118. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter1
[Omitted here is material unrelated to Libya.]
4. Libya—Today Charge Bill Eagleton and I discussed our relations with Libya. I told him that we assume, based on the messages we have had from Qaddafi, that Libya wants to build a better relationship with the US; that it is necessary for us to have explicit assurances from the Libyans on security arrangements for our mission and personnel and compensation for the damages done in the attack; and that we will build up our personnel strength slowly, beginning after the Tehran hostage situation is resolved. I told Bill it is important that he attempt to establish a direct channel of communication to Qaddafi when he returns to Tripoli after Christmas.2
[Omitted here are items unrelated to Libya.]
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 22, Evening Reports (State): 12/79. Secret. Carter initialed and wrote “Cy” in the upper right-hand corner.↩
- Carter wrote in the left-hand margin: “I see no reason why we should not have an ambassador there, provided Khadafi gives the assurances he promised.”↩