NOVEMBER 3, 1973

LE MATIN

AMBASSADOR'S PRESS CONFERENCE

HEADLINE: IN A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN RABAT, THE NEW U.S.

AMBASSADOR: "MOROCCO CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF THE CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE-EAST".

The Palestinian question must be included in the
negociations.

TEXT: The new American Ambassador Mr Robert G. Neumann gave yesterday morning a press conference in the quarters of the American Cultural Center. This conference was attended by many representatives of the national and international press.

The U.S. diplomat expressed first his pleasure to be back in this country that he has already visited on several occasions as a tourist.

Before opening the press conference itself, Mr Neumann said he had worked himself as a journalist in the press and he declared:

"I arrived in Morocco at a delicate time, but also at time which might be considered as a basis for optimism and as a first step forward in the interest of world peace and a more specially for peace in the Middle-East. It is in fact in this context that the visit of our Secretary of State will take place. Mr Kissinger will be accompanied by several officials, including Mr Newsom, Mr Sisco and Mr McCloskey."

The American Ambassador stated that Mr Kissinger's trip was initially scheduled for China. The arrival in Peking was scheduled for November 10 and had been decided for a long time already. Mr Kissinger intended to go to the Middle-East later. However, because of the events, he changed his plans and decided to visit some countries of the Middle-East and North Africa to consult with the leaders of these countries, to know better the problems of the region, and to learn the viewpoints of these leaders, to be in a better position to contribute to the lasting peace that we want and which has been underlined in many declarations of President Nixon and Mr Kissinger.

To a question relative to the role that Morocco might play in the search of peace "though Morocco is not a country of the confrontation", the U.S. Ambassador declared:

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Page 2.

"We consider Morocco an important country of the Arab world. It is therefore normal that Mr Kissinger wants to be informed of His Majesty's point of view and get all possible contributions. Moroccan troops are on the battle field, which makes Morocco's point of view still more important."

Question about the interpretation of the "unconditional American military assistance to Israel", M. Nuemann said: I can't accept the formula of "unconditional" assistance of the United States. I can't, for reasons you may guess, go too far in questions which will be discussed at a higher level. However, I can say in a general way that we are looking for a real and lasting peace which can't be reached without assistance and comprehension from both sides. Furthermore, it belongs to the parties of the conflict themselves to realize that peace must be reached."

Answering a journalist who remarked that the U.S. position was close to the Israeli one in the interpretation of the resolution 242 of the United Nations, the U.S. Ambassador declared:

"The U.S. Government continues to accept as a basis for negotiations resolution 242. This position remains the basis of our policy and has not changed. Also, there is the resolution on the cease-fire which has been accepted by the parties of the conflict, by the Soviet Union and the United States. From this basis, it is to be hoped that the situation will develop toward negotiations which will be carried out by the parties concerned. The place and the conditions of these negotiations will be of course determined by the parties themselves. I believe this and, it is my impression, that this is also the Soviet Union's will. If we succeed in creating valid conditions for these negotiations in the most favorable circumstances, we will be ready to contribute. But the final solution must come from the desire of the two parties."

When asked about any solutions that the Ambassador could see to the Palestinian problem in the framework of an agreement between Israel and the Arab countries, Mr Nuemann declared:

"I don't want to go into the details of this questions, The U.S. is aware of the fact that the Palestinian question is one of the important problems which must be included in the negotiations. But I must underline that we have not yet reached the point where we can determine the context, the participants, the place and the form of these negotiations. We are now - in the diplomatic sense- at the phase where we want to do something, W where we want to help the development of the situation. I can't tell you then how this question will be introduced, but anyway, the Middle-East problem cannot be treated without taking into consideration the Palestinian question."

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Question about the "Bitterness" felt in the U.S. about the relations between the U.S. and Europe, especially the relations between the U.S. and West Germany, and if the Middle-East events will have an influence on the American policy concerning the Western, Atlantic or even Mediterranean partners, Mr Neumann said:

"In recent declarations made in the U.S. and in Europe as well, some differences were in fact noted concerning certain points. It is understandable that in a crisis where everything moves so fast, some lack of communications may occur. We remain deeply attached to our European friends, and we hope to overcome any misunderstanding which might occur. We realize that the Middle-East problem are not only important for the Middle-East itself, but for the U.S. and Europe as well. But I think personally that the Middle-East question are complicated enough without trying to enter into the problem of the Atlantic partnership."

