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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Tony Snow Subject Files
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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Snow, Tony, Files
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Subject File, 1988-1993
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13897
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13897-005
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[News Summaries-Office of Press Secretary, 7/89-12/90 not inclusive]
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5
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1990
6:00 A.M. EST EDITION
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Lithuanian Leader Calls For Clear U.S Support Against Soviet --
Lithuanian President Landsbergis met President Bush Monday and
urged him to make strong statements of support for Lithuania's
independence from the Soviet Union, comparing his country's plight
to that of Kuwait.
(Washington Post, Reuter)
White House Lobbies For Force Option -- With speculation rising
worldwide about the possibility of a negotiated settlement of the
Persian Gulf crisis, Bush administration officials went on a verbal
offensive Monday, seeking to maintain public support for possible
military action should Iraq refuse to withdraw from Kuwait.
(Los Angeles Times, Washington Post,
Washington Times, New York Times)
NATIONAL NEWS
NASA Told To Shape Up -- The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration must scale back its $37 billion space station, phase
out the space shuttle, start a new launch system, focus on science
and learn to live within its means, a White House panel said
Monday.
(Washington Times, Washington Post, New York Times)
NETWORK NEWS (Monday evening)
GULF -- Instead of celebrating
the hostages' newfound freedom,
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
President Bush focused on the
crimes of the man who held them
NATIONAL NEWS
A-12
captive.
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
An ABC News poll shows that
support for a war against Iraq
is eroding, down to 58 percent
as compared to 63 percent one
week ago.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
BUSH GIVES LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT LOW-KEY WELCOME
Landsbergis Seeks 'Political Protection' for Republic;
U.S. Renews Call for Self-Determination
Lithuanian President Landsbergis appealed to President Bush
Monday for strong public support of his republic's effort to gain
independence from the Soviet union. In return, he got a low-key
restatement of longstanding U.S. policy that calls for self-
determination for the Baltic states
Landsbergis said after the session he was confident that Bush
would "take an active policy when we are in danger" but would not
specify what that might involve. He said he is seeking "some very
clear statements in response to Soviet pretensions that they have
sovereign rights over Lithuania."
Landsbergis, comparing the plight of Lithuania with that of
occupied Kuwait, said "I do not want to wish upon Kuwait the same
that we have experienced, 50 years of waiting for our
independence."
Landsbergis repeated his argument that attempts by Soviet
republics to break away from Moscow do not amount to a
disintegration of the Soviet empire but are a positive form of
decolonization. He predicted a "commonwealth" of former Soviet
republics.
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A14)
Lithuanian Leader Calls For Clear U.S Support Against Soviet --
Lithuanian President Landsbergis met President Bush Monday and
urged him to make strong statements of support for Lithuania's
independence from the Soviet Union, comparing his country's plight
to that of Kuwait.
But there was no indication that the U.S. would engage in
strong rhetoric or take other measures against Moscow over
Lithuania, given the warming trend between the superpowers and
their cooperation against Iraq in the Gulf crisis
Landsbergis sought Bush's help during a half-hour meeting in
the Oval Office and said afterward that his session "has given me
a great deal of confidence in the United States."
He said he needed help against various threats and
intimidation made by the Kremlin since Lithuania declared its
independence from Moscow last March
He said since the U.S. had never recognized the Soviet Union's
1940 annexation of Lithuania, "I have reason to believe that the
U.S. will take an active policy when we are in danger."
But as far as a specific commitment, Landsbergis said, "The
President promised that he would consider various possibilities to
help us in consultations with his advisors."
(Steve Holland, Reuter)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-2
HOSTAGE RELEASE RAISES AMERICAN PUBLIC'S HOPES
The hopes of the American public to avoid war with Iraq have
been raised by the release of the hostages, an ABC News poll showed
Monday.
The percentage of Americans expecting war dropped 14 percent
in a single week to 61 percent, ABC reported, the first drop since
Iraq invaded Kuwait.
Support for starting a war after Jan. 15 if Iraq fails to
leave Kuwait also dropped slightly, from 63 percent to 58 percent.
The release of the hostages also encouraged the public to
believe more strongly that economic sanctions might work,
increasing from 30 percent to 38 percent in a week.
There is still strong support for insisting that Iraq leave
Kuwait, despite the release of the hostages. The poll found 83
percent supporting U.S. insistence that Iraq leave.
The survey also found opposition to linking settlement of the
Gulf dispute to settlement of Israel's occupation of the West Bank
and Gaza Strip.
The telephone survey of 518 Americans conducted Sunday has a
margin of error plus or minus 5 points, ABC said.
(Reuter)
HOSTAGES RETURN; MORE TOUGH TALK
156 Jubilantly Arrive At Andrews
While friends and relatives cheered and waved, 156 former
hostages touched down in the United States Monday, ending their
four months of hardship and uncertainty as "human shields" and
bargaining points for Iraqi President Hussein
Meanwhile, President Bush used a White House ceremony
observing Human Rights Day to continue his attack on Saddam's
treatment of the hostages and of Kuwaiti citizens. Bush, shaking
his head in apparent disgust, said reports from released hostages
on their treatment and on conditions in Kuwait amount to "a
catalogue of human misery," including torture, rape and murder
At the White House Monday, Bush said, "The eyewitness accounts
that I have heard from Kuwaiti citizens are a catalogue of human
misery: looting, torture, rape, summary executions, acts of
unspeakable cruelty. What has happened in Kuwait is more than an
invasion. It is a systematic assault on the soul of a nation."
"Human rights are gaining ground the world over," Bush said.
"Nowhere is that situation more tragic and more urgent today than
in Kuwait. Bush said that the nation is "now in the grasp of a
tyrant unmoved by human decency."
The President was joined in his sharp rhetoric by Secretary
Cheney, who warned Saddam to withdraw from Kuwait "with his tail
between his legs" and "restore some security and stability" to the
Persian Gulf
Officials Monday were trying to decide whether to have U.S.
Ambassador Nathaniel Howell and the other four diplomats left at
the [U.S. Embassy in Kuwait] stay for one last effort to see
whether anyone else wants to leave.
(Sue Ann Pressley, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-3
White House Lobbies For Force Option -- With speculation rising
worldwide about the possibility of a negotiated settlement of the
Persian Gulf crisis, Bush administration officials went on a verbal
offensive Monday, seeking to maintain public support for possible
military action should Iraq refuse to withdraw from Kuwait.
From President Bush on down, officials expressed relief about
the release of hostages held in Iraq and Kuwait. But they also
stressed that an end to the hostage sage would not end the broader
confrontation with Iraqi President Hussein.
"I don't believe Saddam Hussein deserves any credit for
stopping a practice that obviously is abhorrent to the civilized
world," Secretary Cheney said in a speech to the Defense
Preparedness Assoc., a group of defense industry officials and
former military officers
At the White House, Bush used the signing of a Human Rights
Day proclamation to denounce the "catalogue of human misery" in
Kuwait that released hostages are beginning to describe. "As long
as such assaults occur, as long as inhumane regimes deny basic
human rights, our work is not done," he said
Vice President Quayle gave the most explicit statement of the
administration's concern. Iraq's release of hostages, he said, is
part of a deliberate attempt by Saddam to wage a "political war"
aimed at influencing Congress and U.S. public opinion.
"Saddam's purpose in all this is perfectly clear. He hoped
to encourage Congress to deprive the Bush administration of its
option to use force," Quayle said in a speech for Republican
governors in North Carolina
And in a speech in Chicago, CIA Director Webster stressed the
need to maintain a credible military threat to persuade Saddam
Hussein to withdraw.
