Thatcher: I agree they have more common sense. I see the same in defense matters, but perhaps that is just my generation. But I have no difficulty saying our society is worth defending.
The President: We have a specific problem from Vietnam -- but I think that was good timing. There has not been the pressure this year on the budget and Mansfield Resolution ideas that we used to have. There is a growing idea we must be strong and not second best. But also a feeling we should continue to negotiate for arms control.
Thatcher: But these aren't easy. Especially in MBFR, because there is a fundamental difference in where the two sides start. I wish there were more ways for the people to register in the Communist societies.
The President: I think more and more the people are having an impact. I detected that in my travels.
Thatcher: I fear what will happen when there is a generation that has been raised wholly under the system. Romania is tough and the leaders have such privileges.
The President: I stayed in a place that was far more enormous than any place in the West.
Thatcher: We were delighted with the Middle East settlement. We don't have your problem of the technicians, but we are very pleased with the progress.
The President: We spent enormous time on this issue. We don't think we can stop here but we think the risks of doing nothing were too high. We are taking a risk of the technicians. The Congress is questioning but I think they will agree. A bigger problem is the aid amounts for Israel, and somewhat for Egypt. We have a problem that you don't have in that we have to induce Congress to go along.
Thatcher: That must be very difficult. An additional uncertainty. And Turkish aid?
The President: That is so frustrating. That is the worst decision I have seen in my 26 years in Washington. The Speaker feels the same. It hasn't helped Greece or Cyprus; it hurt NATO and our bilateral relations and our intelligence. We think now we have the votes, but it is tough.
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