Asked about "until what limit could the U.S. have gone in a confrontation with Soviet Union" the U.S. Ambassador declared:

"I don't think any American official used the word "confrontation". However, the American Secretary of State characterized the Soviet position and attitude as "Responsible". We consider that everybody acts in a responsible and healthy way, and our government as well as Mr Brejnev, grant a very high importance to the search of good relations in the interest of the world peace."

Mr Neumann answered afterwards a question about the limit until which the U.S. would have sacrificed their interests in the Arab countries for the benefit of their interests for Israel: "In the interest of peace, declared the Ambassador. It is important for all of us and for yourself, not to add to the crisis and to the difficulty which exist, but to bring some contribution through responsible words serving the solution. Let us look forward to the future rather than to the past. Let us look together for the establishment of this comprehension of the extremely human and complex problems we have to face, to reach this lasting peace."

About the way the US considers this "lasting peace",
Mr Neumann said:

"This is a premature question. We have not reached the phase where such a question is being discussed. We are now at the diplomatic phase where we contribute to the creation of context where negotiations can start. At the present phase, it is useless to talk about plans or concrete ideas. The Secretary of State will probably discuss these questions, since he wants to know His Majesty's and other Arab leaders' points of view about the matter. Concrete ideas must come from negotiations which, we hope, will start soon."

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Page 4.

Questioned about the veracity of certain information according
to which Syria refused to receive Mr Kissinger, the Ambassador
x declared: "The State Department spokesman denied firmly this
information. He also stated that the Syrian Vice-
Minister of Foreign Affairs had been invited to go to Washington.
He is attending now the U.N. meetings in New York.

As a last question the Ambassador was asked to give some
outline of the American-Moroccan relations, concerning the American
participation in the development of the country: "The U.S.
attaches great importance to the relations, both political and
economical, with Morocco. We have old and friendly relations with
this country. We want to do everything within our power to continue
wx and improve these relations. We probably have much more to say
to each other on the political plan and Mr Kissinger's visit
starts in good conditions.

As to the economic assistance, we were briefed on the
development plan established by the Moroccan officials. I started
in Washington, to study that plan and we hope to bring a contribu-
tion which will assist Morocco in the context of what this
country wishes."

NOVEMBER 3, 1973

L'OPINION

AMBASSADOR'S PRESS CONFERENCE

HEADLINE

HEADLINE: PRESS CONFERENCE YESTERDAY IN RABAT OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR.

"MANY QUESTIONS FEW ANSWERS"

Under this headline _L'OPINION_ gave the same report as _LE MATIN_.

ARTICLE PUBLIE PAR

L'OPINION DU 3 NOVEMBRE 1973

Conférence de presse hier à Rabat du nouvel ambassadeur américain
au Maroc

Beaucoup de questions
mais peu de réponses

Le nouvel ambassadeur des Etats Unis à Rabat M. Robert G. Neumann a donné hier matin une conférence de presse au slège du Centre Culturel Américain en présence de nombreux représentants de la presse nationale et internationale.

Le diplomate américain a tout d'abord exprimé sa joie de se retrouver au Maroc qu'il a déjà visité à plusieurs fois en tant que touriste.

Avant de se mettre à la disposition des journalistes, l'ambassadeur américain qui a précisé qu'il est lui-même un ancien journaliste, a déclaré : « Je suis arrivé au Maroc à un moment délicat mais aussi à un moment qui donne peut-être une base pour un certain optimisme et pour un pas en avant dans l'intérêt de la paix mon-

NOVEMBER 3, 1973

MAROC SOIR

BEFORE THE ARRIVAL IN MOROCCO OF MR. KISSINGER

The importance of the Moroccan point of view toward the settlement of the Middle-East crisis.

Underline in a Press Conference by the new American Ambassador.

Same text of the press conference report carried by LE MATIN.

