New Defense Secretary Says USA Should Not Seek to Replace Britain in Mideast

Clark Clifford, newly-appointed Secretary of Defense, told the Senate Armed Services Committee today, that it “would not be desirable” for the United States to assume the military role of the British in the Middle East when Britain withdraws from that region. Mr. Clifford made the comment when asked if the United States should assume additional responsibilities for the so purity of the Middle East.

“My opinion is that the United States should not assume the posture Great Britain now occupies in the Middle East,” Mr. Clifford said. “Our commitments and responsibilities there are such that it (an increased U.S. role) would not be obligatory on us and would not be desirable.”