Statement Proposing Legislation to Fund Security Assistance
Programs
(October 30, 1975)
PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Nothing so underscores how essential the American peacekeeping
role is than our current efforts in the Middle East. Since the October
1973 War, our Middle East policy has been based on the following three
principles.
--First, a firm resolution to work for a just and lasting
settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict taking into account the legitimate
interests of all states and peoples in the area, including the Palestinians.
--Second, a commitment to the improvement of our relations
with all the states of the Middle East on a bilateral basis, maintaining
our support for Israel's security while strengthening our relations
with the Arab countries.
--Third, continued dedication to avoiding great power
confrontation in the Middle East.
The October 1973 War was the fourth, and most devastating,
round of hostilities between Arab and Israeli forces. Moreover, the
impact of this last collision between opposing forces was not confined
to the Middle East. The spectre of armed confrontation between the United
States and the Soviet Union hung over the crisis. Disruption of the
economies of Western Europe, Japan and other nations was an important
by-product of the conflict. In addition, the likelihood existed that
the period immediately after October 1973 would merely represent a pause
between the fourth and fifth rounds of conflict.
The quest for peace in the area was of the highest
priority. Our most immediate objective was to encourage the disengagement
of the contending military forces. Disengagement was accomplished in
1974. This year, we dedicated ourselves to the goal of withdrawal in
the Sinai--and an agreement was negotiated as a result of the efforts
of Secretary of State Kissinger. We believe that the step-by-step approach
to negotiations offers the best prospects for establishing an enduring
peace in the region. We expect to proceed on an incremental basis to
the next stage of negotiation within the near future.
I believe the hope for a lasting solution to the Arab-Israeli
dispute is stronger today than at any time in the previous quarter century.
A new era also is opening in our relations with Arabs and Israelis.
This security assistance program will give substance to these new relationships
and help preserve the momentum toward peace.
My proposals have three basic purposes:
--First, to provide Israel with the assistance needed
to maintain security and to persevere in the negotiating process.
--Second, to give tangible expression to our new and
fruitful relations with the Arab nations most directly involved and
to encourage those which are seriously prepared to work for peace.
--Third, to encourage the peaceful development of
the area, thereby reducing the incentives to violence and conflict.
The Security Assistance Program I am transmitting to
Congress is heavily weighted with requirements to sustain the peace
in the Middle East. Fully 70 percent of the program for fiscal year
1976 is to be concentrated in this region.
It proposes:
--For Israel, $740 million in security supporting assistance
and $1,500 million in military credits. Israel's ability to defend herself
and to relieve some of the burdens of her defense reduces the prospect
of new conflict in the Middle East.
--For Egypt, $750 million in supporting assistance.
Egypt has made the bold decision to move from confrontation to negotiation
as a means of resolving the Arab-Israeli dispute. Its leaders also must
cope with serious economic problems whose resolution the United States
is in a position to assist.
--For Jordan, $100 million in military assistance grants,
$78 million in security supporting assistance, and $75 million in military
credit sales. This assistance will strengthen Jordan's ability to hold
to the course of moderation it has consistently followed.
--For Syria, $90 million in security supporting assistance.
This assistance will enable our development cooperation with Syria to
go forward, furthering our efforts to re-establish more normal bilateral
relations.
--In addition, I am recommending a Special Requirements
Fund this fiscal year of $50 million. The fund is to be used to reinforce
the peace process in the area and, in particular, to defray the costs
of stationing American civilian technicians in the Sinai area.
All of this aid will contribute to the confidence that
Middle Eastern nations must have in the United States if we are to maintain
our momentum toward peace.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |