because of our domestic situation at that time. We are regaining this ground, although for various reasons we are now using spectacular methods.
Vice Premier Teng: I have also noticed your comment on the Rabat Conference.
Secretary Kissinger: Public comment? Here?
Vice Premier Teng: The comment you made here.
Secretary Kissinger: Oh yes, I remember.
Vice Premier Teng: I am afraid if you adopt an antagonistic attitude toward the Rabat Conference, it will not be conducive to your relations with the Arabs.
Secretary Kissinger: We will not adopt an antagonistic attitude. It is a question of timing.
Vice Premier Teng: The Arab question is not a question that can be solved in a few months. It will have to go on for a long period.
Secretary Kissinger: Therefore it is important to pick the right time. But you should remember the following principle, no matter how many cannons have to be fired: The United States will not yield to pressure in the Middle East, especially Soviet pressure. No diplomatic progress can be made without the United States. Therefore, everyone who wants progress in the Middle East will sooner or later have to come to the United States, no matter what they say in the interval. Thirdly, the United States is determined to bring about diplomatic progress, and it will succeed. The problem is how to do it so that we can handle our domestic situation in the meantime. But you will see on this matter that President Ford is determined.
We will keep you informed of our methods. But there will be ups and downs, especially when 15 Arabs get together in one room -- because they can't always make a distinction between epic poetry and foreign policy.
I must tell the Vice Premier something about the Arab mentality. After one consultation with the Israelis, we wrote a letter to all the Arab
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