABLE CRITICISMS WHICH HAVE COME FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES, I AM CONVINCED THAT HISTORY WILL SHOW THAT YOU ARE THE ONLY ARAB LEADER WHO HAS MADE TANGIBLE N PROGRESS TOWARD A JUST PEACE. THE WORLD WILL COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU MADE YOUR HISTORIC DECISION NOT JUST O FOR EGYPT BUT FOR ALL ARABS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE THESE POINTS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS AND TO URGE THEM TO TAKE CONCRETE ACTIONS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SUPPORT OF YOUR POLICIES. I HAVE NOTED THE PUBLIC EXPRESSIONS OF CONCERN COMING FROM THE MIDDLE EAST THAT THE AGREEMENT NOT FREEZE THE SITUATION DIPLOMATICALLY. I SHARE THIS VIEW. WITH S PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SYRIA, SECRETARY KISSINGER HAS TOLD PRESIDENT ASAD THAT WE WOULD MAKE A SERIOUS EFFORT TO HELP ACHIEVE PROGRESS ON THE SYRIAN FRONT, AND HE HAS ASSURED PRESIDENT ASAD THAT THE UNITED STATES COUNTS ON A UNITED ARAB WORLD TO FURTHER THE PEACE PROCESS. IN OUR VIEW, DIVISION IN THE ARAB WORLD IS THE DANGER TO FUTURE PROGRESS. AS I HAVE SAID ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, WE N ARE COMMITTED TO THE PROPOSITION THAT A LASTING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MUST INVOLVE PROGRESS ON ALL FRONTS AND MUST BE BASED ON CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE INTERESTS OF ALL ITS PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIANS. WITH REGARD TO THE SOVIET UNION I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE TAKEN A VERY FIRM LINE WITH GENERAL SECRETARY BREZHNEV. THE SOVIET RESPONSE, WHILE COMPLAINING OVER THE LACK OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE NEGOTIATIONS, INDICATES THAT THEY DO NOT INTEND TO PLAY AN OBSTRUCTIONIST ROLE, I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE, BASED ON A COMMUNICATION WE RECEIVED WITHIN THE LAST TWENTY-FOUR HOURS FROM THE S SOVIETS, THAT THEY WILL NOT MAKE MAJOR DIFFICULTIES. SECRETARY KISSINGER WILL BE MEETING FOREIGN MINISTER SECRET GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE N OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF TELEGRAM SECRET PAGE 04 STATE 214854 GROMYKO NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION, AND WE WILL KEEP YOU CURRENTLY INFORMED, AS WE HAVE THROUGHOUT, S OF THESE EXCHANGES. AN ADDITIONAL REASON FOR MY HIGH SENSE OF GRATIFICATION AT THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS THE PROSPECT THAT IT WILL NOW BE POSSIBLE FOR YOU AND MRS. SADAT TO VISIT THE UNITED STATES. YOUR VISIT IS ONE THAT MRS. FORD AND I HAVE LONG LOOKED FORWARD TO N WITH GREAT PLEASURE. I WANT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO GET TO KNOW YOU AS I DO, I AM CONFIDENT THAT SUCH A VISIT WILL REINFORCE BOTH OUR OFFICIAL AND PERSONAL TIES AND O REINFORCE OUR MUTUAL EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. I HOPE YOU WILL PLAN ON BOTH A STATE VISIT TO ASHINGTON AS WELL AS ALLOW TIME TO TRAVEL TO OTHER D PARTS OF AMERICA. I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT YOU PLAN YOUR VISIT STARTING OCTOBER 28. WITH WARM REGARDS TO YOU, MRS, SADAT, AND YOUR FAMILY, SINCERELY, GERALD R. FORD UNQUOTE END MESSAGE. 