227. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) and Secretary of State Rogers1
K: Hi Bill.
R: Hi Henry. I was returning your call.
K: I was just checking with you. The President has mentioned a few times that cable.2
R: Well, … Arabs not planning military action but just warning them. It is drafted but does not sound right. We must think what message we are trying to convey.
K: I don’t want to fall on my sword. There are a couple of arguments for this. … moderate Arabs to go back to the guerrillas and say that if behave badly that … two principal arguments for it. … and if, believes movement of Fleet would contribute. I recognize that both of these arguments could be turned around.
R: Well, when we thought about it … Movement of ships prevented from having passengers … Continued to say that we would not do [Page 660] anything … Arabists in our shop say that when you are dealing with these highly emotional people if you use threats it is counterproductive. The Fedayeen–Syria–Iraq have done all they can to come out against PFLP. You think that is generally what they will do to pick off the passengers. That Red Cross fellow I think is damn good.
K: It’s an operational question.
R: We did talk to the Ambassadors. The Arab Ambassadors are behaving pretty well. … [less than 1 line not declassified] Other Africans, even Syria are being good. There is a big question whether we should say to them this is what we are going to do so get a move on.
K: No! No, only if any passengers are harmed.
R: Any way you phrase it. We do not really hold you responsible but if anything happens … Jordanians have surrounded the PFLP … I just wonder and let’s think about it. We can decide tomorrow. We still have time. They have released a few passengers. Do you have a guess as to how it will be played from now on?
K: You know the deadline has been turned off.
R: Has it? You get a cable saying it is off and a half hour later you find out it is back on.
K: Deadline is still on?
R: Hold up. Can always decide to do this. I don’t think the Arabs have any doubt that we are serious. We can decide later tonight if it is necessary or in the morning.