Riad tells Brezhnev about Egypt's attempts to use Arab unity to end recent conflicts with Israel. Riad emphasizes Egypt's aim to stay away from concessions to the Israeli government and stresses the United States's pro-Israel stance.
September 25, 1969
Letter, L.I. Brezhnev to Gamal Abdel Nasser
This document was made possible with support from Blavatnik Family Foundation
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ARAB SOCIALIST UNION
Gamal Abdel NASSER
Dear friend,
I and my comrades in the CPSU CC Politburo have read with Prof. Ye. I. Chazov the fraternal message which you sent on the 20th of this September.
We deeply regret that circumstances do not allow you to come to the Soviet Union for treatment and rest. We will be glad to receive you with all hospitality as soon as you receive the opportunity to make the trip.
We well understand your statements concerning the recent slanderous campaign of the imperialists against the UAR. That’s how we imagined the sense of this malicious campaign. Please don’t be concerned, we do not believe a single word since we know what kind of provocateurs and enemies of the Arabs they are.
The leadership of the Soviet Union took your thoughts about the vitality of the relations of friendship and all-round cooperation which have developed between the Soviet Union and the United Arab Republic with great satisfaction. We completely share this opinion of yours and think that our firm friendship is a powerful factor in the common fight against imperialism and reaction. The CPSU CC Politburo highly values friendship with the Arab countries, and with the United Arab Republic first of all, which for a number of years has stood steadfastly at the head of the progressive Arab countries.
We deeply understand the entire significance of that role which you, dear friend, personally play in the world liberation movement. Your merits are highly appreciated by the peoples who associate with your name the outstanding successes of the fight against imperialism, for national independence, and for thes progress and freedom of the Arab countries. No one will be able to shake those deep, sincere feelings which the Soviet people and [their] leaders have toward you, the friendly UAR, and its people.
From the bottom of our hearts we wish you a speedy recovery. Pass sincere greetings and best wishes to your friends.
See you soon.
With fraternal greetings
L. BREZHNEV
[25 September] 1969
Brezhnev assures Nasser that the friendship between the Soviet Union and Egypt is a powerful factor in the fight against imperialism in the wake of a slanderous campaign waged against Egypt.
Author(s):
Associated Topics
Associated Places
Associated People & Organizations
Subjects Discussed
Related Documents
Document Information
Source
RGANI, f. 80, op. 1, d. 602, ll. 175. Contributed by Sergey Radchenko and translated by Angela Greenfield.
Original Archive
Rights
The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.
To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at HAPP@wilsoncenter.org.
Original Uploaded Date
2025-02-26
Type
Letter
Language
Record ID
300535