(David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, A17)
Quayle, In Sharp Attack, Accuses Some Democrats of 'Playing
Politics' On The Gulf -- Pinehurst, N.C. --- Vice President Quayle
charged Monday that some congressional Democrats holding hearings
on the deployment of American troops to the Persian Gulf were
"playing politics" and undermining the United States' position in
the crisis.
"A Congress solidly united behind the President would
strengthen our chances for peace," the Vice President said. "But
that would require Congress to resist the temptation to use the
current hearings on the Gulf for partisan political advantage.
Mr. Quayle said "Despite the efforts of some in Congress,
the fact of the matter is that the American people support the
President. Once again, the American people are ahead of their
Congress.
II
The tough, partisan comments by the Vice President seemed
consistent with the role he has played in other recent
confrontations between the administration and Congress
"He looks real comfortable in that role, said William Lucas,
director for liaison services in the Justice Department.
(Ronald Smothers, New York Times, A16)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-4
Cheney Links Gulf Crisis To Eastern Europe -- Secretary Cheney
Monday raised a new argument for thwarting Iraqi leader Saddam
Hussein -- the survival of struggling democracies in Eastern
Europe
Mr. Cheney said that if Mr. Hussein is allowed to "acquire an
even deadlier arsenal" and "sit astride the world's supply of
energy" then people should ask what it means for the prospects for
democracy in Eastern Europe where Poland, Czechoslovakia are
wrestling with trying to make the transition to a free market
economy, a democratic society."
"There are real consequences worldwide for it," he told a
Washington defense group, "and we have to continue to hammer away
to point to the American people that this is an enormously
important proposition." (Rowan Scarborough, Washington Times, A8)
2 KEY DEMOCRATS BACK BUSH IN THREAT OF FORCE AGAINST IRAQ
Hill Vote Needed Before Action, Mitchell, Aspin Warn
Two leading Democratic members of Congress expressed support
Monday for President Bush's threat to use force against Iraq in
order to free Kuwait, but warned that he must get congressional
authorization before ordering U.S. troops into action.
"I believe that the President is trying to use the threat of
war to prevent war," Sen. Mitchell said, adding that Bush "does not
need the approval of Congress to threaten war."
"But he does need the approval of Congress to make war,"
Mitchell continued in a speech prepared for delivery late Monday
to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.
Rep. Aspin said only a credible threat of attack will secure
concessions from Saddam "at the 11th hour and 59th minute. "
Aspin implicitly sided with the administration's response to
Mitchell and other Democrats who urge that sanctions be kept in
place for a year or more before any decision is made to resort to
war.
He said testimony before his committee had convinced him that
sanctions may reduce Saddam's ballistic missile capacity, but
"won't do diddly" to diminish his capacity to wage chemical
warfare
In a speech to Republican governors Monday, Vive President
Quayle criticized Congress for evading the "burden of
accountability" for U.S. military action in the Persian Gulf by
holding hearings but refusing to return to Washington to vote on
a resolution supporting the use of force
A senior administration official said the administration has
made a "conscious decision to be pro-active in dealing with
Congress" over the next two weeks because "it is a mistake to let
these voices be out there without answering them."
(Walter Pincus & John Yang, Washington Post, A16)
TWO IRAQI JETS HEAD FOR KUWAIT TO COLLECT HOSTAGES
BAGHDAD -- Two Iraqi Airways jets flew to occupied Kuwait
Tuesday to carry British and American hostages to Baghdad for
onward flights home, Western diplomats said.
They told Reuters the airliners, chartered by the British and
American embassies, were due to carry 350 to 400 hostages, who have
spent more than four months in hiding in the Gulf emirate since its
invasion by Iraq Aug. 2.
(Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-5
U.S. Ready To Fly The Last Captives Out of Baghdad -- Baghdad --
An American official here said he thought that a single charter
flight on Tuesday with 175 seats could retrieve all of the
remaining Americans in Kuwait and Iraq who want to leave.
The development means that half or more of the 750 Americans
the State Department had said remained in the two countries are
probably either members of Iraqi or Kuwaiti families, or have
chosen to stay for other reasons. Some may not have known that
they could leave.
(Patrick Tyler, New York Times, A1)
SHAMIR, IN NEW YORK, SAYS GULF SOLUTION
MUST NOT BE AT ISRAEL'S EXPENSE
NEW YORK -- Israeli Prime Minister Shamir Monday night warned
the world community not to try to solve the Persian Gulf crisis at
his country's expense by heeding Saddam Hussein's calls for linking
his withdrawal from Kuwait to the fate of Palestinians under
Israeli occupation.
"We will not be surprised if soon a number of states, not only
Arab governments, will move to appease Saddam Hussein at the
expense of Israel, Shamir said in a speech on the eve of a White
House meeting Tuesday with President Bush.
"The well-known argument will be that Israel should make a
contribution, ostensibly for the sake of world peace, Shamir
added. "Let me, therefore, state at the very outset: Israel in
1990 is not Czechoslovakia of 1938. We shall not acquiesce to any
deal with enemies who wish to destroy us. We trust the American
government's determined stand not to permit Saddam Hussein to link
the Gulf crisis with the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Palestinian
issue.
"
His speech Monday night hinted that Shamir is not prepared to
bend very much from the attitudes that have caused so mush
irritation in Washington.
(John Goshko, Washington Post, A17)
ISRAEL OFFERS NO NEW IDEAS ON EVE OF SUMMIT WITH U.S.
JERUSALEM -- Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens said on the
eve of the first Israeli-American summit in 13 months there was no
need for new ideas on solving the Arab-Israeli conflict
"There is need for new ideas,' Arens
said when asked about
international demands that Israel be ready with new ideas for Arab-
Israeli peace once the crisis is over.
"The Arab-Israeli conflict, and as part of the conflict
between Israel and the Palestinians, is one that has been around
for a long, long time -- over 100 years.'
"It has been looked at, discussed, chewed over, analyzed
zillions of times, and throughout the period Israel has always
stretched out its hand for peace with the Arab world, or with any
part of the Arab world that was ready to make peace."
"The only Arab country to (do so) was Egypt and that only
after 30 years of warfare,' he said.
(Howard Goller, Reuter)
-
white House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-6
IRAQ MUST OFFER U.S. BIG CONCESSIONS
TO AVOID WAR -- ANALYSTS
The U.S. is telling Iraq it will not be dragged into
protracted talks when top-level contacts begin later this month,
leaving Baghdad with a choice of offering a major concession or
facing war, analysts said Monday
Assessing the standoff on this issue, analysts said Baghdad
was likely to give way over the date rather than risk not holding
the talks at all. Saddam's promised release of all foreign
hostages clearly showed he was interested in avoiding war if
possible, they said.
But the only further concession Saddam could make to change
Washington's war posture short of total withdrawal from Kuwait
would be to announce and implement a partial withdrawal, said
former NSC official William Quandt.
"If Baker fails to find any give in the Iraqi position, then
we'll have war and soon," said Quandt
"But if there is a
partial withdrawal, the U.S. military option becomes very
difficult
"
"It makes sense for him to remove his troops," said Daniel
Pipes, director of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and an
expert on Iraq. "But my instinct is to say that he won't. " He
might make small concessions on the margins but not more
But other analysts and diplomats did not share that view.
"The Iraqis will try to indicate flexibility, keeping the door
open to further discussions, perhaps by announcing a partial
withdrawal," said Marvin Feuerwerger of the Washington institute
for Near East Asian Studies.
According to former assistant Secretary of State Richard
Murphy, Bush's personal prestige is tied so closely to achieving
a total Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait it would be hard to accept
anything less.
"I don't see room for movement on our side and if there is
none on Saddam's side, that's a recipe for war, said Murphy
He said the United States is in a strong position. It could
answer a partial withdrawal by reverting to a strategy primarily
relying on sanctions to achieve the remainder of its goals.
