Richard Allen, President-elect Reagan’s appointee to head the National Security Council at the White House, said today that Reagan “accepts” the Camp David formula as “an adequate framework for continuation of the pursuit of peace” in the Middle East and that former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger will be assisting the President on foreign policy matters.
At a press conference following the formal announcement of his appointment Allen said, “Should modifications ever be required in the Camp David process, they would be made with the consent of those who participate.” This appeared to be an extension of his previous statement that changes would occur only with the consent of Egypt and Israel. However, since the Camp David formula itself envisions broadening the base of negotiations to include the West Bank/Gaza inhabitants and Jordan, Allen’s statement is not regarded as a policy change.
ANTICIPATES KISSINGER’S RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
Noting that he and Kissinger have been friends for nearly 26 years, Allen said that Kissinger “made important and valuable inputs and contributions in terms of advice and strategy” to Reagan’s election campaign and that Reagan, his Secretory of State-designate Alexander Haig and, Defense Secretory-designate Casper Weinberger “respect his views.”
Allen added, “I anticipate he (Kissinger) will be called upon frequently for a range of undertakings, perhaps beginning with simple advice, perhaps undertaking travel on behalf of the Administration” of Reagan’s “direction.”
President Carters special Ambassador to the Middle East, Sol Linowitz, said last week that he thought Kissinger should take over implementation of the Camp David formula when he retires upon Carter’s departure from office.
Allen said he had “no recommendations at the present time” with regard to “permanent” U.S. bases in the Middle East. But he stressed that “It is clear” that Reagan has “indicated the U.S. is going to be increasingly concerned about its presence in the Middle East for the purpose of contributing to the security of the oil routes.” He added that bases would be “among early options” to be pursued within the Notional Security Council system.
As successor to Zbigniew Brzezinski as National Security Council chief, Allen said he would keep a low profile and indicated he would not be in the public eye often. He said the Secretary of State would handle foreign affairs.
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