NOVEMBRE 3, 1973

AL ALAM

OUR OPINION: From Balfour to Kissinger "Following is partial translation of a commentary published as part of PLO special page in AL ALAM:

Yesterday marked the 56th anniversary of Balfour declaration. It came at a time some Arab capitals prepare to receive the American Secretary of State Mr Henry Kissinger, who succeeded Mr William Rogers. It is necessary to point-out here that Mr Rogers advanced a plan for "peace" between the Arabs and Israel. It resulted in stopping the war of attrition on the Suez canal. And it was followed by September massacre in Jordan.

What does Mr Kissinger carry in his brief-case? The American history is full of antagonistic attitudes to the Palestinian people and the Arab nation. As an example we cite the American stance toward Balfour declaration. The declaration received written official and public approval by former American president Wilson originator of the famed principles upon which the League of Nations was founded. It received the approval despite the fact it contradicts article 20 of the League's charter which prescribed that member nations have no right to enter into commitments which are incommensurate with the provisions of the charter. During 1942 one third of the members of the American Congress signed a statement which called for formation of a Jewish army to enable Zionism to implement Balfour declaration. And during 1944 the parliaments of 33 states out of 48 American states approved recommendations which supported the Zionist demands. We will not list the subsequent attitudes which supported Zionism and were antagonistic to the Arabs in the political, military and or economic fields. It is our opinion that everyone throughout the world knows them.

What does Mr Kissinger want? Undoubtedly, he seeks to obtain the highest possible concessions from the Arabs as well as the greatest possible guarantees to preserve and strengthen Israel.

What will the Arab rulers tell Mr Kissinger? We do not know what they will say. But, we know what the Arab masses would say if they were consulted or able to express their view... They will say they want full liberation of the Arab territories... They will refuse the presence of Zionism and imperialism on their lands. They will say we stand with the Palestinian revolution in the struggle

for the唇亡唇亡

.../...

NOVEMBRE 3, 1973

LE MATIN

Under the title: "THE SPANISH NEWSPAPER "A.B.C." COMMENTS ON MR. KISSINGER'S VISIT TO RABAT. MOROCCO PREACHES A CLEAR POLICY OF ARAB SOLIDARITY", the Moroccan daily _LE MATIN_ (Pro. Govt.) gives some exerpts of the article:

It is a caracteristic detail of diplomatic subtlety which led President Nixon to choose Rabat as the first stop of the forthcoming visit of Mr Kissinger tour. Morocco, which call for a clear policy of solidarity with Arab countries has always offered an example of political balance and moderation, avoiding the extension of the conflict and suggesting every day new formulas of peace.

Mr Kissinger will have contacts at the highest level and Morocco in the only country of the Maghreb which will be visited by the American Secretary of State, who will also have frank talks with King Hassan II, who enjoys an abvious autority in the U.S.. The announcement of Mr Kissinger visit to Morocco was welcomed here with great satisfaction."

Al-Alam

Nov.3,1973

Before the visit of Mr. Kissinger to Morocco the American Ambassador declares: The Palestine Problem must be tabled during the negotiations.

The newly appointed American Ambassador to Morocco Mr. Robert Neumann yesterday held a news conference at USIS auditorium. At the beginning of the conference the Ambassador announced that the "visit of Mr. Kissinger to Morocco and a number of other Arab states falls within the framework of American consultations aimed at finding out the Arab governments views for formulation of a common peace settlement in the Middle East"

In reply to a question concerning the "role which Morocco could play in establishment of that peace" the Ambassador said "Morocco could contribute toward restoration of peace in the Middle East region because it is one of the important states in the Arab world and especially because it maintains troops in Syria and Egypt. This calls for consultations with Morocco to become acquainted with the view point of its Monarch."