(Alan Elsner, Reuter)
U.S.-IRAQI TIES REMAIN TENSE DESPITE SADDAM'S INITIATIVE
BAGHDAD -- Despite Iraq's effort to comply with a principal
U.N. demand by releasing foreign detainees, there has been no
perceivable relaxation of tension here between the U.S. and iraq.
While the U.S. Embassy has complimented the Iraqi government
over the last few days on its efforts to facilitate the departures,
there appears to be no diplomatic follow-through, according to U.S.
and other diplomats and officials with contacts in the Iraqi
government.
Monday, Information Minister Latif Jassim dismissed
speculation that release of the foreigners could be followed by
Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait as "dreams and wishful thinking.
Iraq's Minister of Trade, Mohammed Mehdi Saleh, said at a
press conference Monday that U.N. economic sanctions have been
responsible for the deaths of 1,400 infants because of the shortage
of imported baby formula. The assertion was roundly denied by
Western diplomats.
(Dana Priest, Washington Post, A16)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-7
JAPANESE LEADERS SEE SUPPORT
FOR U.S. STAND IN GULF EBBING
TOKYO -- While in public Japan continues to back American
policies in the Persian Gulf, business leaders, government
officials and politicians say privately that the support is ebbing
away amid concerns that the U.S. is overlooking the possibility of
a compromise with Iraq.
Businessmen in particular say there is a growing consensus
that their interests will suffer in a war and that the U.S. is not
sensitive enough to the possibility that fighting
would alienate
the Arabs from the West for generations to come.
"The sentiment of business leaders is that the United States
shouldn't be holding a gun to the head of Saddam Hussein,' said
Kazuo Nukuzawa, managing director of Keidanren, the largest and
most influential business trade association. "There are a lot of
other ways to influence his behavior."
The apparent growing reluctance among Japanese to endorse the
American hard-line goals was seen as lessening the chance that
Japan would increase the $2 billion it has pledged to assist the
American-led military buildup in the Gulf
"The American method of taking short cuts, behaving in an
impatient way and pushing for direct reaction is making more and
more people worry, said Shigeki Koyama, president of the Japanese
Institute of Middle East Economics. "People are beginning to feel
that more calm, realistic measures are necessary."
(Steven Weisman, New York Times, A17)
U.S. SAID TO CRITICIZE TONE OF SWEDISH LETTER TO IRAQ
STOCKHOLM -- The United States has criticized a letter from
Sweden to Iraq prior to the release of Swedish hostages last month,
Swedish radio and newspapers reported Tuesday
Swedish radio, reporting from Washington, said the Americans
were annoyed that Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson's letter to Iraqi
President Saddam Hussein did not clearly condemn the Iraqi invasion
and occupation of Kuwait last Aug. 2.
Sweden was further accused of breaching international
solidarity again Iraq, the radio added
The letter said Sweden believed a military solution must be
avoided, and it considered the basic conflict in the Middle East
was the Palestinian question which must be settled before there
could be durable peace.
(Reuter)
U.S. TROOP DEPLOYMENT MAY COST
$30 BILLION IN 1991, AIDES SAY
The cost of supporting the growing U.S. military force in the
Middle East could total $30 billion for fiscal 1991, according to
administration authorities
Pentagon officials are still fine-tuning the estimates, and
said that precise costs are difficult to project because of
uncertainties over the length of time troops will be committed to
the region and the amount of financial support to be provided by
allies and Saudi Arabia.
"This assumes that there will be no shots fired in anger and
that the level of force there on Jan. 15 will be there the rest of
the fiscal year -- which may or may not come to pass,' said one
administration official.
(Molly Moore, Washington Post, A18)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-8
Democrats, GOP will War Over How To Pay For Shield -- The Pentagon
will ask Congress for as much as $25 billion in extra funds this
fiscal year to keep troops in the Persian Gulf, setting the stage
for a partisan debate over how to finance war
Some Democrats are talking of a "pay-as-you-go" war.
Republicans are willing to let the deficit grow to avoid presenting
President Bush with a new tax bill
"It probably would be in the interest of Democrats to make the
tax as visible as possible," one congressional staffer said. "And
it would be to Bush's advantage to make the tax as least visible
as possible
"
In making the case for a possible Desert Shield tax, leading
Democrats, including Sen. Sasser, have said a supplemental budget
of $20 billion would greatly offset the $35 billion the budget
summit produced in deficit reductions.
(Rowan Scarborough, Washington Times, A3)
SOVIETS BACK U.S. ON DATES FOR TALKS WITH IRAQ
HOUSTON -- The Soviet Union has backed the United States in
rejecting Gulf crisis talks with Iraq on Baghdad's proposed date
of
Jan.
12 a senior Soviet official said Monday.
Moscow's backing is another indication of strong superpower
unity on the Gulf crisis and was expressed by Soviet Foreign
Minister Shevardnadze in talks earlier in the day with Secretary
Baker, the official said.
"We support and understand the rationale given by the U.S.
administration for suggesting dates for the meeting which you all
know,' said the official, who briefed reporters on condition that
he not be identified.
(Carol Giacomo, Reuter)
U.S. RESPONSIVE TO MOSCOW'S INTEREST IN FOOD AID
HOUSTON -- Soviet Foreign Minister Shevardnadze expressed
interest for the first time publicly Monday in emergency food
assistance from the U.S., and Secretary Baker indicated that the
Bush administration would like to be helpful
Speaking to reporters here, Shevardnadze was questioned about
what kind of economic aid Moscow would most like to receive from
Washington, and he answered: "Probably some food supplies
That is the most acute problem."
Baker noted that legal restrictions imposed during the Cold
War remain in place, limiting U.S. aid to the Soviet Union. But
he added, "As far as humanitarian assistance, medical assistance,
food assistance and that sort of thing, I know the President will
be very forthcoming
"
During their meetings here, Baker and Shevardnadze are also
expected to wrap up the final details on the strategic arms treaty
that Presidents Bush and Gorbachev promised to finish by year's
end. Moreover, Shevardnadze, touring the Johnson Space Center here
with Baker, predicted the two foreign ministers will reach
agreement on a joint U.S.-Soviet approach to settling the war in
Afghanistan.
(David Hoffman, Washington Post, A1)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-9
ARABS AT U.N. SOFTEN STANCE ON PALESTINIAN ISSUE
Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia Play Down Peace Conference
Issue To Prevent U.S. Veto
UNITED NATIONS -- In an effort to avoid a U.S. veto and to
maintain the cohesion of the international anti-Iraq coalition,
Syria, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have diluted their call for a
Security Council resolution on the Palestinian issue that
"considers" convening an international Middle East peace
conference, Arab diplomats said Monday
The three Arab countries now say a resolution need not address
head-on the issue of a peace conference. The shift seemingly would
allow these countries to avoid the embarrassment of being
associated with a U.S. veto on an issue of deep political resonance
in the Arab world
A U.S. official welcomed the Arabs' initiative, saying that
it was important because "the original purpose of the resolution
is focused on again." That focus, he said, was to find ways of
improving the protection of Palestinians in the territories
occupied by Israel.
(Trever Rowe, Washington Post, A17)
HILLS PUT CHANCES OF REVIVING TRADE TALKS AT ABOUT 25 PCT.
U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills Monday said there is
only a 25 percent chance of reviving the global free-trade talks
that collapsed last week, despite President Bush's statements
earlier in the day that he would meet with his top trade advisors
in an effort to revitalize the negotiations.
