SECRET/NODIS
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timing of whatever situation.
For the future we face two problems--what to do about Egypt and Israel and what to do about Jordan and Israel. On the first we believe the issues are easier--it is a question of four weeks, not nine--a relatively short period. For Jordan we are prepared to move ahead in a very active way. The difficult question is the one of timing and how to handle the negotiations.
Prime Minister Rifai: His Majesty has had over 500 hours of negotiation with Mrs. Meir. We just added it all up. It probably beats Henry' s record. It has been a most difficult question. He has flown at night in helicopters, met at sea in little boats, and in tents along the coast. It has involved great hazard and we really have gotten nowhere.
The President: Did she fly with you in your helicopter?
King Hussein: No.
Secretary Kissinger: But she is very tough and she is full of the ideas of the last generation.
King Hussein: The new Prime Minister has impressed me very much. He is of a different generation and has different ideas.
Secretary Kissinger: He is a very intelligent man and we have a very good impression of him from our work with him here.
The President: I knew him as Ambassador here, but I have not seen him since I became Vice President and President, of
