Office of the Historian

247. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1

Washington, May 17, 1978, 0127Z

125076. For the Ambassador. Subject: Letter From President Carter to Prime Minister Begin.

1. Please deliver the following letter from President Carter to Prime Minister Begin as soon as possible.

2. Begin text.

Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I know that you and your people are concerned by the action taken by the Senate on Monday.2 We have had our difficulties on this issue, as close friends often do, but these differences are minor indeed in comparison to the strong ties of friendship and common purpose that bind our two nations.

We have often spoken of our hopes for peace in the Middle East, a peace which will bring to Israel the security which your people so richly deserve. Our commitment to that goal, and to the enduring moral bonds between our countries, is unwavering.

Mr. Prime Minister, through your courageous leadership you have already advanced the cause of peace.

We are anxious to help in any way possible to bring about a resumption of negotiations and to encourage the process of reconciliation begun by you and President Sadat in Jerusalem.

As we move toward our common goal of peace, let me reassure you of my personal friendship and of the deep sense of pride all Americans feel in the accomplishments of Israel in its thirty years of independence. You know that our commitment to your security is permanent.

With my best personal wishes,

Sincerely, Jimmy Carter.

End text.

3. Signed original will be pouched.

Vance
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780207–0306. Confidential; Immediate. Drafted from text received from the White House, cleared by Saunders and Thomas Martin (S/S-O), and approved by Secretary Vance.↩
  2. A reference to the Senate’s passage on May 15 by a 54 to 44 vote of a $4.8 billion jet aircraft sales package for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel. The package included 60 F–15s for Saudi Arabia, 50 F–5s for Egypt, and 75 F–16s as well as 15 F–15s for Israel. Additionally, Israel was also promised an additional 20 F–15s at a future date. (Chicago Tribune, May 16, 1978, p. 1)↩