In London, the new British prime minister, John Major, was
reported ready to present ways to get the trade talks back on track
when he sees Bush in Washington next week, Reuter new service
reported government officials as saying
Hills' staff, meanwhile, braced for an avalanche of trade
complaints from U.S. industries that it fears will accompany the
breakdown of the talks. Many of these complaints have been put off
for years with the promise that a successful conclusion of the
trade talks would settle their differences.
(Stuart Auerbach, Washington Post, C3)
LIBYA IRKED AT MOVE OF GUERRILLAS
N'DJAMENA, Chad -- U.S. trained Libyan guerrillas were quickly
evacuated from Chad following a change of government here last
week.
According to Western sources who took part in the evacuation,
there was fear the guerrillas would force their way into
neighboring countries.
The Libyans had been prisoners of war, captured when Chad
forced the Libyan army out of the country three years ago, and then
trained in secret by the United States, according to sources.
They were trapped in Chad after the victory last week of
Libyan-backed rebel leader Idriss Deby
The future of the "Libyan contras," as they were described in
one document shown to Agence France-Presse, remains in doubt.
They will probably be of limited usefulness to the U.S.,
according to sources close to Western intelligence agencies,
because African countries concerned by the threat of retaliation
by Col. Gadhafi will be reluctant to offer them safe haven.
(Christian Millet, Washington Times, A7)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-10
BOMBS EXPLODE AT U.S., SOVIET, JAPANESE EMBASSIES IN PERU
LIMA -- Suspected leftist guerrillas exploded bombs outside
the U.S., Soviet, and Japanese embassies in the Peruvian capital
Monday night, causing moderate damage but no injuries, police
said
Police said all three bombings were probably the work of pro-
Cuban Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) rebels, though no
group immediately claimed responsibility.
(Reuter)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "U.S. Skeptical of Iraqi Move To Fix Border," by
Gerald Seib, appears in the Wall Street Journal, A3.
"Shamir, Bush Hope To Warm Cool Relations," by George Moffett III,
appears in the Christian Science Monitor, 3.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
PANEL URGES MAJOR SHIFT IN SPACE PROGRAM GOALS
Research On Environment, Cosmos Emphasized
A high-level panel of aerospace experts Monday called for a
sweeping reform of the nation's space program that, if adopted,
would shift NASA's primary goals away from engineering feats for
their own sake and toward scientific research on Earth's
environment and the cosmos.
Space science activities such as interplanetary probes and
studies of global change on Earth "rank above space stations,
aerospace planes, manned missions to the planets and many other
major pursuits which offer greater visibility," the panel said in
its report
NASA Administrator Richard Truly said that the report is
"supportive of many of the directions we have been going" and that
he expects some recommendations "will be implemented" while others
"may not be.
"
Sen. Gore, chairman of the Senate science, technology and
space subcommittee, praised the report as "a reasoned view of the
space program and the changes that are needed to restore confidence
and support in NASA. Gore said he will hold hearings on it
soon
Vice President Quayle, chairman of the Space Council said,
"The review has been thorough and now it is our challenge to begin
its implementation.'
It "is not a buy-everything wish list," he said, but proposes
serious reforms as well as "charting a new path
=
An administration spokesman who did not want to be identified
said, "The chances are better than ever we will implement a great
proportion of these recommendations, if not in specific detail,
at least "in spirit.'
The President is still committed to his Mars exploration
initiative but "obviously some sorting out of priorities was in
order. "
He also said the next presidential budget will give "a strong
sense of where we're going to go" on developing an unmanned booster
to supplement the shuttle. (Kathy Sawyer, Washington Post, A1)
NASA Told To Shape Up -- The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration must scale back its $37 billion space station, phase
out the space shuttle, start a new launch system, focus on science
and learn to live within its means, a White House panel said
Monday.
Noting "considerable criticism" directed at the space
agency
the 12-member committee concluded, "Some of the concern
is
deserved and occasionally self-inflicted.
"
"NASA is neither as troubled as some suggest nor as good as
it will have to be to carry out the program we have recommended,"
committee chairman Norman Augustine
said at a news conference
Vice President Quayle said the report "clearly points out the
need for fundamental changes in our civil space program,' and
added: "We will make changes."
(Joyce Price, Washington Times, A1)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-12
U.S. Advisers Urge Sweeping Change In Space Program -- A panel
formed to study the future of the nation's space program has
recommended a sweeping change in the nation's efforts to explore
the heavens.
In a report released Monday, the committee recommended that
the agency cease its total reliance on its fleet of space shuttles
by building a new, unmanned rocket booster, and that the proposed
space station be thoroughly redesigned and simplified.
The 12-member committee was asked this summer by Vice
President Quayle to review NASA and the future of the nation's
space program. It flatly called for an overhaul in the troubled
agency and suggested major shifts in its management, budget
priorities and scientific direction
Many experts said that unlike many government reports, this
one was not so likely to sink out of sight because it struck notes
pleasing to a wide range of interests. "This could be the dawn of
a second golden age," said Dr. Bruce Murray, a former NASA official
and planetary scientist who has criticized the space agency's
reliance on shuttles.
(Warren Leary, New York Times, A1)
SHUTTLE COLUMBIA MAKES PERFECT LANDING AFTER MARRED FLIGHT
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA. -- The space shuttle Columbia
swooped to a ghostly Mojave Desert touchdown Monday, ending a
shortened but still successful nine-day astronomy mission with a
rare nighttime landing.
(UPI)
KEMP, BENNETT URGE GOP TO FOCUS ON AIDING THE POOR
PINEHURST, N.C. -- Incoming RNC chairman William Bennett and
HUD Secretary Kemp exhorted Republican governors. Monday to help
the party seize the nation's domestic agenda by focusing on what
it can do to aid the impoverished.
Endorsing a package of domestic initiatives dubbed the "New
Paradigm," Bennett and Kemp argued that the economy can be rescued
from its downturn and the nation from its social ills by giving
individuals greater choice in education, housing and business
development.
In his speech
Bennett cited affirmative action policies as
an example of government intervention that limits choice, but to
reporters afterward he said there are some instances in which
affirmative action policies can be used to achieve "diversity."
Coming on the heels of President Bush's veto of civil rights
legislation, Bennett's remarks were taken as a signal the GOP
planned to use opposition to quotas as a wedge to define its
differences with Democrats.
But Bennett said Monday there is no such plan and that he has
little idea whether such an approach would work. His remarks, he
said, were "overinterpreted. "
In a speech here Monday, Vice President Quayle alluded to the
"at times, contentious" divisions evident within the GOP.
"There is nothing wrong with a battle of ideas," Quayle said.
"But once the President decides, it will not be Republican versus
Republican, but Republicans versus Democrats."
Kemp emphasized the need for a capital gains tax cut as a
component of New Paradigm thinking that he said would stimulate the
economy and aid the disadvantaged.
(Gwen Ifill, Washington Post, A7)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-13
Kemp, Bennett stage Oratory Duel -- RNC Chairman-designate William
Bennett and HUD Secretary Kemp, potential rivals for the 1996 GOP
Presidential nomination, tried to upstage each other in appearances
before the Republican Governors Conference here Monday
Mr. Kemp's tax-cut initiatives went beyond those of President
Bush
Mr. Bennett told the governors that when the President asked
him to take over the party chairmanship, he said he would have to
think it over.
In fact, Mr. Bennett secretly sought and received assurance
that he would have not only a say in policy making but solo access
to Mr. Bush.
To test out that assurance, Mr. Bennett, during a private
meeting with the President and Chief of Staff Sununu last week,
said, "And now, Mr. President, I need to speak to you alone. "
Mr. Bennett refused to tell Mr. Sununu what he wanted to
discuss with the President, who finally turned to Mr. Sununu and
said, "Well, John, I guess you'll have to leave the room. "
Mr. Bennett and Mr. Kemp have long been associated with many
of the ideas embraced by the New Paradigm. An internal White House
battle is raging over whether to make those ideas the focus of
President Bush's upcoming State of the Union address.
