Page:Ford, Kissinger, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Umar al-Saqqaf - August 29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552770).pdf/4

 Once the people see that there is progress and a chance to live in peace, we will be okay. Israel will see that no one wants to throw them into the sea. Throughout history people have come in from outside. This time by the use of force, but the Arabs are patient and we will call them guests.

There are two things. We hope we don't have an embargo again. We understand the circumstances last time, but we hope there is no repeat. It would be very serious. And then about prices.

I have been asked that question several times. I have said that oil is not a toy to play with. We used it once and we succeeded; if we use it again without reason we punish ourselves as well. To me it is not going to happen. I don't decide the policy of my country, but I am ninety-nine percent sure.

That is reassuring.

Once somebody starts firing....

That is different. I believe the American people have a growing friendship for the Arabs and I would hate to see it harmed by something.

No, things are going better. And in the Gulf things are good. And we hope the time will come when Syria will have dialogues aside from the Israeli-Arab context.

We are beginning with them. We have a rudimentary Joint Commission with them, and if we can we will give them PL 480, to get a US presence.&hellip;

That is good because the Soviet Union is pushing them to do something reckless.

We will know in a month what we can do with our crops to help our friends.

I talked to Marei, the head of the World Food Organization. I promised to help all I could. We are doing what we can to make life easier for others. This embargo -- this is not the way we think. If this issue is raised in the Arab League, it will mean a fight. I would never have. - XGDS