169. Information Memorandum From the President’s Special Assistant (Rostow) to President Johnson1

Mr. President:

Conceivably this could be a turning point in the Middle East. The UAR has accepted talks in New York with Jarring.2

Beyond that fact, what gives us hope is in para. 5: Cairo now interprets “implementation” as a package deal to be implemented via a time table.

We shall have a draft letter to Nasser up to you during the day.

Walt
  1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, United Arab Republic, Vol. VI, Memos, 8/67–7/68. Secret. A handwritten note indicates that the memorandum was received at 12:09 p.m.
  2. Bergus reported this development in telegram 2370 from Cairo, May 10, which was attached to Rostow’s memorandum. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967–69, POL 27 ARAB-ISR)