Western Europe Regional, 1973–1976
31. Transcript of Telephone Conversation Between President Nixon and the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Nixon and Kissinger discussed the U.S.–UK special relationship and the EC response to the Year of Europe.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, Kissinger Telephone Conversations, Box 21. No classification marking. The conversation ended at 3:26 p.m. Nixon was at Camp David; Kissinger was in Washington. (Ibid., White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary) During an August 9 talk on U.S.-French nuclear issues, Kissinger told Schlesinger: “The British are behaving shitty. If they know we have another option, they might buck up. The Brits helped draft the nuclear agreement and now won’t help defend it.” (Memorandum of conversation, August 9; Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 2) Kissinger engaged in detailed discussions with UK officials during the negotiation of the U.S.–USSR Agreement on the Prevention of Nuclear War. (Memorandum of conversation, March 5; National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 62, Country Files, Europe, General, UK Memcons (Originals), January–April 1973 (2 of 2); and Memorandum of conversation, April 19, ibid., January–April 1973 (1 of 2))
32. Message From British Prime Minister Heath to President Nixon
Summary: Heath discussed the state of U.S.-West European relations.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 431, Backchannel, HOTLINE CABOfc London 1972–. Secret; Immediate. The reference to Nixon’s message of August 3 is apparently a typographical error. Under cover of an August 3 memorandum, Sykes forwarded to Nixon an interim reply from Heath to Nixon’s July 26 message, in which Heath urged that they not permit “misunderstandings, on both sides of the Atlantic” to obscure their common goal “of reaffirming the purposes and vitality of the Atlantic relationship.” (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Kissinger-Scowcroft West Wing Office Files, Box 23, United Kingdom (9))
33. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger)
Summary: Sonnenfeldt relayed British and Danish reports on the September 10 EC Foreign Ministers meeting.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 409, Subject Files, Year of Europe (May–Aug 73) (1 of 1). Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. Sent for very urgent action. Attached but not published is Tab A, telegram 2179 from Copenhagen, September 10; and Tab B, a September 11 Washington Post story entitled, “EEC Aligns Goals for Nixon Visit.” In the margin next to the first paragraph of the “Comments” section, Kissinger wrote, “I wish to see it.” Kissinger initialed his approval of the first recommendation, writing in the margin, “Not before Sept 25.” Kissinger initialed his approval of the second recommendation. Kissinger added the phrase “and the kind of meeting” to the end of the third recommendation, to which he initialed his approval. Kissinger initialed his approval of the fourth recommendation. Kissinger added a fifth recommendation by hand: “5. That I also wish to meet all other available foreign ministers.”
34. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Andersen, Kissinger, and other Danish and American officials discussed the outcome of the September 10 EC Foreign Ministers meeting and the Year of Europe.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1027, Presidential/HAK Memoranda of Conversation, Memcons, April–Nov 1973, HAK + Presidential (2 of 5). Secret. The meeting took place in the U.S. Mission to the UN. Attached but not published is Tab A, a September 25 paper that is marked, “Danish presentation (Not a 9-paper).”
35. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Jobert and Kissinger discussed the outcome of the September 10 EC Foreign Ministers meeting and next steps in the Year of Europe.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Top Secret Files 1970–1973, Entry 1613, Box 25, Miscellaneous Refiles. Top Secret; Sensitive. Drafted by Stoessel. The meeting took place in Kissinger’s apartment at the Waldorf Towers. In a September 26 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt offered his initial reaction to the French draft of a NATO declaration, suggesting that Kissinger “could tell Jobert tonight, that the defense language looks like a pretty good basis for proceeding and that overall we welcome the spirit of his paper.” (Ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1336, NSC Secretariat, NSC Unfiled Materials, 1973, (11 of 12))
36. Memorandum From Helmut Sonnenfeldt of the National Security Council Staff to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Sonnenfeldt discussed the relationship between the United States and Western Europe in the context of the October 1973 Middle East war.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1335, NSC Secretariat, NSC Unfiled Materials, 1973 (3 of 12). Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for urgent attention.
