Page:Kissinger's Trip (4) - November 25-29, 1974(Gerald Ford Library)(1553937).pdf/24

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Kissinger:
play a strategic role in which you and I agree. -- if at the same time they are demoralized by economic pressures which are beyond their capacity to solve. This is why we are in the forefront.
On the Middle East, I have explained to you our tactics which are complicated. I agree with you that unless there is a fundamental solution, a tactical solution is not going to be permanent. So, on this we are agreed, and I have explained to you what our strategy will be and their strategy will lead inexorably to a radical solution. The Vice Premier knows himself, his own experience in political and military warfare that if one accumulates enough minor changes, sooner or later a fundamental change becomes _____.
As for Cyprus and the Middle East and the Soviet role, the Soviet Union will not be able to create anything. It can only make noise. We would prefer not to be in the forefront on these issues, and in Cyprus we tried to push Britain into the forefront and that produced its own complications. As to firing cannons, we recognize the necessity and we have our own tunnels and you will consider that you should not hit your own fortifications.
Teng:
They haven't.
Kissinger:
I am not saying they have, so we rely on you for this.