National Emergency Conference on Peace in the Middle
East
(January 26, 1972)
I AM AWARE of your deep concern that Israel may become
increasingly isolated. This is not true as far as the United States
is concerned.
The United States stands by its friends. Israel is
one of its friends.
The United States is deeply engaged in trying to help
the people of the Middle East find peace. In this effort, we are consulting
fully with all those most concerned.
The United States believes that peace can be based
only on agreement between the parties and that agreement can be achieved
only through negotiations between them. We do not see any substitute
for such negotiations if peace and security arrangements acceptable
to the parties are to be worked out.
The United States does not intend to negotiate the
terms of peace. It will not impose the terms of peace. We believe a
durable peace agreement is one that is not one-sided and is one that
all sides have a vested interest in maintaining. The United Nations
resolution of November 1967, described the principles of such a peace.
We are convinced that the prospects for peace are enhanced
as the governments in the area are confident that their borders and
their people are secure.
The United States is prepared to supply military equipment
necessary to support the efforts of friendly governments, like Israel's,
to defend the safety of their people. We would prefer restraint in the
shipment of arms to this area. But we are maintaining a careful watch
on the relative strength of the forces there, and we will not hesitate
to provide arms to friendly states as the need arises.
The United States has as its objective helping the
people of the Middle East build a peaceful and productive future. I
believe that all Americans can unite for that goal.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |