152. Message From Soviet General Secretary Brezhnev to President Carter1
In answer to your communication of October 5,2 I must report that the developments of events in Lebanon in recent days causes us great concern too.
We agree that an immediate ceasefire of all of the parties involved in the conflict must be implemented.
Second, I would like to especially stress: You undoubtedly have great capabilities in restraining Israel from any sort of action which may lead only to an even greater exacerbation of the situation in Lebanon.
The implementation of these primary steps, of course, would facilitate the prevention of a further widening of combat operations in Lebanon and the creation of conditions for a subsequent general settlement in that country.
Pres. Il Asad is in agreement with this proposal.
Respectfully yours,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 61, Soviet Exchanges: 1/77–12/78. Top Secret; Sensitive; Specat. Forwarded to Carter under letterhead of the National Military Command Center. Carter wrote in the memorandum’s upper right-hand corner, “Have Cy [Vance] share this general reply with Israelis & strongly urge them to desist. JC.”↩
- See Document 151.↩
- Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