Notes on an NSC Special Review Group, discussing the shift in balance and policy after the US commitment to supply aircraft to Israel.

In a letter to the President, Rogers plans to take advantage of the favorable conditions created by the recent talks in New York by continuing bilateral talks with the Soviet Union, and participating in the renewed Four Power talks at the UN. The goal is to restart dialogue by mid-November.

Saunders summarizes the current American and Soviet positions towards negotiating points such as specificity of language, timing of withdrawal of troops, boundaries and demilitarized zones, refugees' right of return, and recognition of sovereignty. Saunders believes they have reached an impasse.

An outline of the Soviet response to the current situation between Israel and the United Arab Republic. Sisco believes their reply is not constructive and will not improve issues in the region.

The Council re-caps the current situation in the Middle East and discusses US options to improve the American position in the Middle East and work for an Arab-Israeli settlement.

Saunders gives the pros and cons of Sisco proceeding with a meeting he plans to have with Dobrynin to discuss their working paper. Saunders believes that Moscow is unlikely to accept this move as a concession, and that a settlement is the American's main chance to turn the tide in favor of them in the Middle East.

Sisco discusses a working paper he is negotiating with the Soviet Union, making it clear that the US is not prepared to compromise on the first four points of the agreement. He plans to first inform the UAR of his work with the Soviets, then the Israelis.

Sisco references a memorandum outlining the overall strategy for US discussions with the Soviet Union on the Middle East. He intendeds that the deal they plan to offer will focus on the borders with the UAR and Jordan.

Kissinger analyzes major considerations in Middle East negotiations in advance of the NSC meeting, concluding that their only reasonable choice at the moment is to press Israel to accept the settlement terms the US develops.

Reflections on Sisco's meetings with Soviet officials. Siscco concludes that the Soviets want bilateral talks to continue and plan to slowly chip away at the US position, but see the current situation as manageable. Sisco also provides some recommendations for US strategy over the following months.