Office of the Historian

250. Telegram From the Embassy in Israel to the Department of State1

Tel Aviv, May 23, 1978, 1509Z

6620. Subj: Secretary’s Message to Prime Minister Begin. Ref: State 130197.2

1. Per today’s (May 23) conversation with Saunders and Veliotes, the following is the amended version of the Secretary’s message, which was hand delivered to the Prime Minister this afternoon.

2. Begin text: Dear Mr. Prime Minister:

Your government’s decision yesterday to complete the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon by June 13 was undoubtedly a difficult one. I want to convey to you, Defense Minister Weizman and Foreign Minister Dayan my personal thanks for your taking up the issue promptly in the Cabinet following Moshe’s return from abroad, as you had indicated you would.

As you know, it is our belief that this decision, and the fact that it has been publicly announced, will strengthen the ability of the United Nations force to take firm control over the area for which it is responsible. For our part, we will continue to do everything we can to increase stability along Israel’s northern border.

With warm regards, Sincerely, (signed) Cyrus Vance.

End text.

Lewis
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780217–0664. Confidential; Immediate.↩
  2. Telegram 130197 to Tel Aviv, May 23, transmitted an earlier version of Vance’s message that did not include Weizman’s name. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780216–0162)↩