2. FYI: ONE MILLION TONS OF GRAIN UNDER PL 480 IS IN ADDITION TO DOLLARS 700 MILLION MENTIONED IN PRESIDENT'S LETTER. END FYI, KISSINGER N D FORD & SECRET GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY WH 200-0 OF STATE SEP 75Z Department of5State UNITED STATES OF TELEGRAM SECRET NOD885 COPY 9 OF 13 COPIES PAGE 01 STATE 225082 73 ORIGIN NODS-00 INFO OCT-01 ISO-00 /001 R DRAFTED BY P:JJSISCO APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY S/S-O: P. JOHNSON 055176 0 202046Z SEP 75 ZFF4 NOD-U FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY CAIRO NIACT IMMEDIATE s E C R E I STATE 225082 NODIS CHEROKEE E.O. 11652: GDS TAGS: PFOR, EG SUBJECT: MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT SADAT FOR AMBASSADOR FROM THE SECRETARY 1. PLEASE PASS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SADAT THROUGH FAHMI. 200-0 2, DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: YESTERDAY I SENT A VERY BRIEF PRELIMINARY ORAL REPORT TO ISMAIL ON OUR TALKS WITH MR, GROMYKO HERE IN WASHINGTON ON THE QUESTION OF THE MIDDLE EAST. THUS FAR WE HAD ONLY TOUCHED UPON THE SUBJECT LIGHTLY. LAST NIGHT I HAD A FULLER DISCUSSION WITH HIM, AND I AGREED TO HAVING A FURTHER EXCHANGE WITH HIM AT OUR FINAL MEETING WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE SUNDAY NIGHT. AS I REPORTED TO ISMAIL, GROMYKO HAS BEEN MODERATE IN HIS FORD ATTITUDE, ALMOST PLAINTIVE IN HIS EXPRESSIONS OF SOVIET & SECRET bir 3/3/04 GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY N OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TELEGRAM SECRET PAGE 02 STATE 225082 S DESIRE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PEACE PROCESS OF THE MIDDLE EAST. HE MADE CLEAR THAT THE SOVIET UNION OBJECTS TO WHAT HE HAS CHARACTERIZED THE SEPARATE AMERICAN EFFORT WHICH HAS RESULTED IN THE EGYPTIAN-ISRAELI AGREEMENT. HOWEVER, BEARING IN MIND THAT IN MY EARLIER MEETING I HAD WARNED HIM FIRMLY AGAINST ANY UNTOWARD INTERFERENCE IN THE N ON-GOING PROCESS OR THE AGREEMENT ITSELF AND THAT SUCH INTERFERENCE COULD AFFECT OUR OVERALL RELATIONS, I NOTED IN PARTICULAR AT LAST NIGHT'S MEETING HIS INDICATION THAT THE SOVIETS DO NOT INTEND TO OBSTRUCT WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL. WHILE THE DISCUSSION LAST NIGHT ON THE MIDDLE EAST WAS EXTENSIVE, IT WAS, AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT, A VERY INCON- CLUSIVE ONE. GROMYKO HAD NO SPECIFIC IDEAS AS TO HOW WE MIGHT PROCEED. HIS DUAL EMPHASIS WAS THAT THEY HAD BEEN LEFT OUT OF THE PEACE PROCESS AND THEY WISH TO QUOTE ACT JOINTLY UNQUOTE WITH THE US ON THE MIDDLE EAST. HE HAS NO CLEAR IDEA HOW TO DO THIS. HE SAID THAT NEITHER SYRIA NOR THE PLO ARE INTERESTED IN GOING TO A GENEVA CONFERENCE AT THIS TIME AND THAT THE SOVIETS THEREFORE WOULD NOT ATTEND A GENEVA CONFERENCE. HE SAID THAT THIS VIEW WAS BASED ON QUOTE CONTACTS WITH SYRIA UNQUOTE AND HE INSISTED ON PLO PARTICIPATION AT THE OUTSET. N MR. PRESIDENT, I EXPLAINED THE AMERICAN POSITION TO HIM IN TERMS WHICH WILL BE VERY FAMILIAR TO YOU. I TOLD HIM THAT WE HAD INFORMED THE SYRIANS, ISRAELIS, EGYPT AND OTHER ARAB STATES THAT THE US IS PREPARED TO UNDERTAKE A SERIOUS EFFORT TO GET NEGOTIATIONS STARTED BETWEEN SYRIA AND ISRAEL, EITHER IN A BILATERAL OR MULTILATERAL SETTING. I TOLD HIM THAT WE DO NOT SEE THE EGYPTIAN- ISRAEL AGREEMENT AS AN END IN