A select Senate committee will visit Israel, Egypt, Iran and other countries to study U.S. security and foreign policy interests “with particular emphasis on world-wide nuclear proliferation,” the Senate has decided.
The action, which will include visits to European nations, was proposed by Majority Leader Mike Mansfield (D Mont) and Minority Leader. Hugh Scott (R Pa) and was adopted without debate Thursday, The European countries were not named.
In introducing the resolution, Mansfield said the “next Congress” will be faced with the development of a policy to cope with the worldwide proliferation of atomic reactors. “It is probable,” Mansfield added, “that the Senate will be asked to make judgments on the sale of nuclear reactors to certain countries such as Iran, Israel and Egypt in the Middle East.”
His statement was taken as indicating that the Senate will not take up the proposed sales to those countries during the current session of Congress which is expected to adjourn Oct. 2 for the Presidential election.
The committee, to be appointed by Vice President Nelson A. Rockefeller, who presides over the Senate, is likely to include members of at least three Senate committees related to foreign relations and nuclear affairs.
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