Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

215. Memorandum From the Presidentʼs Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon¹

Washington, September 2, 1972.

SUBJECT

• Letter from President Ceausescu

President Ceausescu has written you expressing his “entire satisfaction”² about the state of US-Romanian relations. He cites recent improvements, such as the US-Romanian Consular Convention, our extension of EX–IM credit, and increased exchanges of persons. He thanks you for your personal interest in relations with Romania. (Tab A)³

Citing his talks with Secretary Rogers in Bucharest July 6,⁴ Ceausescu reiterates that he recognizes the “positive significance” of the agreements which you made in Moscow but says that they should be part of a “general trend” toward “new and fair” relations among all states based on “generally shared” principles of international law. He adds that he is thus particularly satisfied with your view, which is expressed in your letter of June 28 (Tab B)⁵ and lifted verbatim by Ceausescu in his response, that “… nations have equal rights, including the right to develop their own internal and external policies, and that all nations have important contributions to make to world peace.”

With this passage in his letter, President Ceausescu is in effect saying to you: “The ultimate test of the success of your Moscow Summit is whether the Soviets now leave us alone.”

Other, minor, points in the letter:

• —Ceausescu believes that conditions are favorable to a quick settlement of Vietnam in the Paris negotiations;
• —he feels it very important to make new efforts in the Middle East;
• —he wants the establishment of a “lasting system” of security and cooperation in Europe and a CSCE to that end, which will be a “landmark.”

He looks forward to US-Romanian cooperation on a CSCE—an evident reference to plans for informal discussions this fall between our foreign ministries on the conference.

There is no need for any action on your part at this time.⁶

1. Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Box 761, Presidential Correspondence, 1969–1974, Romania Ceausescu Corres. Confidential. Sent for information. A notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
2. Nixon wrote “good” above “entire satisfaction.”
3. The letter is attached but not printed.
4. See Document 213.
5. See footnote 2, Document 212.
6. Nixon wrote at the bottom of the second page: “K: Should reply to his letter—expressing ‘positive’ reaction to extent possible and warm personal comments re constructive role he has played in bringing about better East-West relations.” On September 20 Kissinger forwarded such a draft letter to Nixon. The President signed the letter, dated September 21. A note attached to the signed letter reads: “Letter delivered to Romanian Embassy. No copy of original to go to State.” (National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Box 761, Presidential Correspondence, 1969–1974, Romania Ceausescu Corres.)