(Ralph Hallow, Washington Times, A4)
COLLAPSE OF GATT TALKS COULD UNDO
SOME CUTS IN U.S. AGRICULTURE SUBSIDIES
The collapse of international trade talks threatens to undo
an important element of the U.S. deficit-reduction law and could
nearly halve the farm subsidy cuts enacted in the fall.
Unless negotiators reach an international accord on farm
subsidies, the law requires that the secretary of agriculture lift
some recently enacted restraints on farm spending and increase
spending on export subsidies by $1 billion beginning in 1992
Secretary Yeutter isn't likely to help dismantle the deficit-
reduction law, and no decisions need be made until June 30, 1992.
But if farmers are hurting in the months before the next election
and the trade talks are still deadlocked, the potent farm lobby and
its congressional allies are likely to push the administration to
use the flexibility the law provides.
(David Wessel & Bruce Ingersoll, Wall Street Journal, A2)
ARMAND HAMMER DEAD AT 92
LOS ANGELES -- Armand Hammer, a brilliantly successful
international financier and well-known philanthropist who was a
friend of Soviet leaders from Lenin to Gorbachev and adviser of 10
U.S. presidents, died Monday night. He was 92.
(UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-14
GREENING OF THE WHITE HOUSE
Barbara Bush raced past the mistletoe, "afraid you might think
you had to kiss me," she teased the media, decked out in the usual
stakeout garb for a day in the life of the White House. But then
came a surprise that even her staff didn't know about -- a peek at
the family quarters, spruced up for the holidays
Monday the door was open, revealing a suite of rooms filled
with the homey touches of a big and active family, from
grandchildren's stuffed animals to holiday mementos, including a
needlepoint creche from the First Lady's Houston church
[Mrs. Bush] said an aide took care of her Christmas shopping
and kidded her for being "extravagant" when it came to buying gifts
for her grandchildren. As for herself, she said, the only thing
she wants for Christmas is "peace."
"I have way too much in life, as does George Bush, she said.
Even so, she is going to give him something he "needs," but she
refused to say what it is.
(Donnie Radcliffe, Washington Post, D1)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Presidential Commission On Carpet," by Bill
McAllister, appears in the Washington Post, A21.
"Probe of Overpayments To Contractors For Attack Plane Disclosed
By Pentagon," by Andy Pasztor, appears in the Wall Street Journal,
A20.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Monday Evening, December 10)
HOSTAGE RELEASE
ABC's Peter Jennings: In Washington tonight, the State Department
believes that by this time tomorrow night, all those Americans who
want to leave Iraq and Kuwait will have left -- which will change
the situation in the Persian Gulf once again. Tonight we'll begin
a week of reports on how various resolutions to the Gulf crisis,
including war, will have an impact far beyond the Middle East. We
begin with those Americans tonight who finally got themselves far
beyond the Middle East -- all the way to Andrews Air Force Base.
ABC's John Martin reports that the hostages came home tonight.
(TV Coverage: Former hostages departing plane at Andrews.)
The Americans were escorted away from Andrews to be debriefed by
U.S. officials. Earlier, on the flight from Baghdad, some shared
their experiences and emotions. One man said he'd lived in Kuwait
for months in darkness with little food, losing 35 pounds. Two men
praised President Bush.
(Dennis Mosher, former hostage: "He got me ought of here, okay?
I'm alive, no Americans died. He did a great job.")
(Former hostage: "Thank you to George Bush and James Baker. And
I really hope it won't be long that the Kuwaiti people can say the
same.")
Many praised Kuwaitis, who risked their lives to protect them.
They worried about the fate of the Kuwaiti people.
(Michelle Richards, former hostage: "They have been murdered,
brutally murdered; the women have been raped; there are thousands
still in POW camps.")
(Don Lanphan, former hostage: "They burned most of the town to the
ground. It's dead. Kuwait City does no longer exist, for all
practical purposes.")
Some insisted the Kuwaiti people want military help.
(Ernest Alexander, former hostage: "Even if it means they're under
a rain of bombs, just like we would have been.")
(ABC-Lead)
NBC's Tom Brokaw: After four-and-a-half months of living with the
prospect of becoming innocent targets in a war between the U.S. and
Iraq, more than 150 American hostages arrived in Washington
tonight. And as they began long overdue reunions with their
families, the rest of the world is wondering what President Bush
will do now.
NBC's Robert Hager reports on the hostages' return.
(TV Coverage: Former hostages departing plane, being greeted by
officials.)
About a dozen U.S. officials from the State Department and military
services greeted the hostages, but reporters were kept several
hundred feet away, and no interviews were allowed immediately.
Most appeared in good condition. One older woman had to be carried
off the plane, but she was not believed to be in serious condition.
Tomorrow, the State Department says another jumbo jet evacuation
flight has been arranged similar to this.
(NBC-Lead)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-2
CBS's Mark Phillips reports in Kuwait City today, the Voice of
America has begun broadcasting a new message, telling specific
Americans for the first time to get on another freedom flight
scheduled for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the hostages came home with
opinions borne of hard experience about what should happen now.
(Ernest Alexander, former hostage: "Everyone wants peace, but the
greater tragedy is if what happened to Kuwait is allowed to
continue. So if it means the 15th comes and we have to remove them
by force, that's what we should do.")
There are as many as 500 people with U.S. passports still under
Iraqi control, although many of them are dual citizens who may want
to stay behind. The State Department thinks 50-100 Americans are
still trying to get out, and they're anxious to get in touch with
them before the last scheduled flight leaves tomorrow.
CBS's Dan Rather interviews former hostage Ed Werner. An excerpt:
Rather: Everybody is concerned, but nobody wants to run away with
propaganda. These stories of murder and rape inside Kuwait, based
on your experience -- true, or still questionable?
Werner: From what I've heard, it's true
I've [seen one
murder] and heard of many tortures.
(CBS-2)
GULF/PRESIDENT
Rather: At the White House, President Bush talked up the hard line
again today against Saddam Hussein.
CBS's Wyatt Andrews:
(TV Coverage: President Bush speaking from podium.)
The President reacted to the hostage homecoming more with outrage
than relief. Instead of celebrating the hostages' newfound
freedom, Bush focused on the crimes of the man- who held them
captive.
(President Bush: "We must speak out, and stand up for the Kuwaiti
people, a people whose very nation is now in the grasp of a tyrant
unmoved by human decency. The reports, these eyewitness accounts
that I've heard from Kuwaiti citizens, are a catalogue of human
misery. Looting, torture, rape, summary executions -- acts of
unspeakable cruelty.")
This White House strategy of constant, contentious rhetoric is the
result of fears that Saddam is releasing hostages to soften hard-
line American opinion. U.S. officials, then, were busy sending
return signals: If Saddam is looking for compromise, he won't
succeed.
(Secretary Cheney: "It's absolutely essential that we see the task
through to its final conclusion, and that in the final analysis,
Saddam Hussein go back to Baghdad with his tail between his legs.'
The Iraqis were, in fact, out fishing today, for whatever goodwill
the hostage release might win them.
(Ambassador to U.S. al-Mashat: "We have taken a risk by permitting
all foreigners to leave the country as a gesture, as a further
gesture of peace.")
The President is sounding increasingly bellicose now, and senior
aides say to expect more of it. Bush has concluded that Saddam,
in releasing the hostages, is merely probing for an American
weakness, and that any hint of flexibility or gratitude now would
be a mistake.
