281. Editorial Note
Telegram 5017 to Cairo, March 7, 1966, transmitted the text of a letter from President Johnson to President Nasser replying to the message from the latter delivered by President of the UAR National Assembly Anwar al-Sadat (see Document 274). Johnson’s letter expressed the hope that continued diplomatic talks between the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia would make it possible to reach a solution to the Yemen problem and that Sadat’s visit would serve as the basis for continued improvement in relations between the United States and the United Arab Republic. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 7 UAR)
Telegram 5030 to Cairo, March 8, instructed Ambassador Battle to seek an early meeting with Nasser to deliver the letter and provide [Page 568] d talking points for the meeting. It instructed him to reiterate President Johnson’s feeling that continuing quiet dialogue was the best way to do business and it laid out points he should make concerning Yemen and Aden. (Ibid., POL UAR-US) Telegram 2388 from Cairo, March 20, reported a conversation that day between Battle and Nasser, primarily concerning Yemen and Aden. Battle noted that Nasser had not raised the subjects of U.S. arms sales to Israel or Israel’s nuclear potential. (Ibid.)