MIDDLE EAST ARMS SALES: CONGRESSIONAL THEMES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 6
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 15, 2013
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: January 30, 1985
• Content Type: MEMO

STAT
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16
: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16
: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
sLlitr4-E4Mfftttr?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON. D.C.! ILOSOS
January 30, 11 5 .
--CONMENT17
MEMORANDUM FOR MR. NICHOLAS PLATT
Executive Secretary
Department of Statei
COL R. J. APPOURTIT
Executive Secretary
Department of Defense
i.rmee,rcar?..c -ea
r5- 424'
0705
SUBJECT: Middle East Arms Sales: Congressional Themes (C)
Congressional testimony and consultations on our Middle East
policy begin this week. In light of the decision to undertake a
comprehensive study of U.S. security interests and strategy in
the Middle East prior to final decisions on specific arms sales
and notification, it is very important for all Administration
witnesses to offer consistent statements on arms sales. This
interim period should be used to help individual Congressmen
avoid locking themselves into opposition. (C)
?
Approved language for testimony is attached at Tab A. Approved
talking points for use in commenting on the status of arms sales
to Saudi Arabia are at Tab B. (C)
?
Attachments'
As Stated
cc: Mr. Donald P. Gregg
Mr. John H. Rixse
HG George A. Joulwan
Dr. Alton Reel
_-connearrrkt--
Declassify on: OADR
11064144
?
Robert N. immitt
I
?GONFIBENTREI 18 IL
AlS5D74I
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4 "
,T
A
A
?
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
S
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
4
?
Lan9uage for Testimony on Middle East Security Issues
The United States continues to maintain cooperative
security relationships with all of our friends in the Middle
East -- Israel as well as moderate Arab states. Currently, the
Administration is reviewing possible arms sales to Saudi Arabia
and other Middle Eastern countries. Consideration of these
sales is taking place in the context of a comprehensive review
of American security interests and sLrategy in the area. This
1
1intensive review focuses on how our
arious programs in the
Isecurity field complement our effort in the Middle East peace
process and achievement of general stability in the region.
When the review is completed in four
to provide the rationale for our act
security field in pursuit of regiona
to six weeks, we expect it
ons and proposals in the
peace and stability. In
the meantime, the Administration does not expect to submit to
the Congress any new security proposfIls for the region and
trusts that the Congress will take ncp actions concerning arms
sales or other security-related matters before the Administra-
kion has had the opportunity to make a full presentation to the
appropriate Congressional committees.
S,
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
It
1
14.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R00040009000-1-4
II
?
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4
?
NEW NM
ilED MOP
MM. OW
TALKING POINTS IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS
REGARDING ARMS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA
We have a long-standing security assistance
relationship with Saudi Arabia and we want and expect
that relationship to continue;
1
In that context, we have under continuing review.
various arms sales to Sauhi Arabia and continue to
discuss those sales with the SAG;
We do not have at this tire, however, a specific
1
i
commitment to move a spec fic arms sales package;
I
In the context of our comi) rehensive look ap
security-related issues 1 the area, we expect to come
to the Hill after the Kin s visit with sole concrete
decisions on Saudi arms;
1 1 1 1 1
Therefore, we urge the Congress not to lock itself into
i
a position on Saudi arms but wait and see the
Administration's presentation.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/07/16: CIA-RDP90B01013R000400090001-4