(CBS-3)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-3
Brokaw: When Saddam Hussein unexpectedly announced the release of
these hostages last week, President Bush continued to talk tough
about the withdrawal of all Iraqi troops from Kuwait. But the
political climate has changed. NBC's John Cochran is with us
tonight to size up the prospects of a change in the President's
policies as well.
Cochran: A lot of people assume that the release of the hostages
will bring us closer to peace. Those people assume that President
Bush is saying one thing but will do another. The skeptics will
pay close attention to how the U.S. votes on a U.N. resolution
calling for a peace conference aimed at settling the conflict
between Israelis and Palestinians. The U.S. says it will not cave
in to Saddam Hussein's demands, which include a Mideast peace
conference. So far, no action on that. But Iraq also demanded
that the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait shut down -- President Bush has
ordered the embassy evacuated, but not officially closed. And Iraq
wanted direct talks with top U.S. officials -- that will happen
when the timing is worked out. Secretary Baker says he will go to
Baghdad only to show that the U.S. will walk the last mile to warn
Saddam he faces destruction unless he withdraws from Kuwait.
Today, an Iraqi diplomat said the talks must be more than just a
warning.
(Ambassador to U.S. al-Mashat: "If you go to the last mile, you
have to undertake negotiation -- serious negotiation, to address
all the problems in the region.
(TV Coverage: President Bush at podium.)
Today, Bush again said Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait is not
negotiable.
(President Bush: "We must speak out, and stand up for the Kuwaiti
people.")
A strange coalition of liberals and conservatives today urged Bush
to get even tougher by threatening war unless Saddam gives up all
his weapons of mass destruction.
(TV Coverage: Jeane Kirkpatrick at podium.)
But some worry that Bush seems to be softening.
(Richard Perle: "It's all very well to say this is not a
negotiation. But in much of the world, that's exactly how it's
perceived.")
This congressman thinks there will be a deal to prevent war.
(Rep. Aspin: "And it's not going to be solved by sanctions or by
war, which was the debate of a while ago, but basically,
essentially, it's going to be a diplomatic settlement of some
kind.")
And a senior Administration official has told NBC News he believes
there will be a negotiated settlement -- not a neat and tidy one,
but a messy one with jagged edges. But still one that everyone can
accept.
(NBC-2)
GULF/IRAQ
NBC's Mike Boettcher reports that Iraqis are convinced they can
protect themselves without their "human shields." New civil
defense schools have been opened up in Baghdad, and civil defense
courses are now mandatory in schools and universities. Emergency
preparedness drills have been broadcast on Iraqi television. But
if the Iraqis are feeling more vulnerable, they aren't expressing
it.
(NBC-3)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-4
GULF/POLL
Jennings: Iraq's decision to release the hostages has reduced the
expectation that war is inevitable. In a poll only a week ago, 75
percent of Americans we asked thought that fighting would break
out [versus 22 percent who thought not]; today that number is down
to 61 percent [with 37 percent disagreeing]. That's the first time
since the Iraqis invaded in August that the concern about war has
actually declined. Support for the war has also eroded. A week
ago, 63 percent said the U.S. should use military force if Iraq
refuses to withdraw from Kuwait [32 percent said we should not].
Now, 58 percent think so [versus 38 percent against]. And to
follow that curve on down, fewer than 50 percent of those we asked
would support a war if all the hostages are released safely.
(ABC-2)
GULF/PENTAGON
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports senior Bush administration officials say
key elements of the plan for containing Iraq include strengthening
the military power of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Gulf states.
They would expand their armies, and the U.S. would sell them tens
of billions of dollars in modern planes and other military
equipment. The U.N. would deploy a peacekeeping force well in
excess of 20,000 troops along Iraq's borders with Saudi Arabia and
Kuwait. The U.S. would maintain a permanent military presence in
the area -- surveillance and combat aircraft would be stationed in
several Gulf states. Plans also include the prepositioning of
tanks and other weapons, together with a modest U.S. ground
presence in Saudi Arabia, and increased naval patrols. The plan
also calls for international restrictions on the sale to Iraq of
weapons, chemical agents, and high-tech equipment of potential
military value. Some restrictions could be eased if Iraq
dismantled its chemical weapons facilities and permitted broader
inspection of its nuclear program. Officials say that if the talks
succeed, a plan like this would be necessary to hold in check an
Iraq whose military power would remain unbroken. The purpose would
be to prevent Saddam Hussein from dictating the terms of any
subsequent deal with Kuwait, and then going on to dominate the
entire Gulf region.
Jennings: There are reports that the Pentagon is going to ask
Congress for an additional $12-20 billion to help pay the costs of
Operation Desert Shield. The White House says only that the
numbers are still being studied.
(ABC-4)
CBS's Jim Stewart reports that when Congress comes back next month,
the Pentagon will ask for more than $20 billion more for Operation
Desert Shield. oil accounts for most of the increase. And if the
shooting ever starts:
(Rep. Aspin: "Any number that you've got can be doubled and
tripled.")
At that rate, the money set aside in this fall's budget compromise
to reduce the national debt would be eaten up in less than a month.
(Gordon Adams, Director, Defense Budget Project: "I think
basically, we're going to head straight to the deficit.")
The bulk of the higher cost will likely fall on the U.S. taxpayer,
in the form of a higher deficit or a special surtax.
(CBS-4)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-5
GULF/AMERICAN AGENDA
ABC's James Walker reports on the debates on whether or not to go
to war in the Gulf. Americans want to know more than just whether
sanctions are hurting Iraq. They want to know whether, given more
time, sanctions will hurt so much Saddam Hussein will leave Kuwait.
U.S. intelligence sources say the sanctions and the embargo against
Iraq are already having a significant impact, shutting off 90
percent of its imports and 97 percent of its exports. So far,
there is no evidence of food shortages in Iraq. But even if that
changes, the U.N. is committed to permitting humanitarian aid, and
Iraq is used to sacrifice without turning against Saddam.
(Robert Lieber, Mideast analyst, Georgetown Univ.: "Unfortunately,
even severe, painful, costly sanctions will not, I think in the
end, force a totalitarian regime to back off.")
The Iraqi military is having problems getting spare parts. But
U.S. intelligence officials estimate that Iraqi ground and air
forces can probably maintain their current levels of readiness for
as long as nine months. Some military analysts believe Iraq could
use the time to improve certain weapons systems.
(Brian Jenkins, military analyst: "Potentially, they could improve
their chemical weapons, or improve the guidance systems in their
missiles, or clandestinely acquire some sophisticated land mines
that would make it more difficult to carry out an attack against
them.
And the Gulf crisis has already had a serious economic impact on
the rest of the world. But economists say most of the damage has
already been done.
(Robert Hormats, economist: "The bottom line is, from an economic
point of view, it probably is not going to cost us much more on
economic terms to wait a little longer.
The political consequences are the most difficult to predict. Will
waiting weaken or strengthen President Bush? To wait or not to
wait is ultimately his call.
(ABC-14)
GULF/MARINES
ABC's Chris Bury reports on Marine infantry combat practice in the
Gulf. Some officers anticipate trench warfare and high casualties.
(Capt. Kent Bradford, USMC: "Saddam Hussein has had four months
to prepare his defense of Kuwait, and he's done a very effective
job of it. A frighteningly effective job of it. If we have to
fight him, it's going to be an ugly and costly fight. It might be
short, but it would be costly.")
American ground forces expect to be outnumbered if they attack
Iraqi fortifications in Kuwait. They are counting on plenty of
support, both from artillery and from the air.
(Bradford: "Realistically, I'd like to see everything we can
possibly get -- everything that flies or drops bombs or shoots
rockets or fires guns -- in support of us. That will save a lot
of American lives.'
