Three Ultra-conservative Leaders Urge Reagan to Implement His Pro-israel Election Campaign Position

The leaders of three ultra-conservative groups have urged President-elect Ronald Reagan to implement the pro-Israel positions he took during the election campaign “through your appointments in the foreign affairs and defense fields.”

The mailgram message, addressed to Reagan at his Washington, D.C. headquarters, a copy of which was sent to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in New York City, was signed by Jerry Falwell, president of the Moral Majority, Edward McAteer, president of the Religious Roundtable based in Arlington, and Paul Weyrich, president of the Committee for the Survival of a Free Congress. The three groups supported Reagan’s election.

Their message affirmed “the importance of increased understanding and action among Bible believing Christians and Jews for a return to morality and enlightened national policies in America.” It observed in that context that “From our religious, moral and strategic perspective, Israel supremely represents our values and hopes for security and peace in the Middle East.”

The signatories reminded Reagan that he has “on many occasions publicly recognized the importance of Israel to our national security,” They expressed concern, however, that “Unfortunately, many of those vying for… positions (in foreign affairs and defense) hold views which are incompatible with your policy perspective on Israel. Nevertheless, we have full confidence and trust that you will exercise good judgement regarding such critical appointments.”

The Moral Majority and other rightwing evangelical groups that supported Reagan are known to be upset that he is reportedly considering several prominent Republicans who served in the Nixon and Ford Administrations for key positions, including those of Secretary of State, Defense Secretary and Secretary of the Treasury.