121. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter1
SUBJECT
- Message to Qadhafi (U)
You asked for a reassessment of the proposed message to Qadhafi in light of his comment suggesting that Americans take over the U.S. [Page 292] Embassy in Libya and make it into a “People’s Bureau” as the Libyans have done here. (S)
My Staff has conferred with State on this issue. Jonathan Randall has told us that Qadhafi’s remark was made in a jocular manner, and it is our strong inclination not to pick up on it unless he makes it an issue. The best way to find out just what the Colonel has in mind is to arm our Charge with a serious message and then request a direct meeting. (S)
A possible opening for our Charge may in fact occur tomorrow. A Congressional delegation is visiting Tripoli, and there is a real possibility that Qadhafi will agree to meet with them. If he has the message in hand, Bill Eagleton would then be in a position to ask to remain for a one-on-one meeting with Qadhafi or to use the opportunity to let the Colonel know that such a meeting is desired. This will be a useful test of Qadhafi’s real interest in building a working relationship. (S)
RECOMMENDATION: That you approve the draft message at Tab A.2 (U)
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Correspondence with Foreign Leaders File, Box 13, Libya: Secretary General Mu’ammar Qadhafi, 3/77–1/80. Secret.↩
- Not attached. Beneath the recommendation, Carter wrote: “OK, J.” In a January 17 note to NSC/S, Sick wrote: “Approval of message relayed to Dept. of State by phone.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Correspondence with Foreign Leaders File, Box 13, Libya: Secretary General Mu’ammar Qadhafi, 3/77–1/80) See Document 123.↩