But Marines know that airpower alone has never won a war. (ABC-3)
PEACE CONFERENCE/U.N.
Jennings reports the U.N. Security Council put off once again any
vote on a resolution calling for a Mideast peace conference, which
Israel and the U.S. have long resisted.
(ABC-8)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-6
SHAMIR MEETING
Brokaw: Tomorrow, President Bush meets with Prime Minister Shamir,
and it promises to be a blunt exchange.
NBC's Martin Fletcher reports that Israel's left wing is demanding
peace talks with the PLO and an international peace conference.
But Shamir says no to both. He wants one-on-one peace talks with
Arab states, but they say no, and the Israelis are hanging tough.
(Ehud Olmert, Environment Minister: "A peace conference is
ridiculous from the very outset, because the verdict is written,
and there is no need for any negotiations.")
Shamir takes comfort with the massive immigration of Jews fleeing
from the Soviet Union -- a million expected within two years. So
when he meets President Bush tomorrow, his party feels he's
speaking from a position of strength. U.S. pressure tonight
delayed a U.N. vote on an international peace conference for the
Mideast. But when Shamir meets Bush, it won't be a meeting of
personal friends. Officials describe their relations as cold, if
not hostile. Israel is worried that after the Gulf crisis, U.S.
pressure will begin on Israel to talk to the PLO.
(NBC-9)
ABC's Dean Reynolds reports that with the intifada growing more
violent, Israelis want all Palestinians out of Israel. New stop-
and-search roadblocks have been put in by Israeli authorities, and
there have been threats and attacks by Israeli extremists against
Jews who hire Palestinians. Recent polls say six out of ten
Israelis would bar all Palestinian workers from Israel. Recent
Soviet emigres to the country are also putting the squeeze,
economically and politically, on Palestinians.
(ABC-9)
NORPLANT
Rather: The most dramatic advance in birth control since the
introduction of the pill. That's what family planning groups
tonight called FDA approval of a major new contraceptive for women.
CBS's Susan Spencer reports on Norplant, which doctors say may
revolutionize birth control, giving a practically mistake-free
choice to women. The process involves placing six capsules
containing a synthetic hormone into the upper arm, where they stay,
effective for five years. It's expected to be available in this
country by February. But some caution its advantages make Norplant
wide open to abuse, to control some women.
(Arthur Kaplan, biologist: "It wouldn't surprise me to see some
people within the legal system say, 'We ought to mandate that
someone's whose had a baby, who abuses drugs or alcohol, have to
have Norplant put in.'")
(CBS-Lead, ABC-5, NBC-7)
NASA REVIEW
ABC's Jim Slade reports on the four-month review of NASA by a
Presidential panel, which gave its report today. The committee
wants a smaller space station, to concentrate on how humans can
survive in space for long periods in time.
(Norman Augustine, Chairman Space Program Advisory Committee: "The
space station we now have, in its present configuration, is too
complex, far too costly, depends too much on the space shuttle.")
-more-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-7
Slade continues:
The committee says the shuttles are too expensive and risky to be
wasted on hauling satellites into space, and want them conserved
for special projects requiring human presence. In addition, no
more shuttles should be built; instead, a new class of cargo
rockets was recommended be readied by the end of the decade. They
want NASA to focus on science, concerned with the Earth's
environment, like a ring of satellites to monitor pollution. The
committee said recent criticism of NASA pilots is deserved, and
occasionally self-inflicted. That seemed to annoy NASA
Administrator Truly.
(Adm. Truly: "If we were in the business of constantly trying to
make ourselves look good, we would plan to achieve very little, and
then surprise everybody as we achieve twice as much."
In the broad sense, committee members believe NASA is doing too
much with the resources it has.
(ABC-7)
NBC's Robert Bazell reports that the panel said that even with the
changes put in place after the Challenger accident, another
disaster is a real possibility.
(Norman Augustine: "We think we should certainly anticipate the
very real possibility of losing another orbiter in the foreseeable
future.")
Vice President Quayle, head of the National Space Council, was
enthusiastic about the commission's findings.
(Vice President Quayle: "They produced a great report that takes
on tough issues.")
The commission also said NASA's first priority should be science.
It said NASA should continue to think about sending people to Mars,
but only when the budget permits. No one believes that will be
anytime soon.
(NBC-5)
CBS's Bruce Hall reports space analysts say the report is welcome
news.
(John Logsdon, Space Policy Institute: "Those people that have
vested interest in the status quo at NASA are going to not like the
criticism. But I think the recommendations are so strong, so
positive and have so much common sense behind them that they will
ultimately be accepted.")
(Carl Sagan: "I like the stress on science and exploration.
That's what the NASA space program ought to be about, not
manufacturing ball bearings in space.")
(CBS-9)
FEDERAL DEFICIT
NBC's Irving R. Levine reports that only a month ago, after long
negotiations on a budget package, the deficit was estimated to hit
a record $232 billion. And now?
(Robert Reischauer, Congressional Budget Office: "The deficit for
the fiscal year that we're in right now will be somewhere between
$250 and $300 billion dollars, which will represent a considerable
leap over the largest deficit this country has ever experienced.
The deficit has ballooned because the slowing economy results in
more people unemployed who don't pay taxes.
(Richard Rahn, Chamber of Commerce: "It also means increase
spending by the federal government to pay for additional welfare
and unemployment compensation payments.
There's talk in Congress about a new tax increase. But that would
slow the economy more and risk adding to the deficit.
(NBC-6)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, December 11, 1990 -- A-8
S&Ls
Rather reports that government regulators now want to lend up to
$7 billion to prospective buyers for hard-to-sell properties taken
over from the ruined S&Ls. Opponents say the government might
still have to repossess these same properties if the new buyers
default.
(CBS-10)
AVENGER
Jennings reports the Pentagon told Congress today it has begun a
criminal investigation into overpayment on the Navy's new A-12
Avenger aircraft.
(ABC-13)
MiG-29s
ABC's Jerry King reports NATO experts are now getting a first-hand
look at twenty-four ultra-modern Soviet-made MiG 29s, which thanks
to unification now belong to Germany. The jets, the type of which
Iraq owns, are being put through mock air battles with Air Force
F-15s. There's no definite word yet on which proved superior.
Unfortunately, due to Soviet technical specifications, the MiGs
can't be repaired in any NATO country.
(ABC-12)
FOOD AID/SOVIETS
Brokaw reports Foreign Minister Shevardnadze appealed for American
food aid today when he met with Secretary Baker in Houston.
(TV Coverage: Baker, Shevardnadze meeting.)
He said food was the most acute Soviet problem these days. Baker
said President Bush would try to help. During a break from their
talks, the two went to the Johnson Space Center and climbed aboard
a mock-up of the space station.
(NBC-8, CBS-5)
CBS's Barry Petersen reports that foreign aid is flowing into
Moscow's airports, but Gorbachev's supporters fear anger against
reforms and shortages could spill into the streets.
(Sergei Stankevich, Deputy Mayor of Moscow: "This emergency help
is absolutely necessary in order to help our newly-born democratic
institutions to survive.")
(CBS-6)
YUGOSLAVIA
Rather reports election returns indicate former communists have
held onto power in Serbia, Yugoslavia's largest republic.
Opposition leaders conceded defeat today. The results are expected
to deepen the rift between Serbia and other republics where
communists have been ousted by pro-Western movements.
(CBS-7)
HAVEL
Jennings: President Havel has asked the Czech Parliament to give
him broad new powers until the country has a new constitution. He
says he fears that without it, in an emergency he may be unable to
deal with threats by Slovak leaders to declare sovereignty in
Slovak regions and thus break up the country.
