Half of Senate Backs Resolution Opposing Arms Sales to Jordan

Half the U.S. Senate now supports a resolution opposed to the sole of advanced U.S. weaponry to Jordan on grounds that it would threaten Israel’s security and peace in the Middle East.

The resolution, which has 50 co-sponsors was introduced last Thursday by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D. Mass.); John Heinz (R. Pa.); Gary Hart (D. Colo.); and Rudy Boschwitz (R. Minn.). It expands and updates Senate Resolution 332, co-sponsored by Kennedy and Heinz last March. At that time, 33 Senators signed a letter to President Reagan taking issue with reported plans by the Administration to sell Jordan F-16 jet fighter bombers and mobile Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems.

The strong opposition reportedly caused the Administration to scale down its offer of arms to Jordan. The new resolution would apply to F-5G fighter aircraft, “Stinger” shoulder-launched missiles and laser-guided missiles, items the Administration is now contemplating for sale to the Jordanian kingdom. No date has been set for a Senate vote on the measure.

At a press conference before introducing the resolution, Kennedy said. “Our message to the Administration in this resolution is clear beyond any doubt — the U.S. must not sell arms in the Middle East that jeopardize the security of Israel. The Administration’s scheme to sell advanced weapons to Jordan violates that cardinal rule of responsible U.S. policy in the Middle East.

“I reject the incredible notion that Jordanian warplanes, missiles and bombs–supplied by the U.S. and stationed just minutes away from the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the factories of Tel Aviv and the kibbutzim in Galilee–will not constitute a real danger to the people of Israel.” Kennedy added, “Our resolution is designed to encourage the Administration to holt its escalation of the arms race in the Middle East and to pursue a policy of peace.”