Kissinger: That is what we tentatively thought about.
[The President explains to Schecter that Brezhnev had sent a note disclosing that Simas Kudirka, the Lithuanian defector, was being allowed to emigrate to the U. S. as a favor to Ford. Secretary Kissinger reads to Schecter the note which Brezhnev sent. [Tab A]
Kissinger: I will ask Dobrynin how it should be handled.
On the Congress: We are having a paper prepared on Foreign Assistance in three parts: Military aid for Vietnam; Economic aid for Vietnam; and all other amendments which restrict your authority.
Without massive effort on your part, we are in trouble on Vietnam. If we don't do enough, it doesn't matter how much too little. North Vietnam seems undecided. You might want to consider meeting with the Congressional leaders next week. We are in trouble both with the restrictions and the dollar amounts. There are restrictions which would hurt Greece and Turkey also.
That gets me to Cyprus. My view is we should keep the British in the game but not let them run away like the last time. Bhutto fell through [as an intermediary]. The French visited Ankara, but...
[Mr. Schecter leaves.]
Kissinger: It is working out well - every other attempt at mediation is failing. Karamanlis is moving to us. The main problem is Mavros. I sent Tyler out there and he is going to see Karamanlis on Monday or Tuesday. He should layout on what terms we can be helpful.
The Turks must permit some refugees to return. That is clear. And there has to be some force reduction, and some pullback.
President: Will the Turks give that much?
Kissinger: It will take a massive effort. That is why I don't want to needle the Turks now.
We should sell our involvement for Greek moderation -- because we will have to really squeeze Turkey.
The more the Europeans act like scavengers the better off we will be because they can't deliver. The Congress is now trying to force an aid cut-off to Turkey. That would be very bad.
SECRET/SENSITIVE/XGDS
