114. Editorial Note

On October 27, 1978, President Jimmy Carter received King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia, at the White House for a luncheon meeting. According to the President’s Daily Diary, Carter met with Khalid in the Map Room from 12:04 p.m. to 12:22 p.m. (Carter Library, Presidential Materials) After an exchange of courtesies, Carter discussed the Palestinian situation and the United States’ “need [Page 396] to talk” with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Carter “explained that we had given our word of honor not to do so unless the PLO recognized Security Council Resolution 242. In the meantime, we would like the help of Saudi Arabia and Jordan to be go-betweens.” Khalid responded that “he and his government would be happy to be helpful.” He added, “The trouble with the Palestinians is that they are being pulled in every direction not only by the Communists, but also by some Arab countries!” “King Hussein,” Khalid continued, “could have his negotiating delegation made up of Palestinians. Egypt could have Palestinians in its delegation. This together with the West Bank and Gaza Palestinian delegation, could be a very good combination.” In response, Carter commented that this “is why we would be happy to have the influence of wise counsel such as that offered by Saudi Arabia prevail.” (Memorandum of Conversation between President Carter and King Khalid, October 27; Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, NEA Front Office Subject File 1978–1984, Lot 85D251, Box 3, 1978 Memcons—President)

Following a luncheon hosted by Carter for Khalid and other Saudi officials in the Family Dining Room from 12:22 p.m. to 1:17 p.m., the Saudi party returned to Andrews Air Force Base in a helicopter with Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. (Carter Library, Presidential Materials, President’s Daily Diary) During the trip, the Saudi Minister of Defense and Aviation, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, commented to Vance that the Saudis were “impressed with the quick U.S. response” to Begin’s statement about Israeli settlements on the West Bank. Sultan added that “this is the way to do it—strike while the iron is hot!” Vance agreed with Sultan, stating that the U.S. response had to be “quick and clear.” Following this exchange, Khalid repaired Vance’s eyeglasses, which had broken, and commented, “Pressure, pressure. Sometimes you can repair things with pressure.” (Memorandum of Conversation in Helicopter Returning King Khalid to Andrews Air Force Base, October 27; Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, NEA Front Office Subject File 1978–1984, Lot 85D251, Box 3, 1978 Memcons—President)

On November 2, Carter sent a letter to Fahd summarizing their meeting in Washington and expressing his appreciation of Saudi support. The text of the letter was sent in telegram 279224 to Jidda, November 2. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Cables File, State Department Out, Box 114, 11/1–11/78)