Answering a question by Al-Alam's reporter concerning "America's bias toward the Israeli policy and providing unconditional military assistance to Israel" the Ambassador said "I do not agree to the expression " unconditional assistance" and I can not, for reasons known to you, to discuss this issue in depth. but, it will be discussed on a higher level." The Ambassador added "however, I can say that reaching a solution to the conflict can not be achieved by any way other than assistance and understanding on the part of the concerned parties. In addition the conflicting parties themselves must reach the desired results leading to peace"

Asked about his opinion concerning the suitable settlement for the Palestine problem within the possible agreement between Israel and the Arab states the American Ambassador said "I do not want to deep into the problem. The U.S. realises that the Palestine problem is considered among the important questions which must be within those matters requiring negotiations. However, I am to point out that we haven't reached a stage where we could define the framework, the form and place of the projected negotiations and the parties which must participate therein"

The Ambassador replied to a question related to the Arab-American relations which "Washington administration sacrifices for the sake of doubted interests in Israel" The Ambassador said "Now, we must look to the future and search for durable peace. This represents the goal of Mr. Kissinger's visit to the Arab states and Israel during this phase of negotiations with all the concerned parties."

The American Ambassador affirmed that "the American administration continues to support UNSC resolution No. 242 as basis for negotiations..."

Concerning the Moroccan-American relations the Ambassador said that his government "gives utmost interest to developing her relations with Morocco in the political and economic fields. The fact that Dr. Kissinger begins

Al-Anba

Nov. 3,1973

The first meeting between the
**American Ambassador and the press**

- I arrived in sensitive circumstances characterized by optimism.

- The Moroccan-American relations have always been cordial and America hopes for their development and strengthening.

- It is not possible to find a solution without settling the Palestine problem.

Yesterday and at the auditorium of USIS the newly appointed American Ambassador Mr. Robert Neumann held his first news conference. It was attended by a number of representatives of the nationalist and foreign press. The conference amounted to a private meeting during which the newsmen became acquainted with the new Ambassador, who insisted on them to respect their way of writing his name. He said he was an old colleague because he used to write a column for an American newspaper.

After asking to put-off the lights which the photographers used to shoot their pictures the Ambassador said the lights prevented him from seeing his colleagues, and added he arrived in Morocco during difficult period resultant of the Middle East war. But, they were characterized by a kind optimism in finding a just solution to the Middle East problem. The Ambassador added that Dr. Kissinger's visit to some African and Arab states fall within this framework. He announced that the visit will enable Dr. Kissinger to listen to the views of H.M. King Hassan II concerning the Middle East crisis.

He discussed the Moroccan-American relations and said that those relations have always been cordial and America hope they would develop and become stronger.

In reply to a question concerning the role which Morocco could play in the search for a settlement to the Middle East crisis, although it is not among the states of the region, the American Ambassador said we consider Morocco among the important states in the Arab world. Because there were Moroccan forces on the battle front the view point of Morocco becomes important.

In answer to a question about the unconditional assistance which the U.S. gives to Israel, Mr. Neumann said, "I reject the expression unconditional assistance which the U.S. gives to Israel. I can not for reasons known to you to go deeply into this problem which will be discussed on a higher level. However, I say we are seeking a suitable and durable peace. It can not be achieved except through assistance and understanding on the part of all the parties. In addition the conflicting parties themselves must derive the desired results leading to peace. We have to work for creation of the suitable atmosphere.

When asked about the role of the Palestinians in the discussions

- 2 -

for finding a permanent settlement for the Middle East crisis Mr. Neumann
said he can not go deeply into this problem because he is unaware of
the framework of the discussions. And added that his country takes into
consideration the importance of this point. The Ambassador said that
no solution was possible without the Palestinians.

The Ambassador replied to a question related to the American-
European relations which were shaken because of the attitudes adopted
by America without taking into consideration the views of her European
allies. The Ambassador replied it was difficult to answer this
question. What happened is that the American-European relations witnessed
some decrease. We admit that the Middle East problem is important to both
America and Europe. He added that his country will continue her links with
the Europeans.

In reply to a question as to what extent would the U.S. sacrifice
her interests in the Arab countries for the sake of Israel the American
Ambassador said there was no need to complicate the current problem. We
have to search for an atmosphere of reconciliation and understanding in
order to establish durable peace. The goal of Mr. Kissinger is to listen
to the views of some Arab heads-of-state as well as African states
concerning finding a resolution to the Middle East crisis.

The Ambassador answered a question as to how would the U.S.
contribute to finding a settlement. He said: We are not within the
diplomatic activities and there is no need to talk about plans. Mr.
Kissinger will discuss these plans in greater detail during his talks
with H.M. King Hassan II.

