REAGAN SIGNS AID BILL BUT SAYS IT'S NOT WHAT HE WANTED

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90-00552R000505380057-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 12, 2010
• Sequence Number: 57
• Publication Date: August 8, 1985
• Content Type: OPEN SOURCE

K
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/08/12 : CIA-RDP90-00552R000505380057-0
UNITED PRESS INTFPNATI(-NAL
8 August 1985
REAGAN SIGNS AID BILL BUT SAYS IT'S NOT WHAT NE 1VANTED
IV-
BY IRA R. ALLEN
IVASHING70N
President Reagan Thursday signed the first foreign aid bill passed by
Congress in four years but he complained some of its provisions are
disappointing even though it restores non-military aid to the Nicaraguan Contra
rebels.
He also presided at a Cabinet meeting that got first word about the fiscal
1987 budget, a week after Congress approved a fiscal 1986 document virtually no
one on Capitol Hill or in the White House was happy with.
Spokesman Larry Speakes said Joseph Wright, the acting budget director,
presented ''general goals and objectives'and an outline of procedures for the
1987 budget process, which is starting earlier than usual this year.
Reagan signed the $14.7 billion foreign aid bill in front of reporters in the
Oval Office and hinted he may ask for more later. It is the first foreign aid
legislation Congress has passed since 1981. In the intervening years, foreign
aid has been provided by separate bills.
In a written statement, he also said he would regard as non-binding
provisions requiring the United States to negotiate with Mexico on trade matters
and barring talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization unless it
recognizes Israel's right to exist.
''In spirit, both sections are consistent with my foreign policy,'' he said
in a written statement, but added, "I am compelled, however, as a matter of
principle to reiterate my refusal to accept any congressional effort to impose
legislative restrictions or directions with respect to the conduct of
international negotiations ... a function reserved exclusively to the
president."
He also complained about provisions regarding arms sales to Jordan and an
''arithmetic formula'' for aid to Greece and Turkey.
"I'm particularly pleased that Congress has provided renewed aid to the
Nicaraguan freedom fighters, rep aced the so-called Clark amendment (prohibiting
CIA Involvement in aiding Angolan rebels) and provided support for the e
Philippines and Guatemala,'' he said just before signing the bill.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/08/12 : CIA-RDP90-00552R000505380057-0