37. Telegram 214396 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany
Summary: Nixon responded to a message from Brandt concerning U.S.-West European relations in the aftermath of the October 1973 Middle East war.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 688, Country Files, Europe, Germany (Bonn) Oct 73–Dec 31, 73 (Feb 73–Dec 31, 73) (1 of 1). Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted in the White House; cleared by Springsteen and Gammon; and approved by Eagleburger. On October 26, Schlesinger, McCloskey, and Nixon publicly criticized the lack of West European support for the United States during the Middle East crisis; both Schlesinger and McCloskey made specific reference to the independent stance adopted by West Germany. (New York Times, October 27, 1973)
38. Summary of a Paper Prepared in the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs and the Policy Planning Staff
Summary: The paper is on U.S. relations with Western Europe requested by Kissinger.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Policy Planning Council, Policy Planning Staff, Director’s Files (Winston Lord), 1969–1977, Entry 5027, Box 346, Nov. 1973. Confidential. Attached but not published is the remainder of the 33-page paper. Sent to Kissinger under cover of a November 19 memorandum from Stoessel and Lord, in which they note that the paper was prepared in response to his request for an analysis of U.S.-West European relations. Kissinger requested this paper at an October 25 staff meeting. (Ibid., Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, Entry 5177, Box 1, Secretary’s Staff Meeting, October 25, 1973)
39. Memorandum Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research
Summary: The memorandum analyzed U.S. pressure points on Western Europe.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 13, Misc. Docs, Tels, Etc., 1975, Folder 5. Secret; Sensitive. Drafted by David E. Mark in INR.
40. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Douglas-Home, Jobert, and Scheel discussed U.S.-West European relations.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Kissinger-Scowcroft West Wing Office Files, Box 24, United Kingdom (12). Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Stoessel.
41. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon
Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report from Kissinger on his first day in Brussels, where he was attending a NATO Ministerial meeting.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mid East, Dec 8–22, 1973, State Cables, Memos & Misc (TS/SENS, Eyes Only, Codeword 2 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
42. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon
Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report from Kissinger on the first meeting of the North Atlantic Council.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mid East, Dec 8–22, 1973, State Cables, Memos & Misc (TS/SENS, Eyes Only, Codeword 2 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
43. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon
Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report from Kissinger on his final day in Brussels, where he was attending a NATO Ministerial meeting.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mid East, Dec 8–22, 1973, State Cables, Memos & Misc (TS/SENS, Eyes Only, Codeword 2 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. In telegram 14669 from London, December 13, the Embassy reported on Kissinger’s meeting with the EC Foreign Ministers in Brussels: “Session was characterized by very friendly, constructive atmosphere. In discussions of US/EC declaration, Secretary noted discussions to date have become overtly legalistic and he suggested for consideration that possibility of shorter draft emphasizing general principles and employing more eloquent language might be desirable. Several other ministers supported this suggestion and also thought it would be useful to consider new methods by which to carry on intensified consultation between US and EC.” (Ibid., State Cables, Memos & Misc.)
44. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon
Summary: Scowcroft summarized Kissinger’s address to the NATO Ministerial meeting.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 265, Agency Files, NATO Oct 73–Dec 73, Vol. XVI (2 of 3). Confidential. Sent for information. Attached but not published is Tab A, a paper entitled, “Secretary Kissinger’s Address Before the North Atlantic Council—December 10, 1973.” A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
45. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon
Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report on Kissinger’s consultations in London.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mid East, Dec 8–22, 1973, State Cables, Memos & Misc (TS/SENS, Eyes Only, Codeword 2 of 2). Top Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. In a November 29 message to Kissinger, Douglas-Home addressed Kissinger’s dissatisfaction with U.S.–UK and U.S.-West European relations. After discussing UK policies regarding NATO and the Middle East, as well as the Year of Europe and the EC, and stressing the need for consultation, Douglas-Home concluded that, “though frustrations abound, there is really nothing in my view which justifies the fear that United States / British relations are ‘collapsing.’” He also saw no reason why the U.S. and UK should not be able “to restore the old intimacy.” (Ibid., RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 3, NODIS Letters HAK 1973–1977, Folder 2)
46. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for International Economic Affairs (Flanigan) to President Nixon
Summary: Flanigan discussed the U.S.–EC Article XXIV: 6 negotiations.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, White House Special Files, Staff Member & Office Files, President’s Office Files, President’s Handwriting File, Box 24, December 16–31, 1973. No classification marking. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, a December 14 STR paper entitled, “Options for EC–US Negotiations Under GATT Article XXIV–6;” and Tab B, an undated paper entitled, “Substance of Draft Statement on EC Negotiations.” A stamped notation on Flangian’s memorandum indicates the President saw it. Nixon initialed his approval of both recommendations. In telegram 233 from the Mission to the EC, January 14, 1974, the Mission reported that “Soames was dismayed over the size of the US request list.” EC Deputy Director General Hijzen agreed to restart the Geneva negotiations “but, in view of the wide gulf between the parties, he did not know on what basis negotiations could move ahead.” (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974) In telegram 613 from the Mission in Geneva, January 30, the Mission reported on the resumption of negotiations. (Ibid.)
47. Telegram 222 From the Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to the Department of State
Summary: The Mission reviewed the status of the NATO multilateral burdensharing issue.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 266, Agency Files, NATO Jan–May 31, 1974, Vol. XVII (2 of 2). Confidential; Nodis. In telegram 12584 to the Mission to NATO, January 19, the Department approved the proposal to discuss guidelines on definition and criteria for military procurement with the NATO Economic Directorate and agreed with the suggestion of the need for Congressional consultations. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974)
48. Paper Prepared in the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs
Summary: The paper assessed the impact of the Washington Energy Conference on European unity and the Western Alliance.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 9, Pol 2 EC. Secret; Exdis. Drafted by William L. Dutton, Jr. in EUR/RPE. Sent to Sonnenfeldt under cover of a February 24 memorandum from Hartman, in which he noted that the paper was prepared at Sonnenfeldt’s request and in consultation with INR.
49. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Scheel discussed the opening of an EC-Arab dialogue and U.S.–EC relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 4, Nodis Memcons, Jan–March 1974. Secret; Sensitive; Nodis. Drafted by Eagleburger. The meeting took place in the German Embassy. Kissinger was in Brussels on March 4 to brief NATO and EC officials on the Middle East peace process. On March 3, Kissinger met with Scheel in Bonn, where they discussed U.S.-West European relations, with particular emphasis on the role of France. They also discussed EC-Arab relations, the EC and NATO declarations, Nixon’s proposed trip to Europe, SALT, MBFR, Berlin, Soviet naval power, the Middle East, and Cuba. (Ibid., Box 7, Nodis Memcons, Mar. 1974, Folder 6)
50. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Sisco, McCloskey, Sonnenfeldt, Lord, Hartman, and Hyland discussed the U.S. response to the EC-Arab initiative.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 9, Pol 2 EC Arab Cooperation. Secret; Nodis; Eyes Only. Drafted by Robert Blackwill in C on March 6. The meeting took place in Kissinger’s office. Under cover of a March 5 memorandum to Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt forwarded an options paper, prepared at Kissinger’s request, outlining U.S. responses to the EC-Arab initiative. (Ibid.) In a March 5 memorandum to Kissinger, Hyland concluded that “the general thrust and substance of what the EC planned to do with the Arabs was, in fact, made known to the US in January and February in more and more detail, but never officially.” He also noted that the U.S. twice requested official consultations with the EC and warned of the harm that could arise in their absence; that France vetoed such official consultations; that the U.S. knew of the March 4 aide-memoire by February 22; and that Belgium was the only EC government to provide the text, even informally, to the U.S. (Ibid., Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 3, Nodis Letters HAK 1973–1977, Folder 3)