In reply to a question by a newsman who made the point that the
U.S. attitude greatly likens that of Israel in relation to the
interpretation of UNSC resolution No. 242 at a time the Arab states
were determined to force Israel to withdraw from the occupied lands
the Ambassador said that the U.S. administration has always accepted
resolution No. 242 as basis for negotiations. And that his country did not
change her policy in this respect. There is also the ceasefire resolution
which must be taken into consideration. The ceasefire was accepting by
the warring parties, as well as the USSR and the United States. This
serving as a starting point the situation could develop through
negotiations which we hope would be settled between the directly concerned
parties. The concerned parties will agree over the place and conditions
for those negotiations. I believe this is also the desire of the USSR.
If we are able to create the suitable atmosphere we are prepared to
contribute toward that end. However, adequate results cannot be
achieved without a desire on the part of both parties to the conflict.
In connection with the confrontation-into which the U.S. could have slipped-
with the USSR the American Ambassador said I do not believe that an
American official used the term confrontation. On the contrary the
American Secretary of State described the Soviet stand as responsible.
We consider that all act in a responsible and sound way as is the case
with my government. Mr. Brehznev attaches great significance to
continuing the detente which serves the cause of world peace.

FK.

NOVEMBER 4, 1973

MAROC SOIR

E D I T O R I A L :

"THE AMERICAN - ARAB MISUNDERSTANDING"

"THE ROLE PRESENTLY PLAYED BY THE UNITED STATES TO REACH A SETTLEMENT OF THE MIDDLE-EAST CRISIS, THE OBVIOUS GOOD WILL OF WASHINGTON TOWARD ARAB COUNTRIES, THE PRESSURES EXERTED BY THE WHITE HOUSE UPON THE ZIONIST STATE, REPRESENT EVIDENT FACTORS OF AN IMPROVEMENT IN AMERICAN-ARAB RELATIONS."

"Since the end of world war one in 1919, after President M Wilson's famous declaration, the United States enjoyed great prestige among Arab countries.

"This influence was further reinforced by a cultural influence, due largely to the university of Beirut.

"Then came World War II and President Roosevelt appeared as the champion of anti-colonialism, with the Atlantic charter proclaiming self-determination rights. At that time, the Arab world enjoyed a favorable reputation in the United States.

"The American support for the Arab cause was again obvious at the United Nations when Palestine was divided into two separate states. It is in fact with constraint that President Truman approved the decision.

"At that time Zionism was not enjoying in the United States the same strong supports it later won. When Eisenhower succeeded Truman, American policy still remained pro-arab. Of course, some american leaders felt anxious about the vaccuum left in the Middle-East by the British withdrawal.

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Page 2.

"One of the constant factors of American policy was to build up in the Middle-East a strong bastion free of Soviet influence; Then, the U.S. looked for an ally: they chose Egypt, the strongest one of the region.

"The first misunderstanding occurred between President Nasser and John Foster Dulles. Nasser, who was concerned about the expansionist intentions of the Zionist State asked the U.S. for arms. But Mr Dulles, who received the request favorable, answered however that arms could only be delivered to an ally. Mr Dulles envisioned at that time the creation of a sort on Nato of the Middle-East... Against Soviet Union.

"Nasser then asked the Soviet Union for arms, and a first Egyptian-Russian agreement was signed in 1955.

"Refusing to get engaged directly, the U.S., which wanted to preserve a balance in the Middle-East, encouraged the British and the French to deliver arms to Tel-Aviv.

"Then the difficulties of constructing the Aswan Dam occurred. Nasser was told by the U.S. that this means could not afford him to reimburse such a venture.

"I am going to find the means, answered Nasser: and he nationalized the Suez Canal.

"Then the Zionist aggression took place, supported by Great Britain and France. Everybody knows that the United States reacted immediately and that the Zionist troops had to evacuate the part of the Sinai they had occupied.

"But the divorce became unavoidable in 1967, when Egypt signed treaty with the Soviet Union for the construction of the Aswan dam. The United States then turned toward Israel.

