Washington, October 10, 1973
Nixon: There is a serious situation in the Middle East. It has
developed into something tougher than the Israelis anticipated.
Kissinger: The Israelis were caught with their pants down
– unmobilized.
Nixon: The Israeli tank losses have been extremely heavy. We won’t
violate the confidence by giving you figures, but they are far
heavier than anticipated.
Kissinger: If the Arabs start to win, all the Arabs will jump in.
Israel has suffered the equivalent of 100,000 killed.
Nixon: We will not let Israel go down the tube