Nasser Reported Seeking Sophisticated Weapons from Soviet Union

President Nasser, of Egypt, in the course of his current visit to Moscow, is seeking additional military assistance, including ultramodern weapons of types not yet available to Egypt, according to reports received here today.

In line with Egyptian efforts to obtain greater Soviet backing and more sophisticated weapons, Nasser has, since his arrival in Moscow, more openly identified with the pro-Communist, anti-American line on Viet Nam, the reports stated.

According to reliable interpretations, Nasser is seeking additional equipment from Russia, including certain types of missiles and weapons systems which the Russians have so far not exported to Egypt, and which German technicians in Cairo have not yet perfected.

Rep. William Fitts Ryan, New York Democrat, today commented on the danger of a “one-sided escalation” in the Near East. He called on the Administration to observe developments at the present Egyptian-Soviet summit “with caution and concern.” He questioned the wisdom of further American assistance to Egypt “if such aid allows diversion of other assets for acquisition and introduction into the region of even more dangerous arms.”