"TODAY, AS WE HAVE ALREADY SAID, WE ARE WITNESSING A NEW AMERICAN REACTION. FOR PRESIDENT NIXON, AN IMPORTANT FACTOR REMAINS: AVOID A STRONG SOVIET PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE-EAST; AND, FOR THE U.S., THE BEST MEANS CONSISTS IN AVOIDING A ZIONIST DEFEAT, BECAUSE THAT WOULD MEAN A SOVIET VICTORY. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT WORRY FOR THE UNITED STATES NOW, IS TO

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Page 3.

RECOVER THE POSITION THEY HAD IN THAT REGION IN THE PAST.
TO HELP HIM IN REACHING THAT OBJECTIVE, PRESIDENT NIXON
FOUND A MAN WHO ALSO FEELS THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO SUCCEED:
MR KISSINGER.

"OF COURSE, NIXON AND KISSINGER HAVE DIFFERENT MOTIVATIONS,
BUT THESE DIFFERENCES BELONG TO THE POLITICAL BACKGROUND.
THE AMERICAN LAW, WHICH STATES THAT ANY PRESIDENT MUST BE
BORN IN THE UNITED STATES, WILL NEVER LET KISSINGER ENTER
THE WHITE HOUSE.

"NIXON AND KISSINGER HAVE ALL SORTS OF MEANS TO SUCCEED.

"FOR ITS SURVIVAL ISRAEL DEPENDS UPON ITS AMERICAN ALLY
(AS GOLDA MEIR SAID, ISRAEL HAS ONLY ONE FRIEND: THE UNITED
STATES.

"NEW PERSPECTIVES ARE NOW OPENING. THE MISUNDERSTANDING
WHICH BEGAN WITH ASWAN WILL PERHAPS TAKE END WITH MR KISSINGER'S
VISIT WHICH THE FIRST STOP IS RABAT."

ARTICLE PUBLIE PAR

DU 1973

## Editorial

# LE MALENTENDU AMÉRICANO-ARABE

Le rôle actuellement que jouent les Etats-Unis pour aboutir à un règlement au Proche-Orient, la bonne volonté évidente manifestée par Washington à l'égard des pays arabes, les pressions qui ont été exercées tant par la Maison Blanche que par le Département d'Etat pour fléchir l'intransigeance de l'Etat sioniste, sont autant de signes évidents d'une détente dans les relations américain-o-arabes.

Cette détente est d'autant plus souhaitable que la brouille qui a surgi a été provoquée par un malen-tendu qu'il n'est pas exagéré de qualifier de tragique car il a bouleversé de fond en comble les données du drame du Proche-Orient et précipité l'Etat sioniste dans les bras de l'Amérique.

Depuis la fin de la première guerre mondiale, et jusqu'à un passé récent, les Etats-Unis avaient pratiqué une politique pro-arabe. En 1919, quand le président Wilson publia sa fameuse déclaration, l'un des paragraphes demandait l'abolition des régimes coloniaux ce qui valut d'emblée un immense pres-tige aux Etats-Unis dans le monde et en particulier dans les pays arabes.

Cette influence morale fut renforcée par une in-fluence culturelle grâce en particulier à l'université américaine de Beyrouth où des milliers d'étudiants acquirent une formation qui devait faire d'eux de fu-turs leaders dans la politique, ou l'économie.

L'appui américain parût d'autant plus précieux que la fin de la première guerre mondiale n'avait ap-portedé que de cruelles déceptions aux Arabes. Libérés du joug de l'Empire ottoman, ils pensaient que les Alliés allaient tenir leurs promesses et reconnaitre leur indépendance. Ils ne firent que les placer sous leur tutelle, la France occupant la Syrie et le Liban, les Anglais tous les autres pays du Proche-Orient de l'Egypte au Golfe. Seule l'Arabie avait réussi à ar-racher son indépendance, pour des raisons aussi bien politique que religieuse, grâce aussi à l'action pré-pondérante prise par les armées du chérit de la Mec-que dans la lutte contre l'hégémonie turque. Mais à l'époque, on n'y avait pas encore trouvé de pétrole..

Les Etats-Unis avaient été évidemment pressentis pour une part du gâteau. Mais l'isolationnisme avait prévalu avec Wilson, et Washington avait refusé tout engagement ce qui n'avait fait qu'accroître le presti-ge américain.