ITSELF BUT AS A STEP TOWARDS AN OVERALL SETTLEMENT, AND THAT I WAS CONFIDENT THAT IT WAS NEITHER OUR DESIRE NOR YOURS TO STAND STILL S AND TO DIVIDE THE ARAB WORLD. I SAID THAT WE ARE PRE. PARED TO WORK THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS, CONSIDER THE RECONVENING OF THE GENEVA CONFERENCE, OR CONSIDER A FORD MIX OF SUCH CONSULTATIONS, IALSO STRESSED CANDIDLY & SECRET GERALD LIBRARY NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY N OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TELEGRAM SECRET PAGE 03 STATE 225082 THAT UNDER PRESENT CONDITIONS INSISTENCE ON PLO PAR- TICIPATION AT THE OUTSET WOULD LIKELY KILL THE CON- FERENCE OR PRECLUDE ITS CONVENING. I SAID THAT WE WERE PREPARED TO CONSIDER WAYS TO HAVE THE CONFERENCE CON- VENE IF THIS WAS THE DESIRE OF THE STATES CONCERNED, AND THAT WAYS MIGHT BE EXPLORED FOR PALESTINIAN PAR- TICIPATION AT SUCH A CONFERENCE AT SOME LATER PHASE. N FINALLY, I ALSO SAID THAT WE WERE WILLING TO MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE SOVIETS AND CONTINUE OUR FURTHER EX- CHANGES OF VIEWS, MR PRESIDENT, THESE ARE THE ESSENTIAL FACTS. NOW I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY JUDGMENT ON THE SOVIET POSITION. THEY SEEM CONFUSED WITH RESPECT TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND HAVE NO CLEAR CUT STRATEGY. THE CONCERTED STRATEGY OF EGYPT AND THE US TOGETHER HAS THROWN THEM OFF BALANCE. GROMYKO WANTS THE SOVIETS IN ON THE PROCESS OF PEACE, BUT HE HAS NO CLEAR CUT IDEAS ON HOW THIS CAN BE DONE. I DETECTED CONTINUING CONCERN ON HIS PART THAT SYRIA S MIGHT INDICATE TO US A WILLINGNESS TO PROCEED TO NEGOTIATIONS WITH ISRAEL UNDER us AEGIS, AS WE HAVE DONE ON THE EGYPTIAN-ISRAEL AGREEMENT, AND THAT THIS WOULD LEAVE THE SOVIETS OUT. I HAVE THE IMPRESSION ALSO HE HAS ACTUALLY BEEN DISCOURAGING THE SYRIANS FROM EITHER GOING TO GENEVA OR OF GIVING POSITIVE IN- DICATIONS TO us ON NEGOTIATIONS WITH SYRIA UNDER US N AUSPICES. THIS IS ONLY AN IMPRESSION, AND I WOULD DEEPLY APPRECIATE YOUR JUDGMENT IN THIS REGARD. IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY MISUNDERSTANDING WITH ASSAD I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I INTEND TO REPORT TO HIM DIRECTLY -- THOUGH IN A MUCH MORE ABBREVIATED FORM -- JUST WHAT GROMYKO HAS SAID TO US AND WHAT OUR POSITION IS IN D THIS REGARD, I KNOW, MR PRESIDENT, THAT WE AND YOU HAVE GONE THROUGH A DIFFICULT PERIOD IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS SINCE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT. I HAVE ADMIRED FROM AFAR HOW MAGNIFICENTLY YOU HAVE HANDLED THE VERBAL ATTACKS S THAT HAVE COME FROM CERTAIN QUARTERS IN THE ARAB WORLD -- ATTACKS WHICH IN PART HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED BY THE SOVIET UNION'. BUT I AM ENCOURAGED, AND I HOPE YOU ARE, FORD SECRET ? GERALD NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ZOD-U OF STATE DP Department of State UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TELEGRAM SECRET PAGE 04 STATE 225082 THAT THE WORKING GROUP IN GENEVA SEEMS TO BE CONCLUD- ING ITS DELIBERATIONS SUCCESSFULLY, AND I WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT OUR TIMELY INTERVENTION A FEW DAYS AGO HAS HAD A CONSTRUCTIVE IMPACT ON THE ISRAELI POSITION. FOR THE FIRST