335. Transcript of a Telephone Conversation Between Secretary of State Kissinger and the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Clements)1
[Omitted here is discussion unrelated to oil.]
K: We are going all out now with the Saudis. I worked it out with the King. We had to pick the right moment and we are going to send out a military mission and an economic mission and I thought you might want to go and head the military mission.
[Page 934]C: That is a very, very nice thought of yours and one that I am most grateful to you for it.
K: It may take us another three or four weeks to get it worked out. We don’t want to seem over anxious. The King liked the idea and we are now exploring it.
C: You said military and economic. I think that is marvelous and I am proud for you to get it done. I know how hard you worked on it. You worked your ass off.
K: We had to do it at the right moment.
C: Did you come away from the Saudi situation with a good feeling?
K: Oh, yes. I think they learned a good lessen on the embargo. They may put it on again but never again with the other Arab states.
C: Where their freedom of movement is restricted.
K: Right but I don’t think they will put it on again.
C: I hope not and I sincerely hope that between these visits you have been able to come up with Faisal with a good solid feel and working relationship with the man.
K: I have a good one with Faisal and a superb one with Fahd.
C: That may be even more important.
K: We will keep you posted but keep it quiet.
C: I will and I am most grateful to you. It is great for you to take the time out as busy as your schedule is and I appreciate it.
K: You were pushing me in this direction and we had to pick the right time but I think we have it now.
C: Marvelous and I will help in any way I can. You know that.
K: Thanks.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Telephone Conversation Transcripts, Box 25, Chronological Files. Unclassified.↩