130. Letter From President Carter to Israeli Prime Minister Begin1

To Prime Minister Begin,

The successful conclusion of an Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty is in doubt.

Only with your personal courage, determination, and direct involvement in the negotiations were the Camp David discussions successful. The Nobel Peace Prize was one of the recognitions of your contribution to peace. The same contribution is needed now.

We have done all we can. Although we have been honored by the opportunity to work with you and President Sadat, there is a limit to what we can accomplish without some flexibility during these final days—by both Israel and Egypt. Public statements from both sides are damaging. Negotiations have limited authority. Renegotiation of mutual agreements have been demanded time and again.

Secretary Vance must soon turn to other duties which have been partially neglected by both him and me.

The present draft of the treaty and associated documents2 adequately fulfill the agreements reached at Camp David and protect the present and future interests of both nations. Further public statements deploring the negotiated language or public demands for unattainable concessions from the other side will make it impossible to achieve approval of the terms of agreement.

It is obvious to all of us that, compared to any remaining differences, the advantages of a peace treaty are overwhelming.

I urge you to approve the existing drafts brought to you by Secretary Vance. I will urge President Sadat to do the same. This, I believe, may be our final chance for the peace we all seek.

Respectfully,

Jimmy Carter
  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East, Subject File, Box 49, Israel: 11–12/78. No classification marking. The letter is handwritten.
  2. See Document 131.