51. Telegram 44480 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany
Summary: The Department forwarded a letter from Nixon on the EC-Arab initiative for delivery to Brandt.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 754, Presidential Correspondence, Germany, Willy Brandt 1972 (1 of 3). Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information to Bangkok. Drafted by Hartman; cleared by Sonnenfeldt, Kissinger for the White House, and Gammon in S/S; and approved by Kissinger. Brandt’s reply, sent to Nixon under cover of a March 9 letter from Chargé d’Affaires Hans Noebel, regretted the U.S. decision to postpone the EC declaration discussions. Brandt expressed surprise at the U.S. reaction to the EC-Arab initiative, which he characterized “as a supporting and by no means competitive undertaking to” U.S. efforts to achieve Middle East peace and the international energy talks; Brandt noted that the EC démarche to Arab countries accounted for “American misgivings about a conference of Foreign Ministers.” Citing EC agreement on “the need for timely, full and mutual information,” Brandt concluded by pledging to work within the EC to develop means “for the timely co-ordination of important matters of mutual interest.” (Ibid., NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 61, Country Files, Europe, General, German Exchange (1 of 3))
52. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, McCloskey, Sonnenfeldt, Hartman, Lord, Hyland, Eagleburger, and Springsteen discussed the EC-Arab initiative and U.S.-West European relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 4, HS Chron-Official, Jan–Apr 1974. Secret; Nodis; Eyes Only. Drafted by Robert Blackwill in C on March 12. The meeting took place in Kissinger’s office. In telegram 3043 from London, March 11, the Embassy reported on two UK newspaper articles on U.S.–EC relations, including a front-page story in the London Times about Nixon’s letter to Brandt transmitted in telegram 44480 to Bonn, Document 51.
53. Telegram 51975 From the Department of State to the Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany
Summary: The Department forwarded a letter from Nixon for delivery to Brandt on the EC-Arab initiative.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 61, Country Files, Europe, General, German Exchange (1 of 3). Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Sonnenfeldt on March 11; cleared by Hartman, Edward Streator in EUR/RPM, and Scowcroft; and approved by Kissinger.
54. Telegram 53312 From the Department of State to All North Atlantic Treaty Organization Capitals
Summary: The telegram reported a March 16 discussion between Kissinger and Von Staden on the EC-Arab initiative and the EC and NATO Declarations.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 266, Agency Files, NATO Jan–May 31, 1974, Vol. XVII (2 of 2). Secret; Immediate; Nodis. Also sent immediate to the Mission to the EC. Sent for information to the Mission in Geneva and Vienna. Drafted by Stabler; cleared by Fry in S/S, Scowcroft, and Sonnenfeldt; and approved by Kissinger. A draft memorandum of conversation on Kissinger’s March 16 talk with Von Staden, during which Von Staden outlined a formal process for EC–U.S. consultations, is in Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 142, Germany (Federal Republic of Germany), Chronological File, March–April 1974. On March 18, Kissinger, McCloskey, Sonnenfeldt, Hartman, Hyland, Lord, Eagleburger, and Springsteen reviewed the U.S. approach to the EC and NATO Declarations, reaching essentially the same conclusions outlined in this telegram. (Memorandum of conversation, March 18; National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 4, HS Chron-Official, Jan–Apr 1974)
55. Memorandum From the President’s Deputy Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Nixon
Summary: Scowcroft relayed a report from Kissinger on his discussions with Scheel and Brandt.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 61, Country Files, Europe, General, German Exchange (1 of 3). Secret; Sensitive; Exclusively Eyes Only. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
56. Telegram 68767/Tosec 111 From the Department of State to the Delegation in Acapulco
Summary: The Department forwarded the text of a personal message from Callaghan to Kissinger.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Kissinger-Scowcroft West Wing Office Files, Box 24, United Kingdom (15). Secret; Cherokee; Immediate; Nodis. From March 30 to April 9, Kissinger was in Mexico. On March 28, Kissinger met with Wilson, Callaghan, and other UK officials, finding them “skeptical of many of the actions of the Nine, though they do not want to confront them head-on.” Callaghan pledged “full consultation with the US,” while Kissinger promised to “resume our old practice of close contact.” Kissinger noted that while Callaghan had no interest in an EC Declaration, he did wish to conclude a NATO Declaration. (Message Hakto 19 from Kissinger to Scowcroft, March 28; National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 48, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip, Bonn, Moscow, London, Mar 24–28, HAKTO/TOHAK) Kissinger’s April 6 reply to Callaghan, in which he agreed to defer the NATO commemoration until June and expressed his desire to complete the NATO Declaration by then, is ibid., RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 4, Britain 1974.