Vint la deuxième guerre mondiale au cours de la-quelle le président Roosevelt qui se voulait le défen-seur de la liberté, condamna les régimes coloniaux et apparut comme le champion de l'anticolonialisme. Et en plein conflit, la Charte de l'Atlantique proclama

Ahmed ALAOUI

SUITE EN PAGE 2)

NY NOVEMBER 4, 1973

MAROC SOIR

FRONT PAGE (with Mr Kissinger's picture)

Mr Kissinger begins tomorrow, in Rabat, his tour of Arab capitals.

Announcing Mr Kissinger's forthcoming visit, Maroc Soir quotes today some declarations dxm made by the Secretary of State before his appointment as Chief of American Diplomacy.

"Our foreign policy will have no influence if other countries don't consider that it really reflects our national objectives. No foreign policy can't succeed if it only reflects the opinion of a small group, if it is born in some peoples: mind without being carried in everybody's heart."

"In our forthcoming mission we will need all our competent fellow citizens, whatever their political tendency is. It is now that we must specially reaffirm the basis of our national unity."

NOVEMBER 4, 1973

LE MATIN

FRONT PAGE HEALINE: INTENSE ARAB CONSULTATIONS.

Under the headline, *LE MATIN* carries the same report as *L'OPINION* about the various consultations between Arab leaders before Mr Kissinger's visit, with a view to study respective positions after the cease-fire.

This report underlines the point that the Palestinian problem remains at the front line of Arab preoccupations.

NOVEMBER 4, 1973

LE MATIN

MR. KISSINGER IN TUNIS

LE MATIN reports that Mr Kissinger will make a brief stop in Tunis in the afternoon of November 6.

NOVEMBER 4, 1973

L'OPINION

FRONT PAGE: 5 COLUMNS

HEADLINE: AT THE EVE OF MR. M KISSINGER'S VISIT THROUGH SEVERAL ARAB CAPITALS.

INTENSE DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITY IN CAIRO AND DAMASCUS WITH A VIEW TO PREPARE AN ARAB CONFERENCE WHICH MIGHT BE HELD IN ALGIER.

"Becoming suddenly the honest intermediary of the story, writes _L'OPINION_, Mr Nixon is ready to launch a diplomatic offensive in all directions, with Mr Kissinger as the Chief conductor.

Mr Kissinger's mission is going to take place at the moment when new rumors about a possible resumption of war make the world again feel anxious."

L'Opinion gives afterwards the ixm itinerary of Mr Kissinger's forthcoming tour.

NOVEMBER 4, 1973

L'OPINION

PRESIDENT SADAT AND AL ASSAD CONSULTED EACH OTHER TO AGREE ON
A COMMON POSITION BEFORE MR. KISSINGER'S ARRIVAL.

L'OPINION reports news from Damascus confirming the
meeting of the two Arab leaders organized before Mr Kissinger's
visit.

Also according to this same article, it will be confirmed
in Damascus that Mr Kissinger did not ask to go to the Syrian
capital."

Al-Alam

Nov.4,1973

Comment on the American
Ambassador's news conference

During the news conference held last Friday morning the newly appointed American Ambassador to Morocco Mr. Neumann replied to several questions related to the projected negotiations and the place which the Palestine problem would occupy in those negotiations. As part of the statements he said " the U.S. was aware that the Palestine problem was an important one which must take its share in the negotiations...I do not want to say how this problem would be handled. At any rate the Middle East problem can not be dealt with without taking this matter (Palestine) into consideration.

By so saying the American Ambassador- and he speaks in the name of the U.S. in Morocco- admits the importance of the Palestine problem in any settlement for the Middle East issue. If the U.S. has, at last, became convinced in the importance of this problem as far as peace in that region is concerned she would have to recognize the justice of this problem as well as the demands of the Palestinians. (T he Palestinians) demand their legitimate right for return to their lands and homes, their right as human beings to enjoy peace and security and building the future of their country in full freedom and free from persecution, deportation displacement and fear armed aggression against their citi/es and villages and the man who inhabited Palestine which belonged to their fathers and forefathers.

