Page:Ford, Kissinger, Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam - August 23, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552761).pdf/2

 That is an interesting place.

We met with Speaker Albert and several Senators. We had beneficial discussions with them.

He invited Javits to Syria.

That is fine hospitality.

We would in fact welcome such a visit. President Asad told Secretary Kissinger that Congressmen with preconceived ideas should visit and see things first hand.

I would hope they would accept, in order to get a true perspective of the problems.

That is true. This leads me to hope you could accept the invitation of President Asad to visit Syria.

After I get a better hold on my responsibilities, I look forward to visiting the Middle East and taking advantage of President Asad's kind invitation.

You must starve yourself first for two days.

We had to offer Dr. Kissinger more food than usual because we thought Israel was starving him. He was also flirting with Golda.

The Foreign Minister has a thing about Golda. I am going to get both of them together.

It can't happen. She is looking for someone to respond more favorably to her desires.

It is wonderful to have you here. Dr. Kissinger has told me how useful you were in the difficult discussions last spring. I want to assure you--as I have every other dignitary who has visited here--that I support Dr. Kissinger's efforts for peace and to establish a better peace in the Middle East for the future. Dr. Kissinger is the most popular public official in the United States.

Among women or men?