61. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Lebanon1
179374. Subject: Arafat Message.
1. [3 lines not declassified] to reaffirm the essence of the observation made on an earlier occasion by the U.S., that in circumstances of movement by the PLO toward recognizing the right of Israel to exist, and toward accepting the concept of terminating the state of war with Israel, possibilities for a more formal dialogue with the U.S. could develop without prejudice to any other issue. [1 line not declassified] Washington has had full reports from prominent private Americans and members of Congress on their recent meetings with senior PLO officials.2 Washington has found these reports, as well as the message conveyed directly, helpful in understanding the views of the PLO and will [Page 372] take them into account in discussions it will be having over the next few weeks looking toward reconvening the Geneva Conference.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840072–0366. Secret; Niact Immediate; Nodis; Cherokee. Drafted by Atherton and Day, cleared by Habib and by James Thyden (S/S–O), and approved by Secretary Vance. Repeated on July 30 to the White House.↩
- Congressman Hamilton met with Arafat during his tour of the Middle East in early July. (Don Oberdorfer, “Begin Arrives Carrying Secret Peace Proposals,” Washington Post, July 19, 1977, p. A1) and on July 19, the Carter administration confirmed contacts between William Scranton, former Ambassador to the United Nations, and a PLO member. (“U.S.–PLO Discussions Reported,” New York Times, July 20, 1977, p. 8)↩