I believe it is important to note at this point that the President and other high officials of the administration have been. by and large. positive on the substance of absorption guarantees. As I stated when we discussed this issue on September 10. "It is our hope that when time comes for its enactment. it will receive enthusiastic support from all quarters of our Government." During these last 3 weeks. the President and other officials have indicated their support for absorption guarantees. In a letter the President wrote on September 17. he alluded to his support not only for the State of Israel butand I quote again-"for the successful absorption of Soviet Jewish and Ethiopian refugees." White House spokesperson. Marlin Fitzwater. also on September 17. stated that. "there is a commitment that well go forth with the loan guarantee." He further stated that. "there is no question for our support for loan guarantees and our interest in helping." Likewise. the Secretary of State. in a press conference held in Damascus. Syria. on September 18. asserted that there had been no public or private discussions on a "settlement freeze in connection with the question of absorption aid to Israel." Secretary Baker stressed that the United States has "asked for a delay of 120 days purely in order to give peace a chance.
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refugees