Israel now would go to war first before dealing with Syria. So we have to keep Syria quiet. We made good progress yesterday. I vaguely presented some ideas: That the next move couldn't get to the final borders; there would have to be another move in Egypt and Jordan -- and I throw in Syria.
You could say you would support another move in the Golan. There is another line half way down the Golan. The problem is the Israeli settlements.
The President: That is tragic.
Kissinger: Yes, but it is unbelievable they should have put settlements there. You don't want to take this on now, though.
The President: Will Syria wait?
Kissinger: You wouldn't be proud of my morals. He must take back that you will support another move. He went on television saying they would be patient. The Syrians are honest romantics if they are not cornered.
The President: Will they keep it quiet?
Kissinger: Yes. I have told Dinitz...
The President: Have you said we wouldn't go back to 1967?
Kissinger: This is a very difficult point. I have bobbed and weaved all over the place on this. We can't be pinned down. Say you understand their position. We are for a just peace. They are not likely to consider as a just peace one which doesn't restore the borders.
You know Nixon didn't like confrontations. Asad really launched on him and Nixon in the heat of the argument promised the 1967 borders.
The President: Where is the 1967 border?
Kissinger: Here. Redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text - redacted text
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