Page:Ford, Kissinger - September 13, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1552786).pdf/2

Rh You also are meeting with the Scott group?

Tuesday.

Dinitz is the only one who really understands the process. I told Dinitz that Rabin should be trying to establish rapport with you, not just ask for handouts.

I have decided: They don't want to move; if there is a war, they think it would be better if it were now. And they want enough arms to get flexibility. I told them we agreed in principle on lasers, besides the list.

I told them we need a rough outline of what we are aiming for. If I don't have something for the Arabs by the time I go to the Middle East, we are in trouble. I need a concrete proposal on Egypt and Jordan before I go there. We shouldn't engage in shuttle diplomacy -- it stakes too much on the personal.

I planned to go the 8th-14th, and maybe to Greece and Turkey also. Then to the Soviet Union, and India, the last week in October or first week in November. Then on to Iran, and to Rome for the food conference. Then to Japan and Peking.

Nothing Rabin says has meaning until it goes through the Cabinet. We can't keep stalling. If it hadn't been for the change of Administration, we would be in trouble now.

So you need a concrete plan on timing, substance and negotiation method in October. If he gives this commitment....

You could then say we, in this atmosphere, would look over the rest of the list in December.

I would say we would have real trouble going beyond this.

Giscard wants to meet in December.

I would like to be free after about the 18th-19th.

It would probably be about the 15th or 16th.