57. Memorandum From the Counselor (Sonnenfeldt) to Secretary of State Kissinger
Summary: Sonnenfeldt requested Kissinger’s approval of a position on European unity.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of the Office of the Counselor, Helmut C. Sonnenfeldt, 1955–1977, Entry 5339, Box 4, HS Chron—Officials, Jan–Apr 1974. Confidential. Kissinger initialed his approval of the contingency line on April 24. All brackets are in the original. On Hartman’s April 22 memorandum, Kissinger initialed his approval of the recommendation on April 24, writing in the margin, “as amended by Sonnenfeldt.” Attached to Hartman’s April 22 memorandum, but not published, is Tab A, undated. On Tab B, Kissinger crossed out point 1 of the recommendation and wrote at the bottom of the page: “Delete 1st point. I don’t want us to push unity but we should not oppose it either.” Kissinger discussed the UK entry into the EC, European unity, and the United States with his senior staff members at an April 23 staff meeting. (Ibid., Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, Entry 5177, Box 3, Secretary’s Staff Conference, April 23, 1974)
58. Telegram 3929 From the Mission to the European Communities to the Department of State
Summary: The Mission provided an overview of U.S.–EC economic consultations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974. Limited Official Use. Sent for information to Bonn, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, Luxembourg, Paris, Rome, The Hague, the Mission in Geneva, and the Mission to the OECD. On May 31, Nixon announced the successful conclusion of the U.S.–EC Article XXIV: 6 negotiations; for the text of his remarks, see Public Papers: Nixon, 1974, p. 464.
59. Telegram 9398 From the Embassy in the Federal Republic of Germany to the Department of State
Summary: The Embassy reported an EC Ministerial discussion of a U.S.–EC consultative mechanism.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974. Confidential; Priority. Sent for information to London, Paris, Rome, Brussels, The Hague, Luxembourg, Dublin, Copenhagen, Ottawa, the Mission to NATO, the Mission to the EC, the Mission in Geneva, and the MBFR Delegation in Vienna. Sent priority for information to Cairo. On June 11, Genscher informed Kissinger that the EC President would be empowered “to consult on basis of unanimous consent, supplemented by bilateral contacts.” Genscher and Kissinger agreed that while this procedure was not new, “it now seemed to be infused with a genuine will to consult, which was new.” (Backchannel message WH41810 from Rodman to Hillenbrand, June 12; ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 425, Backchannel, Backchannel Messages, Europe, Vol. II, 1974 (1 of 2))
60. Message Hakto 2 From Secretary of State Kissinger to President Nixon
Summary: Kissinger reported on the NATO Ministerial meeting in Ottawa.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 51, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip, Ottawa, Jun 18–19, 1974, TOHAK/HAKTO & Misc. Secret; Immediate; Sensitive. On June 26, Nixon signed the “Declaration on Atlantic Relations” at a NATO heads of government meeting in Brussels. For the text of the declaration, see Department of State Bulletin, July 8, 1974, pp. 42–44. In telegram 3683 from the Mission to NATO, July 3, the Mission provided a cautiously optimistic assessment of the state of alliance relations. (Ibid., RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1974)