The Secretary of State

December 3, 1988

Dear Sten:
I received through Ambassador Wachtmeister your message concern-
ing the meeting in Stockholm next Tuesday. I greatly appreciate the
constructive approach which you are taking toward this issue.

The attached papers constitute my reply to the question you raised in
your message. I want to make three points in this regard.

First, we will not engage in any effort to make this the start of a
negotiation over language; in other words, we will not accept counter-
drafts.

Second, I am aware that the PLO may wish to add, following the
statement that we have proposed, certain positions to which they feel
committed and from which they would claim their basic statement is
derived. We would have no objection to their doing so, provided these
positions neither condition not contradict their acceptance of our condi-
tions.

Third, nothing here may be taken to imply an acceptance or recogni-
tion by the United States of an independent Palestinian state.

You may share this letter with your visitor, if you believe it would be
useful.

Sincerely yours,
George P. Shultz

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