Office of the Historian

125. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Algeria1

99445.
Washington, April 12, 1983, 1736Z

For Under Secretary Eagleburger/Topol 20027. Subject: Oral Message for President Bendjedid from President Reagan.

1.
(C) Entire text.
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You should deliver the following oral message from President Reagan to President Bendjedid during your April 13 meeting.2
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Begin text: Mr. President: the past several days have witnessed important developments in the Middle East peace process, including efforts by some to impede or destroy it. At this critical time, I want to assure you personally that the events of this weekend3 have not swayed my determination to pursue the just and lasting peace that is so long overdue. The proposals I outlined September 14 continue to hold the promise of peace, of a settlement that meets the essential needs of all the parties. There is no substitute for direct negotiations in bringing this long-standing conflict to a close. It is clear that we cannot allow a minority to exercise a veto over the peace process and it is of the utmost importance that Jordan have the full and unambiguous support of all who truly seek an equitable and durable peace. If our current efforts are defeated, the primary losers will be the Palestinian people and their desire to realize their legitimate rights. If we remain firm in our resolve, I am confident that we can achieve a just and comprehensive settlement. In the critical days ahead, the assistance of Arab statesmen will be important to assure that the opportunity for peace now before us is not lost. I appreciated your positive comments when I undertook my initiative last September and Algeria’s constructive role in the months since. I hope that I can continue to count on your help at this critical juncture.
Shultz
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Foreign Policy File, Electronic Telegrams, D830202–0910. Confidential; Niact Immediate. Drafted by Ann Korky (NEA/AFN); cleared by Pelletreau, Teicher, Katherine Shirley (S/S), Thomas Randall (S/S–O), and Kemp; approved by Veliotes.↩
  2. See Document 126.↩
  3. On April 10, the PLO’s Palestine National Council rejected Arafat’s agreement with Jordanian King Hussein to allow Jordan to negotiate with Israel on the status of the West Bank. Documentation on this issue is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1981–1988, vol. XIX, Arab-Israeli Dispute.↩
  4. See footnote 2, Document 114.↩