Kissinger: It will happen more insidiously. It will be used as vindication by the McGovern group that they were right all along. In foreign policy it will happen insidiously -- others will see what happens to people who rely on the United States. First we make an undesirable settlement, but with the promise of unlimited aid -- and then aid is cut off within two years. The impact over three to five years is bad.
President: I would be prepared to veto. We can't have just a one-area policy -- we can have it one way in Asia and another in the Middle East.
Kissinger: You do have an option as a new President. You could let it go -- and not be blamed, at least through '76. I must say I think it is wrong. The liberals who would applaud it would fail you when the going was tough. The liberals always move just out of reach.
President: The Post is okay now.
Kissinger: Yes. They are just right. We have done enough to get involved but not enough to win.
President: I want to give some specific categories of examples. If they are going to give us inadequate funds for Southeast Asia and load up the Middle East, I would have no hesitancy to veto.
Kissinger: No decision is required now on food aid. The crop report is due next week. Butz supports it, Ash is against and Simon is torn between.
President: He is torn between what is right and trying to save $10 billion. Did you see the McGovern report on food aid in the paper this morning? They are supportive.
Kissinger: The opposition will be on financial, not political grounds. Why don't you look at this and make a decision next week?
President: Get me the McGovern report.
Kissinger: I can't now find a counter candidate to Meany's ILO candidate.
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