The State Department indicated today that it took a negative view of the Jackson Amendment to the foreign aid bill which the Senate passed by an 82-14 vote last week providing $500 million in military sales credits for Israel. Department spokesman Charles Bray observed that the State Department “never had an opportunity to express itself” on the amendment introduced by Sen. Henry M. Jackson (D., Wash.) which goes before a Senate-House conference committee later this week.
Bray noted that “the administration had requested substantial funds for military sales in its initial budget request for Israel.” He referred to $300 million in military credits contained in legislation now before Congress and a supplementary $85 million grant for economic aid to Israel which was not included in the administration request.
“The level of the (administration’s) request reflected the level of need.” Bray said. “If the Congress provides additional funds they will be available if the need increases,” he said, adding. “I cannot predict that it will at this point.” Bray announced that Israel’s Premier Golda Meir will have a “working lunch” with Secretary of State William P. Rogers next Thursday prior to her meeting with President Nixon in the White House. Mrs. Meir is scheduled to appear on the “Meet The Press” television program next Sunday.
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