62. Letter From President Carter to Syrian President Assad1
I want to add a personal note to my message to you of September 17, 1978,2 in which I informed you of the results of the talks at Camp David. Your country’s concerns have been very much on my mind in the past two weeks. I would appreciate very much hearing from you directly in order to avoid any possible misunderstandings.
Let me emphasize a point that I made last night in my speech before a joint session of Congress3—the peace we seek in the Middle East is a comprehensive one. The general Framework document signed by Egypt and Israel specifically deals with principles applicable to all fronts of the conflict. United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 in all its parts remains the agreed basis for a peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. I also stated in my speech that there must be a just solution of the refugee problem which takes into account appropriate United Nations resolutions.
I know of your deep commitment not only to Syria and the Arab Nation, but also of your concern for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, which Israel has now, for the first time, recognized. [Page 215] While the Camp David agreements do not answer all of the questions related to the Palestinians, they do provide a basis for solving the Palestinian problem in all its aspects. Under the terms of the agreement signed by Israel, a solution would be possible in two stages. First, the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza would be ended, a substantial number of Israeli forces would be withdrawn, and those that remain would be redeployed into a few specified locations to provide Israel with security from external attack. Internal security would be handled by a strong Palestinian police force. With the end of the military occupation, a freely elected self-governing authority would be established. After the signing of this framework and during the negotiations to set up the governing authority, no new Israeli settlements will be established. The issue of future Israeli settlements will be decided and agreed among the negotiating parties.
The second stage would involve negotiations on the final status of the West Bank and Gaza, and on peace between Israel and Jordan, with Palestinians participating in those negotiations. Those negotiations should be based on the principles of Resolution 242, including withdrawal of Israeli armed forces. The results of these negotiations should allow the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza to decide how they wish to govern themselves.
I know that there are many issues that we were not able to resolve at Camp David. But I do want to assure you of my deep personal commitment to remain involved in the search for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. I am hopeful that you will share your views with me and with Secretary Vance when he visits you in Damascus on September 23.
You have my very best wishes.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Staff Material, Middle East, Subject File, Box 88, Syria: 4/78–5/79. No classification marking. On the first page of the letter, Brzezinski wrote: “Quandt: FYI.” An unknown hand also wrote: “Handed to Vance by ZB.” Seelye delivered Carter’s letter to Khaddam on September 19 in the latter’s office at the Syrian Foreign Ministry. After discussing its contents with Seelye, Khaddam said he would pass the letter to Assad. (Telegram 5475 from Damascus, September 19; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780381–0549)↩
- On September 17, Carter sent a letter to numerous world leaders, including Assad, informing them of the outcome of the Camp David Summit. The Department transmitted this letter in telegram 236043 to multiple posts, September 18. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780379–0641) Telegram 236045 to Damascus, September 18, amended the text of the letter. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780379–0554)↩
- See Document 57.↩