The President: We have some time during the recess.
Kissinger: ________ said Israel is trying to float 500 million. He wasn't eager but would do it if we wanted. I told him to hold up. We could be heading for a confrontation with the Arabs.
In any crisis the Europeans are like jackals. You know what the French did in Greece. Now Wilson is saying we didn't stop the Turks so we could get credit for the new administration. When they behave like this on Greece, what they would do in a Middle East crisis would be brutal.
The President: That shouldn't make Israel happy.
Kissinger: It should make them unhappy. There is a report that the Arabs offered Porgugal 400 million to prevent is from using Lajes.
The President: I would like a breakdown of our request, and what is the status on each item.
Kissinger: Also Vietnam. The effect of cuts on South Vietnam and North Vietnam. If they both see that every year the Government of Vietnam will get less, North Vietnam will be encouraged and the GVN discouraged. It is peanuts after all we have spent.
The President: The editorial writers are killing us.
Kissinger: Because they have a vested interest in having us lose. Let Kwan Yeh -- whom you may want to meet -- says if the Republicans win in 1976 and South Vietnam is still standing in 1977, it would be okay.
The President: Get the figures. I would get them down and talk turkey to them.
Kissinger: Cedarberg and Slack want to help. They mentioned a veto.
The President: They must understand they can't fill the coffers on Israel and cut the Arabs.
Kissinger: May I mention it to Dinitz?
The President: Yes.
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