40. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon1
SUBJECT
- Comments by Ismail
Attached at Tab A2 is a report of informal comments made by Egyptian emissary Ismail [less than 1 line not declassified] subsequent to the secret discussions. The following remarks are of particular interest. Ismail:
—Was highly pleased with the talks in every respect and deeply gratified by his entire reception in the U.S. The private talks exceeded his expectations because of their comprehensiveness and frankness.
—Regretted that he was unable to be more specific and hoped he could be more so at the next meeting. He is already considering plans for a secret trip in April and hopes that at some point I will be able to visit Cairo.
—Agreed to your formula regarding the balance between sovereignty and security. If Egyptian sovereignty over Sinai could be restored, practical security arrangements might be worked out.
—Noted that the new Defense Minister, General Ali, has worked effectively to heal divisions resulting from the decision to terminate the Soviet advisory program and that Ali’s job now was to keep the military out of politics.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 131, Country Files, Middle East, Egypt/Ismail, Vol. IV, February 24–May 19, 1973. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. A stamped notation on the first page reads: “The President has seen.”↩
- Attached, but not printed.↩