289. Editorial Note

On August 8, 1978, at 11:33 a.m., White House Press Secretary Jody Powell read a statement to reporters in the White House Briefing Room that reads, “The President is pleased to announce that President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin have accepted an invitation to come to Camp David on September 5 for a meeting with the President to seek a framework for peace in the Middle East.

“All three leaders agree that there is no task more important than this search for peace. Secretary Vance has informed the President that both Prime Minister Begin and President Sadat have welcomed this meeting, and the President is gratified by their response.

“Each of the three leaders will be accompanied by a small number of their principal advisers and no specific time has been set for the duration of the meeting.” (Public Papers: Carter, 1978, Book II, page 1393)