362. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Israel1
108902. For Charge. Subject: South Lebanon and UNIFIL: President’s Message to Begin.
1. (S) Entire text.
2. Following is text of message from President Carter to Prime Minister Begin which you should deliver as soon as possible,2 either directly to him or through appropriate intermediary. In delivering this message, you should include a copy of Ambassador McHenry’s statement of the U.S. position with regard to the April 24 SC Resolution on Lebanon and UNIFIL (septel3 from USUN).
3. Also see septel4 on talking points.
4. Begin text of message:
[Page 1219]Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
I am writing to you about the serious situation in Lebanon, which in recent days has led both to the tragedy at Misgav’am,5 and to attacks against the troops of UNIFIL, with the loss of several lives. If this situation continues, we may face another period of chaos and anarchy in southern Lebanon, with consequences not only for the people of the area and for the security of Israel, but also for the political climate we all need during this important and sensitive time in the autonomy negotiations.
While here, you expressed your concern to do whatever is possible to deal effectively with a deteriorating situation in southern Lebanon that would pose increased threats to Israel, as well as subjecting the inhabitants of that region to renewed conflict and suffering. It is imperative therefore, that everything possible be done to restrain the activities of Major Haddad, just as it is imperative to do everything possible to strengthen UNIFIL against Palestinian infiltration, while trying to increase the capacity of the Lebanese Government to be in control of its own territory.
We are working hard at the UN and elsewhere to try bringing about conditions that will increase UNIFIL’s effectiveness and reduce threats to Israel emanating from southern Lebanon. Whatever you and your government can do immediately with regard to the forces of Major Haddad would be of immense importance.
In this sensitive period, there are some who do not wish us well as we work toward a resolution of the difficult issues in the autonomy negotiations. Therefore, we must redouble our efforts to prevent those who want to disrupt the political climate surrounding the talks from succeeding stabilizing the situation in southern Lebanon is an important part of that process, and I know I can count on you to do all you can.
With best regards,
Sincerely, Jimmy Carter
End text of message.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P880145–1843. Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by the White House; cleared by Newlin, Hunter, Vance (in substance), W. Scott Butcher (S/S–O), and Raymond G. Seitz (S/S); approved by Saunders. Sent for information Immediate to USUN and the White House. Carter initialed his approval of a draft version of this letter on an attached April 23 covering memorandum from Brzezinski. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Office, Presidential Advisory Board, Box 79, Sensitive X: 4/80)↩
- Chargé d’Affaires Brown delivered the letter to Begin on April 25. During the meeting to discuss the letter, which Begin described as “very important,” Begin placed an “immediate phone call to Defense Ministry to order that Haddad be told to do all possible to control situation in South Lebanon.” (Telegram 7646 from Tel Aviv, April 25; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800205–0511)↩
- See Document 360.↩
- See telegram 108893 to Tel Aviv, April 25. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800204–0319)↩
- See footnote 2, Document 357.↩