The Reagan Administration today presented its rationale for the proposed sale of AWACS reconnaissance planes to Saudi Arabia at a press conference at the State Department. Undersecretary of State James Buckley presented a two-page statement and reporters received an 18-page background paper entitled “The Air Defense Enhancement Package for Saudi Arabia.” In his statement, Buckley cited the dangerous situation in the Persian Gulf.
He cited the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iranian revolution, the Iraq-Iran war, and increased Soviet influence in Ethiopia and South Yemen as “indicative of the growing threat to U.S. and Western interests that is posed by the Soviet Union and its proxies. The President and this Administration are determined to reverse this dangerous trend, to protect interests vital to the U.S. and its friends, and to work with countries in the area to enhance regional security.”
Buckley stated that providing Saudi Arabia with the equipment will “not only help it meet its own legitimate needs, but will strengthen our own posture in the region.”
COMMITTED TO ISRAEL’S SECURITY
Regarding concerns expressed by Israel, over the proposed sale, Buckley said: “We recognize that the Israeli government has expressed concern about Saudi acquisition of this equipment. Let us reaffirm that this Administration remains committed to the security of Israel and will ensure that Israel maintains its substantial military advantage over potential adversaries. In short, we will not allow the regional balance of forces to be affected by the sale.”
He added, “By the same token, the restoration of U.S. strength and credibility in the region and progress in resolving the regional disputes offer the best long-term guarantee of security to Israel as well as to other states in the area wishing to remain free of Soviet pressure.
“The items we propose to sell to Saudi Arabia will significantly improve its defense capabilities and contribute significantly to the pursuit of U.S. strategic goals.”
Buckley’s presentation on behalf of the Administration was preceeded last week by an announcement by President Reagan that he would send to Congress today the informal notification of the proposed sale of the AWACS. However, the 50-day period in which Congress may reject the proposal will not actually start until after Congress returns from its summer recess in September.
State Department spokesman Dean Fischer told reporters today that the first 20 days, which will start after Congress reconvenes Sept. 9, will cover the period of informal notification, followed by 30 days formal notification. It takes both Houses of Congress to block the Administration proposal. If only one House blocks it, the legislation proceeds as proposed. Presently, there are more than 55 Senators and 248 Representatives — a majority in each House — who have indicated opposition to the sale.
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