Two shiploads of Soviet military equipment–including more than four dozen tanks, more than six dozen pieces of artillery and three dozen amphibious assault craft–were reported today to have been unloaded during the past two days at Tripoli, the capital of Libya. The first Soviet vessel was said to contain 32 to 55 tanks, 75 pieces of artillery and around 36 amphibious craft; the second was said to contain personnel carriers and additional tanks. The press here observed that with the virtual breakdown of the arms agreement reached in April, 1969, between Britain and the Libyan government of King Idris, it was likely that the military junta, which seized control last September, would turn to the Soviet Union or France for materiel. According to the Financial Times, the deliveries are not considered “unduly sinister” in themselves although they obviously increase the chances of Soviet penetration in Libya. The Times reported that Washington is concerned lest the shipments presage another Soviet foothold in the Middle East. The Times’ diplomatic correspondent commented that, whether the arms and supplies were meant for Libya or eventually for Egypt, the timing of the deliveries “could well be intentionally planned to add to increasing pressure upon Israel to agree to withdraw from occupied territories and accept a negotiated settlement.”
(In Tel Aviv, Israeli spokesmen said the arms deal showed that Russia intended to test the American statements regarding Soviet expansion in the Mediterranean and it can be seen that “American statements were not enough to deter the Russians.” Foreign Minister Abba Eban commented that despite the massive arms aid to Libys which came on the heels of increased Russian involvement in the Israeli-Arab conflict, and the presence of large numbers of Russian army personnel in the area, he was confident “the American ability to deter has not yet been exhausted.” He said America’s vital interest in the Middle East would not permit it to leave the area to the Russians.) (In Washington, State Department spokesman Carl Bartch, in response to questions, said “We understand there have been recent deliveries of medium Soviet tanks and other equipment to Libya. We are not aware of the number involved. This equipment was apparently delivered to Tripoli by two Soviet vessels and off-load during July 20-22. We are naturally concerned with any increase in arms in this sensitive area, particularly at a time when major peace initiatives are being presented. We are following events closely, but it is too early to draw any definite conclusions.” Mr. Bartch said Soviet arms shipments to Egypt and Syria are continuing. He confirmed reports of SAM missiles around Damascus and said. “In general we are concerned with any increase of arms in this area. As you know, we have long advocated arms limitations in this area.”)
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
