Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
441676106
label
9902966
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
441676106
contentType
document
title
9902966
citationUrl
collections
Records of the National Security Council Records Management Office (Clinton Administration)
NSC (National Security Council) Records Management System
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
441676106
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
26457815-20080994F-Seg3-023-035-2024
[Kosovo]
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
b3be1bb3019baecc
ocrText
Case Number: 2008-0994-F-3
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the Clinton Presidential
Library Staff.
Original OA/ID Number:
2724
Document ID:
9902966
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
V
46
4
4
1
UNCLASSIFIED
RECORD ID: 9902966
NSC/RMO PROFILE
RECEIVED: 20 APR 99 14
TO: BERGER
FROM: SANDBACH, K GORDON
DOC DATE: 16 APR 99
SOURCE REF:
KEYWORDS: RUSSIA
KOSOVO
NSA CORRESPONDENCE
PERSONS:
SUBJECT: OFFERS SUGGESTIONS RE RUSSIA & KOSOVO
ACTION: NO FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED
DUE DATE: 01 MAY 99 STATUS: C
STAFF OFFICER: WEISS
LOGREF:
FILES: PA
NSCP:
CODES:
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
FOR ACTION
FOR CONCURRENCE
FOR INFO
COMMENTS: SEE SUTPHEN NOTE
DISPATCHED BY
DATE
BY HAND W/ATTCH
OPENED BY: NSDMK
CLOSED BY: NSDMK
DOC 1 OF 1
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
RECORD ID: 9902966
ACTION DATA SUMMARY REPORT
DOC ACTION OFFICER
CAO ASSIGNED ACTION REQUIRED
001 WEISS
Z 99042015 APPROPRIATE ACTION
001
X 99051818 NO FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED
UNCLASSIFIED
Barnett, Cheryl E.
From:
Barnett, Cheryl E.
Sent:
Thursday, May 13, 1999 3:34 PM
To:
@ALLNSC - NSC Staff
Subject:
Does anyone know this person K. Gordon Sandbach????? [UNCLASSIFIED]
Importance:
High
He sent a letter to SRB re: Russia & Kosovo and RUE has been tasked to answer.
However there's no return address information and no phone/fax number on the
letter.
Please help if you can?
1
UNCLASSIFIED
RECORD ID: 9902966
NSC/RMO PROFILE
RECEIVED: 20 APR 99 14
TO: BERGER
FROM: SANDBACH, K GORDON
DOC DATE: 16 APR 99
SOURCE REF:
KEYWORDS: RUSSIA
KOSOVO
NSA CORRESPONDENCE
PERSONS:
SUBJECT: OFFERS SUGGESTIONS RE RUSSIA & KOSOVO
ACTION: APPROPRIATE ACTION
DUE DATE: 01 MAY 99 STATUS: S
STAFF OFFICER: WEISS
LOGREF:
FILES: PA
NSCP:
CODES:
DOCUMENT DISTRIBUTION
FOR ACTION
FOR CONCURRENCE
FOR INFO
WEISS
BROWN, K
MCCARTHY
HURLEY
PASCUAL
SCHULTE
SCHWARTZ
COMMENTS: SEE SUTPHEN NOTE
SEE Attached email & Close out.
No WAY TO RESPOND TO SENDER
DISPATCHED BY
DATE
BY HAND W/ATTCH
OPENED BY: NSDMK
CLOSED BY:
DOC 1 OF 1
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Gordon To: Sandy Berger
Date: 4/16/99 Time: 4:45:04 PM
Page 2 of 4
2966
To : RUSSIA
PLS. DRAFT
Mr. Sandy Berger
April 16, 1999
National Security Advisor
RESPONSE
The White House
OBO SRB.
Washington, DC 20005
Dear Mr. Berger,
It's ok. to say that you are in Kosovo for the duration and that you will
absolutely win this war, but for NATO to use the phrase that they had a
'good night' just doesn't sit well. Yes, we are there to fight a war, but
ultimately our job is to save lives, not take 'joy' in destruction.
Before the Russians became part of the peace process we were heading
down a disastrous path that could have turned out far worse than practically
anybody could have imagined.
This accomplishes so many things: 1) it suddenly turns a virtual enemy into
a friend, or an ally of sorts, 2) quiets some of the internal noise about what a
great world power Russia used to be, and 3) may even help to quiet the
situation in the Balkans. And, we don't have to give up anything to gain all
this, either.
Keep them visible in the process. Even let them speak to the press
concerning the peace process, SO suddenly they are talking peace, not war.
President Clinton has managed his political (public) front - and the job that
he has done - magnificently. That is why his polls are where they are. It is a
common perception that the President has been running a full-time campaign
ever since he was elected. We have to get that same kind of 'street smarts'
working on the global level. This will help us to 'manage' the rest of the
world more effectively because we won't be wearing
only our superpower hat. We can be more things to more people.
Obviously, this is both simplistic and easier said than done, but I think that
you understand what I am saying.
One of the key things to remember is that the word 'respect' goes a long way
in much of the world. Even conducting war in a respectful manner. Your
lightening up on the attacks over the Orthodox Easter was an excellent
precedent in this direction.
APR1915:20
From: Gordon To: Sandy Berger
Date: 4/16/99 Time: 4:45:04 PM
Page 3 of 4
I may have figured out a way to contain the Indian/Pakistani nuclear
free-for-all: most of the citizens and leaders of both those countries only
see the perceived power, prestige and attention that they get on the world
stage from their nuclear weapons programs. Those who are cheering in the
streets at the announcement of nuclear weapons have no concept of the
horror and damage that they will cause for others, and that will be wreaked
on them in turn. We have to find a way to refocus both the leaders and the
people in the street.
Perhaps we can use the U.N. as a base for this type of activity. I am sure
that considerable diplomatic efforts have been undertaken there already, but
we need more of a people-to-people communication. Grass roots within
India and Pakistan. Finds ways to empower and give expression to those
who would be willing to voice dissent. Maybe even get a grassroots kind
of thinking going in the UN that could lead to certain results.
It could have the focus of a campaign against the concept of nuclear
weapons based on the effect of their intended use: havoc and devastation.
Death and suffering. That is what nuclear weapons are all about. That is
only what they are all about. We have to find a way to drive images of
nuclear devastation into the minds and hearts of those who support the
nuclear weapons programs in India and Pakistan. We could probably even
take some relatively intrusive measures in this pursuit based on the premise
that they are severely intruding on the prospects of world peace.
Probably the real roots of this problem lie in the competitive nature of the
relationship between India and Pakistan. Maybe we can find a way for them
to redirect that aspect of their relationship. Find another venue for them to
compete in that they can publicize freely in their region. Maybe they could
have an annual sports competition - sort of a mini Olympics - between the
two countries and let much of their relationship be defined in those terms.
Maybe Ted Turner would get involved here. Sort of a Victory for All
concept.
Remind them that if they want honor and respect, they will be given much
more of that if they give up their nuclear programs than if they keep them.
And remind them that, ultimately, they are only going to attract to
themselves what it is that they intend to do to others. Karma - in their
From: Gordon To: Sandy Berger
Date: 4/16/99 Time: 4:45:04 PM
Page 4 of 4
culture - that will only bring devastation and sorrow to their own countries
and people.
We have to find a way to instill this message in both the leaders and the
citizens of these countries. Since what we are really seeking to do is create
a deep-seated change at the very core of the values of a country, perhaps the
only way is to start at the grass-roots level. Maybe direct some messaging at
students from those countries who are now studying abroad. Tell them we
are not going to give you a visa to study here until you sit down and watch
this documentary about nuclear devastation. Your joy and pride in this
program is very ill-placed and ill-informed. We want you to0 focus on
reality for a few minutes and understand that the policies that your country
is pursuing are very self-destructive.
This is another area that we could get the Russians involved in that will give
them more pride, dignity and respect on the world stage. I am sure that you
understand than I am only trying to bolster them some to help prevent
potentially powerful elements in that country from driving us all into a major
conflict. If we help to restore some of the Russian visibility, presence and
respect on the world stage, those elements inside Russia who feel that those
goals can only be accomplished with war will have less of a case to make.
God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
K. Gordon Sandbach
From: Gordon To: Sandy Berger
Date: 4/16/99 Time: 4:45:04 PM
Page 1 of 4
FACSIMILE COVER PAGE
To :
Sandy Berger
From : Gordon
Sent :
4/16/99 at 4:44:44 PM
Pages : 4 (including Cover)
Subject
To: Sandy Berger
From: Gordon Sandbach