Peres: Discretion Is Demanded

Here is a text of a portion of the two-page handwritten letter on Sept. 19, 1985, from then-Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres to Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III dealing with the proposed $1-billion Iraqi pipeline project:

Dear Mr. Meese:

. . . I am following with great interest the projected pipeline from Iraq to Jordan as a possible additive to introduce economic consideration to this troubled land. Apparently a Israeli guarantee may help to pave the way to the construction of this P/L.

I would go a long way to help it out. But then discretion is demanded on our part.

I shall be in the USA in the middle of October, and I intend to talk it over with (Secretary of State) George Shultz, for whom I have the highest regard.

Considering the short while of my staying in Washington, I believe it may be of great help, if George will be informed ahead of time.

I shall appreciate your good office in this respect. I have asked my friend Bruce (Rappaport) and Bob (Wallach) to let you know the whole story, and I shall depend on your judgment about the best way to handle this matter.

With many thanks,

Shimon Peres