It could be that the U.S. has become convinced in these ideas, then the solution would be easy and establishment of peace would be easy in the most important strategic region of the world.

FK.

Al-Alam

Nov. 4, 1973

The diplomatic battle
succeeds the military one

Al-Alam editorialized on the coming diplomatic battle for settlement of the Middle East problem. The editorial says in part:

> ..A new battle swept all the parties whether concerned directly or indirectly. Thus the movements of the Arab heads-of-state and ministers increased within the region. Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian delegations traveled to Kuwait and Morocco and later America and Europe. The visit of the American Secretary of State begins tomorrow in Morocco and proceeds to Cairo, Amman and Riyadh.

These movements give the battle its diplomatic character. These movements are designed to handle the phase which follows the ceasefire, that is, direct or indirect negotiations for the implementation of UNSC resolution. The most important point it includes is withdrawal from the occupied lands and later discussing the problem within its general framework including the problem of Palestine which occupation was the direct reason for all the tension that engulfed the Middle East since a quarter of a century or more.... The Arabs have displayed their full preparedness to settle the problems.... but, Israel repeatedly affirmed that she won't be satisfied by anything other than continuation of occupation and aggression against Palestine and the neighboring Arab states, as was manifested in Mrs. Meir's Washington news conference.

Consequently, the battle is not an easy one. It includes the fanatic Israeli party and the foreign element. We know its intentions toward the Arab states as well as its material and moral assistance to Israel.... It also includes the international public opinion which began to feel the weight of the tragedy when the Arab states began to govern their oil production.

Consequently, we believe that the diplomatic battle is difficult because of the numerous slippery spots which surround it. It is not less difficult than the military battle witnessed by the M.E. during October. However, we believe that the Arabs will enter the new battle with the same efficiency and ability... and that they will preserve their unity.... This unity will make them achieve victory in the diplomatic battle as they did in the military one.

FK.

Al-Kawalis

Nov.3/4, 1973

Mr. Kissinger begins his search for
peace trip in Rabat.

In its last issue Al-Kawalis predicted an improvement in the Arab-American relations. The visit to Morocco by Mr. Kissinger who runs high chances of becoming the next president of the United States has been officially announced. Mr. Kissinger will arrive in Rabat Monday evening. He is expected to conduct talks with H.M. King Hassan II throughout Tuesday. The talks will be followed by a dinner party. After this party the Secretary departs for Cairo to meet with President Sadat Tuesday evening.

Thus Morocco has become one of the centers of power in the Arab World. Possibly, this position will qualify Morocco to shoulder great responsibilities during the coming juncture.

Incoming news reports indicate that the U.S. started to set-up conditions for her assistance to Israel. Perhaps Mr. Kissinger comes to Morocco to hear from the King facts which the Americans haven't known.

The repercussions of Morocco's military participation in the war were greater in America and Israel than at any other place. Also, Egypt must have won the respect of the whole world for her wise and firm policy especially that President Sadat has escaped the UNG trick.

Possibly, Mr. Kissinger carries important offers as far as Morocco, Egypt and Jordan are concerned. His meetings in Saudi-Arabia Syria and Iraq will not be more important than his talks with the Moroccan, Jordanian and Egyptian leaders.

Following her diplomatic and political defeat in the Middle East and Europe the U.S. feels forced to atone for her sins toward the Arab World. She will not forgive King Faysal the bitter blow he delivered to the U.S. especially that she thought he was under her influence. But, he adopted a stance which stunned the world and forced it down to its knees because of the might of the King's decisions. Previously the world lowered its head because of the Kuwaiti attitude.

In other words all the American calculations proved vainless as far as the Middle East was concerned. While they thought that the ideoligical strife was bound to intensify because of the tense situation it just disappeared. King Hussein reached a reconciliation with President Sadat. The Iraqi troops followed suit(and entered Syria.) The oil producing Arab states mobilized themselves on the side of the fighting forces on every front. Thus Mr. Kissinger has to visit Morocco and Cairo to save the situation.

The U.S. no longer talks to the Arabs in Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and or Syria in her capacity as the "savior-mother nation". The Arabs have become ready for any sacrifice The U.S. won't be able to