Office of the Historian

41. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon1

Washington, December 10, 1973.

Secretary Kissinger has asked that the following report of his first day in Brussels be provided to you.

“The first day in Brussels has gone well. In my arrival statement on Saturday evening, I stressed that I was here to continue pursuit of your initiative to redefine our relationship with Europe in light of the new conditions we all face.

“On Sunday I saw the Belgian, Dutch and Portuguese Foreign Ministers, and Secretary General Luns. In addition, I had dinner with Foreign Ministers Jobert, Douglas-Home and Scheel. I made the following points, both in the bilateral meetings and at the four-power dinner:

—We have reached a critical point in our alliance relationships. We must begin in earnest our pursuit of your ‘Year of Europe’ initiative.

—The unwillingness of the nine to consult with us until they have worked out their own position, which is then presented to us as a fait accompli, is intolerable.

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—European reaction to the Middle East crisis is a clear demonstration of the dangers inherent in NATO’s lack of purpose and diverging interests.

—Europe’s bidding for Arab favor in the face of their embargo will only make it more difficult for the U.S. to bring about a Middle East settlement.

“The Netherlands Foreign Minister was particularly touched by your offer to help them through their oil crisis, and asked that I tell you how grateful the Dutch are.

“It was also clear from my talk with the Portuguese Foreign Minister that you made a profound impression on his Ambassador when he called on you in your office.

“This afternoon I shall be speaking to the Council, taking much the same line as I took in my bilateral meetings yesterday. I will report to you again this evening on the reactions to the speech.”

  1. Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report from Kissinger on his first day in Brussels, where he was attending a NATO Ministerial meeting.

    Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mid East, Dec 8–22, 1973, State Cables, Memos & Misc (TS/SENS, Eyes Only, Codeword 2 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.

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