TIME, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF MY TALKS WITH PERES HERE, I GET THE FEELING THAT THE ISRAELIS ARE BEGINNING TO UNDERSTAND THAT IF THEY CAN N SHOW SOME GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE POLITICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CURRENTS IN THE ARAB WORLD, OF YOUR POSI- TION IN THE AREA, OF THE WISE AND COURAGEOUS WAY IN WHICH YOU ARE LEADING BOTH EGYPT AND THE ARABS TOWARDS MODERATION AND PEACEFUL PURSUITS- THAT INDEED THE RECENT AGREEMENT MAY VERY WELL BE THE TURNING POINT WHICH YOU AND WE HAVE WANTED. WE ARE BOTH REALISTIC, MR PRESIDENT, WE KNOW THIS WILL TAKE TIME AND THE PACE OF NEGOTIATIONS, PARTICULARLY AS IT RELATES TO THE SYRIAN-ISRAELI ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM, WILL TAKE TIME. BUT I AM MORE CONVINCED TODAY MORE THAN EVER THAT WE S ARE ON THE RIGHT COURSE AND THAT MOVING TOGETHER WE CAN ACHIEVE OUR COMMON GOALS. JUST A WORD ON THE PERES VISIT. FRANKLY, IT WAS A BETTER VISIT THAN I HAD REASON TO EXPECT. THE REASON I SAY THIS IS THAT PERES SEEMS TO BE MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF TRYING TO GET ISRAEL TO ADOPT A REASON- N ABLE POSITION ON THE IDEA OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN SYRIA AND ISRAEL. HE SAID PUBLICLY AFTER MY MEETING THAT ISRAEL IS READY FOR NEGOTIATIONS WITH SYRIA WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS, INSOFAR AS THE ONGOING MILITARY ASSISTANCE RELATION- SHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE U.S., HERE ARE MAIN FACTS, DURING THE REASSESSMENT, WE HELD UP, AS YOU KNOW, ON SOME ITEMS. WE HAVE LIFTED THE BAN ON THESE. MOREOVER, THERE WAS A LIST, LONG IN EXISTENCE, OF SOME OTHER ITEMS OF A LESS SIGNIFICANT CHARACTER WHICH WE WILL NOW RELEASE S AS PART OF THE NORMAL ONGOING MILITARY ASSISTANCE RE- LATIONSHIP, AS TO OTHER ITEMS WHICH ISRAEL IS INTERESTED SECRET FORD & GERALD NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ZOPIN OF STATE Department of State UNITED STATES OF MEMBER TELEGRAM SECRET PAGE 05 STATE 225082 IN, SUCH AS THE PERSHING MISSILES, THESE REMAIN IN THE STUDY CATEGORY AND NO COMMITMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE. FINALLY, MR PRESIDENT, I WANT TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH PRESIDENT FORD LOOKS FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT. WE HAVE BEGUN IN EARNEST THE PREPARATIONS WITH A VIEW TO ASSUR- ING THAT IT WILL BE FRUITFUL AND PRODUCTIVE FOR BOTH OF us. I AM ANXIOUS THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE COME TO KNOW YOU AS WE DO AS A STATESMAN OF GREAT COURAGE AND VISION, AND I HOPE THAT YOU WILL GET A FEEL OF THE PULSE 200-0 OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT STRONGLY THE ADMIN- ISTRATIONIS PRESENT POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST WHICH NOW IS NO LONGER ONE SIDED BUT SEEKS TO PROTECT THE OVERALL NATIONAL INTERESTS OF THE US IN THE AREA -- A POLICY THAT RETAINS THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISRAEL AND THE U'S', BUT IS EQUALLY DETERMINED TO STRENGTHEN THE BOND OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN AMERICA AND THE ARAB WORLD'. IN ALL OF THIS YOU ARE IN INDISPENSABLE KEY, WARMEST REGARDS. KISSINGER 200-0 FORD SECRET & GERALD NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY