105. Memorandum From Harold Saunders of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger), Washington, June 8, 1970
WASHINGTON
ACTION 10740
June 8, 1970
MEMORANDUM FOR DR. KISSINGER
FROM: Harold H. Saunders [signed Hal]
SUBJECT: Summary of Conversation between Prime Minister Laraki and the President
Since I presume you were the only one on our side present with the President and Prime Minister, I would appreciate it if you could glance over the attached draft telegram as a summary of the conversation.
Recommendation: That you authorize clearance of the attached telegram if it looks accurate.
[Approve]
[Change as Indicated - Kissinger checked]
Department of State
TELEGRAM
ACTION: Amembassy RABAT
STATE
SUBJ: Summary of Conversation between Dr. Laraki and President Nixon
1. The Prime Minister said King Hasson thought the recent appeal from President Nasser was a positive element in the Middle East situation. He does not believe that direct negotiations are possible in the present circumstances. Rather, a settlement would have to be reached through indirect or secret negotiation. Morocco is seriously concerned about the decline of US influence in the Mediterranean and the Near East. If no solution is found to the present conflict the whole area will increasingly drift away from Western influence and the USSR will correspondingly increase its influence. Morocco believes that in view of Israel's air and technical superiority any additional delivery of arms would aggravate the situation seriously. The US must use its influence to bring Israel to accept the overall solution proposed by the UN Security Council.
2. The Prime Minister advised President Nixon that if he had any suggestion with respect to working out a solution together he would be glad to convey it to His Majesty. However, if additional arms deliveries are made, then nothing could be worked out.
3. President Nixon said our position with respect to Israel continues to be one of great restraint. He said the US stood by the principle of Israel's right to exist and that Israel's position in relation to its neighbors should not be weakened. The US is concerned about the introduction of Soviet pilots into the UAR.
4. The President said that discussions were being held with Israel, with the Russians, and also at the Four-Power Conferences, to arrive at a just and balanced solution. Our conversations with the Russians have been quite unsuccessful. The President also stated that our policy towards the Middle East is still under review, that there are frequent meetings on the Middle East, and that there would be one next week. It could be that nothing dramatic would come out of the meeting. He appreciated today's thoughtful and constructive conversation.
END
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