Letter to Members of Congress on Middle East Arms Sales
(May 12, 1978)
The motion in the Senate next Monday to block all of
the proposed aircraft sales to Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia presents
a vital test of our national purpose. In the hours before the Senate
votes, it is my duty as President to draw attention to the powerful
reasons supporting each of the sales and the dire consequences of rejecting
them.
Our basic goal is to secure peace, stability, and harmonious
relations among the nations of the Middle East. Since becoming President,
I and my chief foreign policy advisers have spent more of our time and
effort on this subject than any other foreign policy issue.
The number of aircraft proposed for each of the countries
has been carefully considered to insure a regional balance, but the
decision before the Senate transcends the particular transactions.
The choice is stark and fundamental. Shall we support
and give confidence to those in the Middle East who work for moderation
and peace? Or shall we turn them aside, shattering their confidence
in us and serving the cause of radicalism?
It is my considered judgment that the aircraft sales
to Egypt are essential to enable President Sadat to continue his efforts
for peace. At great personal and political risk, President Sadat has
taken an initiative which has created the best prospects for peace in
the Middle East in three decades. With similar risks, he has turned
away from a relationship with the Soviet Union and placed his trust
in the United States.
To reject the proposed aircraft sale to Egypt would
be a breach of that trust. Such a rejection would be a devastating blow
to President Sadat, to the military forces of Egypt, to the people of
Egypt, and to the forces of moderation in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has become a firm friend of the United
States. As its influence dramatically expands in the world, Saudi Arabia
has been not only a firm supporter of the peace process but a moderating
and conciliatory force on a wide range of global issues.
It is beyond challenge that the Saudi air defense system
must be modernized and augmented. The United States has an opportunity
through these proposed sales to enhance its relationship with the Saudis
as they take these vital steps to defend themselves against their radical
neighbors armed by the Soviet Union. But I must tell you with great
gravity that it is an opportunity that we will quickly lose if we do
not grasp it immediately.
If the Saudis are forced to turn elsewhere to meet
their defense needs, it will unquestionably impair the peace process.
Moreover, the erosion of confidence will inevitably have a far broader—and
adverse-impact on the wide range of issues on which we have been working
in close harmony.
The aircraft sales to Israel are a reflection of our
strong and unshakeable commitment to the security of Israel. The American
people fully understand that our commitment to Israel's survival and
security is total, unequivocal, and firmly fixed in our national policy.
The long-term interests of Israel are served by the
proposed sales to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It is in Israel's interest
to encourage the forces of moderation in the Middle East, and to promote
their close relationship with the United States. It would not serve
Israel's interest if we were to fail to keep bi-partisan commitments,
made by the prior Administration as well as by mine, to provide aircraft
for the defense of Saudi Arabia. It would be against Israel's interest
if moderate nations are brushed aside by the United States, opening
vast possibilities for the intrusion of hostile influences.
In the end, the national interest of the United States
is the issue. On the basis of the most careful and serious analysis
of all factors, I am convinced that the proposed sales will enhance
U.S. national objectives, contribute to our national security, and promote
peace in the Middle East.
JIMMY CARTER
Sources: Public Papers of the President |