From the Journal of A.F. Dobrynin, 'Record of a Conversation with Kissinger's Deputy, Scowcroft, 20 October 1973'

RECORD OF A CONVERSATION

with Kissinger’s Deputy, SCOWCROFT

20 October 1973

I visited General Scowcroft in the White House and passed him a text with the following letter of L. I. Brezhnev to President Nixon:

“Dear Mr. President!

I received your letter when Mr. Kissinger had already arrived in Moscow and was in the guest house, and at this time I was waiting for him in the Kremlin for the first conversation. I would like to thank you for your kind message and the wishes expressed in it.

This is exactly how I understood that Mr. Kissinger, as your closest assistant, enjoying your full confidence, will speak on your behalf this time, too, and that those commitments that he can give during our negotiations with him will be fully supported by you.

I share your opinion that the current explosive situation in the Middle East requires serious attention from both you and us. I, like you, believe that it will take our great personal efforts to work out such a radical solution that would bring lasting peace to the Middle East and would meet the interests of all the peoples of the region. This, I think, will also require a certain determination and consistency, including in our relations with other countries, in carrying out the agreement that we reach. We are ready for this.

Sincerely,

L. Brezhnev

20 October 1973

L I.. Brezhnev made the following postscript:

“V.P. Brezhneva expresses gratitude for the words of greetings and, for her part, sends her best wishes to Mrs. Nixon and to you personally.”

General Scowcroft said he would immediately pass the text of the letter to the President.

SOVIET CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES IN THE US

(YU. VORONTSOV)

RECORD OF A CONVERSATION

with Kissinger’s Deputy, SCOWCROFT

20 October 1973

I visited General Scowcroft in the White House and passed him a text with the following letter of L. I. Brezhnev to President Nixon:

“Dear Mr. President!

I received your letter when Mr. Kissinger had already arrived in Moscow and was in the guest house, and at this time I was waiting for him in the Kremlin for the first conversation. I would like to thank you for your kind message and the wishes expressed in it.

This is exactly how I understood that Mr. Kissinger, as your closest assistant, enjoying your full confidence, will speak on your behalf this time, too, and that those commitments that he can give during our negotiations with him will be fully supported by you.

I share your opinion that the current explosive situation in the Middle East requires serious attention from both you and us. I, like you, believe that it will take our great personal efforts to work out such a radical solution that would bring lasting peace to the Middle East and would meet the interests of all the peoples of the region. This, I think, will also require a certain determination and consistency, including in our relations with other countries, in carrying out the agreement that we reach. We are ready for this.

Sincerely,

L. Brezhnev

20 October 1973

L I.. Brezhnev made the following postscript:

“V.P. Brezhneva expresses gratitude for the words of greetings and, for her part, sends her best wishes to Mrs. Nixon and to you personally.”

General Scowcroft said he would immediately pass the text of the letter to the President.

SOVIET CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES IN THE US

(YU. VORONTSOV)