Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume VIII, Arab-Israeli Dispute, January 1977–August 1978

212. Memorandum From Jerrold Schecter, White House Press Officer, to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski)¹

Washington, February 6, 1978

SUBJECT

• Memorandum of Conversation with Max Kampelman on Meeting of Eight Jewish Leaders with President Sadat at Blair House on February 6, 1978 at 11:00 a.m.

Phil Klutznick indicated to President Sadat that his letter to the Miami Herald was being interpreted as an attempt to separate the American Jewish Community.² Sadat denied this, saying he could not do this because the AJC’s commitments are too strong and historic. Sadat said he wanted understanding on the part of the AJC and the American community as a whole. He told the story behind his trip to Jerusalem and told in detail why he chose this way of breaking the psychological barrier. Sadat then stated that his objective was peace and love. He spoke a great deal about love as an important part of his motivation and religious faith. Sadat said he inherited three things from Nasser: (1) Demoralization, which he has overcome; (2) the Soviets, whom he has gotten rid of; and (3) hate, and the spirit of hate. He is still anxious to get rid of the spirit of hate from his country.

In the question period, Kampleman spoke first and paid tribute to the historic events that Sadat created. Parenthetically, however, Sadat interjected to say that if he fails he will resign. I hope the world understands that when I say something, I mean it, Sadat said.

Kampelman picked up the theme of love and said that more than a grand gesture is needed, continuity is important. He sensed this may be a problem. Sadat has to understand he will be judged by a continuous effort to achieve peace—not a single gesture.

Kampelman then raised the problem of the Egyptian press saying that Begin was lucky not to be beaten up on the streets of Ismailia. This was not a message of love, Kampelman said. He also raised the question of the Egyptian article that talked about Begin as a shylock demanding a pound of flesh. Begin gets a message that the man with whom he is dealing may not be carrying love with him, Kampelman said. Sadat denied seeing both of the controversial articles and turned to his advisers who also denied they had appeared.

Kampelman said that Sadat and Begin should be careful not to let the press influence the principals, especially since the press highlights any phrase with a negative tone. If somebody takes up that phrase, they will feel the whole speech is in that spirit. It is essential that the principals understand this. Certainly Begin is viewing Sadat on the basis of stories he is reading and vice versa.

Unless you feel love, you cannot convey it, Kampelman said and raised the question of whether Sadat really feels love for Mr. Begin. Kampelman urged Sadat to soft pedal love and develop in his heart the necessity of dealing with Mr. Begin. Klutznick said he had known Begin for 30 years and he is a complicated person who has suffered deeply. Kampelman urged Sadat to stop negotiating in public and stop attacking in public. Every time you attack it is counterproductive. You have created good will and good faith but you will lose it if you attack, said Kampelman.

President Sadat said he agreed with everything that had been said and reaffirmed his commitment to peace. As he rose at the end of the interview, Sadat added that Israel must understand that in Egyptian sovereignty there must be no settlements and no troops.

Kampelman, on hearing of the wire service leads of Sadat’s speech which accused Israel of a vicious cycle of nitpicking and using old tactics and ideas,³ was upset. I hope the President will call Begin. Begin is an old, sick man and I am afraid that this kind of play for Sadat’s speech will confirm his paranoia. It would help for the President to talk to him.

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East File, Box 21, Groups: 1–3/78. Confidential. Sent for information.
2. On January 29, the Miami Herald published a letter from Sadat entitled, “An Open Letter to American Jews.” Sadat wrote, “We want to put an end to an era of war and violence in our region and usher in a new dawn of peace and fraternity.” He then asked four questions of American Jews. First, “Do you condone the annexation of others’ territories by force?” Second, “Do you tolerate the suppression of the right of the Palestinian people to live in peace in their homeland, free from foreign rule and military occupation?” Third, “Do you forgive the suppression of human rights of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and their natural right to liberate their land and emancipate themselves?” And fourth, “Do you agree with those Israeli officials who claim that territorial expansion is more important than the establishment of peace and the normalization of the situation?” (“Sadat Calls on Jews in America to Back His Peace Initiative,” New York Times, January 30, 1978, p. A4)
3. A reference to Sadat’s speech at the National Press Club on January 6. In the speech, Sadat stated that he was “willing to give the experiment every possible chance, until I reach the conclusion that enough time has elapsed without achieving any tangible progress.” He continued that he was “not going to rush to this conclusion, but the other side has to demonstrate the same spirit. It takes two to negotiate and reach an agreement.” See Bernard Gwertzman, “Sadat Asserts Begin Hardens His Stance,” New York Times, February 7, 1978, p. 1. Excerpts from Sadat’s speech are in the New York Times, February 7, 1978, p. 4.