Documents: Rumsfeld Made Iraq Overture in '84 Despite Chemical Raids: "In a March 24 briefing document, Mr. Rumsfeld was asked to present America's bottom line. At first, the memo recapitulated Mr. Shultz's message to Mr. Kittani, saying it 'clarified that our CW [chemical weapons] condemnation was made strictly out of our strong opposition to the use of lethal and incapacitating CW, wherever it occurs.' The American officials had 'emphasized that our interests in 1) preventing an Iranian victory and 2) continuing to improve bilateral relations with Iraq, at a pace of Iraq's choosing, remain undiminished,' it said.
Then came the instructions for Mr. Rumsfeld: 'This message bears reinforcing during your discussions.'"
- posted by geoff @ #