State Department spokesman Robert Funseth said today that the U.S. would study the “implications” of France’s sale of 200 Mirage F-l jets to Egypt, announced in Paris yesterday.
Funseth declined to comment directly on the announcement, but said “I think we will be studying the implications of such an arms sale.” Asked whether the sale would upset the balance of power in the Middle East, he replied, “I think that is one of the implications we will be studying.”
Meanwhile, President-elect Jimmy Garter told newsmen here yesterday that he saw a substantive role for himself and his administration in the Geneva peace talks. Speaking to reporters during a brief recess at an all-day conference on foreign policy with Congressional leaders, Carter said “there is a fine opportunity for dramatic improvements in the Middle East.” He said he based his hope for a Mideast settlement on the present Israeli position, the “moderation of Arab leaders” and a “public profession of support” for a quick easing of tensions in that area, (By Helen Silver)
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