The United States is preparing to increase its “military presence” in the Middle East in defense of its vital interests, the State Department said today but while this might include joint military exercises it will not take the form of American bases or the stationing of American forces in the area.
In making those comments, the State Department’s chief spokesman, Hodding Carter, referred to the remarks made by Defense Secretary Harold Brown on the CBS-TV “Face the Nation” program yesterday that the U.S. would take any action that is appropriate including military force” to defend its vital interests in the region.
Carter said “We are prepared to play a larger role in that area” but that no decision has been made yet on “a larger military presence. The details are not yet worked out. “He stressed that “We are not considering a base structure or troops” but that the U.S. is having “ongoing discussions” with a number of countries. He did not name the countries.
Asked to define a “large presence” and specifically if joint maneuvers would fit that concept, Carter replied, “Clearly, joint exercises would make plain our sustained commitment in the area.” He observed that “new elements of presence, new movements would reinforce the point we are concerned about — security and stability in the area.”
When he was asked if Israel has a role in this larger presence, Carter responded that “the security of a nation is served by its own strength and stability and we are trying to enhance that strength and stability.” Pressed to explain “base structure,” Carter said that in response to his own inquiries he was told to “kick in the head” any suggestions of a U.S. air base in Sinai or naval base at Haifa. Asked if the enhanced American presence was related to the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty talks, Carter said “the resolution” of the treaty “stands on its own feet.”
Carter was asked if the cancellation of orders for F-16 jet fighter bombers by the new regime in Iran means that Israel will receive its complement of 75 of the aircraft sooner than is presently scheduled, the State Department spokesman replied, “We are now studying the matter and having discussions with Congress. There is no final decision.”
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