Page:Ford, Margaret Thatcher, British Ambassador Sir Peter Ramsbotham - September 18, 1975(Gerald Ford Library)(1553236).pdf/3

 I agree they have more common sense. I see the same in defense matters, but perhaps that is just my generation. But I have no difficulty saying our society is worth defending.

We have a specific problem from Vietnam -- but I think that was good timing. There has not been the pressure this year on the budget and Mansfield Resolution ideas that we used to have. There is a growing idea we must be strong and not second best. But also a feeling we should continue to negotiate for arms control.

But these aren't easy. Especially in MBFR, because there is a fundamental difference in where the two sides start. I wish there were more ways for the people to register in the Communist societies.

I think more and more the people are having an impact. I detected that in my travels.

I fear what will happen when there is a generation that has been raised wholly under the system. Romania is tough and the leaders have such privileges.

I stayed in a place that was far more enormous than any place in the West.

We were delighted with the Middle East settlement. We don't have your problem of the technicians, but we are very pleased with the progress.

We spent enormous time on this issue. We don't think we can stop here but we think the risks of doing nothing were too high. We are taking a risk of the technicians. The Congress is questioning but I think they will agree. A bigger problem is the aid amounts for Israel, and somewhat for Egypt. We have a problem that you don't have in that we have to induce Congress to go along.

That must be very difficult. An additional uncertainty. And Turkish aid?

That is so frustrating. That is the worst decision I have seen in my 26 years in Washington. The Speaker feels the same. It hasn't helped Greece or Cyprus; it hurt NATO and our bilateral relations and our intelligence. We think now we have the votes, but it is tough.