Page:Ford, Kissinger, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Umar al-Saqqaf - August 29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552770).pdf/3

 Off the record, I will convert you and you will convert me.

The King is working on me.

We are a small country and the Arabs do not count that much. We know when you do something you do it after thought. The more things go in the Arab-Israeli negoiation, the more relaxed we become.

We will continue.

I am 100% sure the Soviet Union can't do anything between now and the Arab summit, which will be on the 24th of October. After seeing you and Henry, it is Inuch easier for me to explain everything.

I explained to Omar our domestic situation -- that the Jewish community would try to drive a wedge between you and me and the Vice President -- they couldn't do it but they would try. We couldn't push during the election. You would talk tough to Rabin, I would talk in September and October and then move into high gear in November. Omar thought he could handle this time schedule. Omar has been a great help with the Syrians. They and Egypt have a kind of rivalry, and Saudi Arabia has been most helpful.

Omar, I lost credit with the President because Khaddam turned out to be so nice.

Henry had told me the Syrians were the most difficult to deal with.

I went to Damascus and talked to Asad. I talked him out of sending a military man. This could be very helpful -- it will calm Khaddam a lot.

I think Omar and Egypt can manage the summit and then we can go into high gear in November.

Our goal is to solve this by peaceful means. We cannot have another miracle. The miracle was Henry getting the disengagement agreements, especially with the Syrians. It is the principle -- once Israel gives a meter, the principle is established.

Never before has Israel given up a meter. - XGDS