(ABC-11)
-End of News Summary-
Wednesday, July 19, 1989 -- B-2
Stahl continues:
(President Bush: "How is it possible after such a short time to
break bread with the men who ordered those imprisonments? Why the
absence of bitterness? And she said, 'Our joy at what is now
happening is more powerful than memory.'")
But there is great bitterness in Eastern Europe toward the
communists, even where they are reforming. In the elections in
Poland, not a single member of the party was selected by the people.
Even in the Soviet Union, party members were thrown out of office.
But President Bush says the people he saw are not consumed with
hatred.
(President Bush on Air Force One: "They aren't dwelling on that.
There's too much hope now. They're hoping to keep going with
political reform, economic reform. And I think to a degree that it
still is there clearly in the minds of some, but it's almost overpowered
by the moves that are going on now.")
There was only one shadow on the President's mood of exhilaration at
the end of his trip: a new book in which campaign consultants who
worked for Vice President Quayle describe him as a "disastrous
campaigner
with the attention span of a child."
(President Bush: "I don't know what they thought, but I know what
I've thought all along. And I think my judgement early on is being
vindicated all along. The man is serious and he's doing a first-class
job. But what troubles me about it, I found those quotations
personally offensive.")
In California, the Vice President had his own reaction.
(Vice President Quayle: "And it was a rather cruel hoax -that some
of your top advisers would speak like that behind your back. It's
most unfortunate, and that probably explains a lot of the problems we
had on the campaign.")
The President meets with congressional leaders tomorrow when he'll
start lobbying for the $125 million in aid he offered Poland and
Hungary on his trip. Sen. Helms has already launched a campaign to
fight the package.
(CBS-2)
ECONOMY
Kuralt: The country's trade deficit was shown today to have taken a big
jump in the wrong direction. The country's economic growth, said
Administration officials, is not going to be as great this year as they
thought before, and the budget deficit isn't improving much, either.
But the Bush Administration says it's not much worried by all these
new figures.
CBS's Mark Phillips: The news from the docks was not good. Trade
figures for May released today show the grade gap to be the biggest
in five months. A sharp increase in imports and a drop in U.S.
goods sold abroad brought the May trade deficit to more than $10
billion -- a number the Administration says should not be alarming in
itself.
(Secretary Brady: "I don't think we can look at one month's result.
May was up, April was down.")
Despite the May figures, the total trade gap has narrowed a bit from
last year, but the numbers show U.S. industry still lagging behind
its foreign competition.
-more-
NETWORK NEWS SUMMARY
(Tuesday Evening, July 18)
TRIP
ABC's Peter Jennings: We begin tonight with the President, home from
his trip overseas, pleased with what he's seen in person, and
confident, so he says, that the American vision of the future will be
realized. What the President says he senses is the dawning of a new
age behind the Iron Curtain. And that is precisely what he's been
encouraging everywhere he's been. And so he's home.
ABC's Brit Hume:
[TV COVERAGE: The President and First Lady step out of Marine
One.]
The President, who had once been criticized for failing to see the
opportunity for change in the age of Mikhail Gorbachev, returned to
the White House after his second trip to Europe in three months,
proclaiming a new era there.
(President Bush: "I found an enormous amount of excitement --
excitement at the times in which we are living and the possibilities
they offer to end the division of Europe, to make that continent truly
whole and free.")
Earlier on the long flight home, he disclosed there had been spirited
discussion bordering on argument with his Dutch hosts this morning
about the costs of mutual defense.
(President Bush: "There's a strong sentiment among some of the
party people there for the United States to pick up the check for
everything.") But generally, the President said he found European leaders willing
to assume a greater share.
(President Bush: "These people realize that for many years we've
been carrying a very significant defense burden for the free world,
and they understand that we are not rolling in money because of our
federal deficit.")
Even before he landed, domestic matters caught up with him in the
form of questions about a new book quoting Vice President Quayle's
campaign handlers -- descriptions of Quayle as childlike and inept.
(President Bush: "The man is serious and he's doing a first-class
job. But what troubles me about it, I found those quotations
personally offensive, because that's the ugly side of politics.")
The Quayle flap will likely blow over, but the President obviously
hopes that the impact of his trip will not, and in particular that his
two visits behind the Iron Curtain will add momentum to the very
change there he was once accused of not recognizing. (ABC-Lead)
CBS's Charles Kuralt: The President, home from 10 days in Europe, was
tired but seemingly excited. He said his encounters with the people
of Poland and Hungary persuaded him that a new world is within
reach.
CBS's Lesley Stahl: The homecoming -- a red, white and blue
welcome for the President on the White House lawn. Mr. Bush talked
about his trip, a lunch he hosted in Poland, where a woman from
Solidarity sat with the very communists who had jailed her friends.
-more-
Thursday, December 21, 1989 -- A-8
'A Sad Return To The Days Of Gunboat Diplomacy'
The Soviet Union condemned the U.S. military action in Panama
Wednesday, describing the action as a violation of international law and the
U.N. charter.
Describing the U.S. move as an "invasion," a Soviet Foreign Ministry
statement demanded that Washington "immediately stop its armed
intervention in Panama." The head of a parliamentary committee for
international affairs, Alexander Dzasokhov, said no motive could possibly
justify armed intervention against a sovereign state
But Gorbachev
avoided any comment on the U.S. move
"The Americans could not have done a better thing for our
military-industrial complex than to commit aggression in Panama,' said
Georgi Arbatov, head of the Kremlin's think tank on the U.S. and a
member of the People's Deputies. "It's a sad return to the days of
gunboat diplomacy that I thought had passed."
(Michael Dobbs, Washington Post, A34)
Many Governments Condemn Use Of Force In Panama
UNITED NATIONS -- The U.S. invasion of Panama threw the U.N.
into a diplomatic quandry Wednesday as the Security Council debated
whether Gen. Noriega or the new U.S.-backed president, Endara, should
be recognized as that country's leader.
Nicaragua demanded an immediate Security Council meeting to discuss
the U.S. action. But attempts to call the council into session stalled
throughout [Wednesday] afternoon as diplomats debated whether a
Noriega-backed ambassador or an envoy appointed by Endara should be
accredited to represent Panama before the body
Nicaragua sought to introduce a resolution at the OAS condemning the
U.S. action and demanding the immediate withdrawal of foreign troops in
Panama. However, ambassadors to the OAS, claiming they lacked
instructions from their governments, put off consideration of the
Nicaraguan proposal.
(Ethan Schwartz & John Goshko, Washington Post, A34)
Americans Voice Their Approval For Show Of Muscle
The U.S. intervention in Panama brought cheers from the heartland
as Americans came out overwhelmingly in favor of the move to capture
Gen. Noriega, according to early polls and calls to radio and television
stations.
Talk show hosts from across the country found their phone lines
jammed Wednesday morning with excited listeners, many of whom said the
Bush Administration's action to oust the Panamanian dictator was long
overdue.
"It's all we've been talking about this morning," said Mike Rosen,
who hosts a three-hout talk show for KOA-AM radio in Denver. "Callers
are overwhelmingly in support of this -- their biggest frustration is this
wasn't done two months ago."
"I don't think I heard one negative comment this morning," said Telly
Mamayek, a news anchorwoman at WCKY-AM in Cincinnati, after fielding
about 100 calls.
(Valerie Richardson, Washington Times, A1)
-more-
Thursday, December 21, 1989 -- A-7
Thatcher Applauds U.S. Action; S. Americans Decry Troop Use
British Prime Minister Thatcher gave her unqualified approval to the
U.S. military operation in Panama Wednesday, but not one Latin American
nation expressed support.
Nicaragua, Peru and Cuba joined the Soviet Union in condemning the
U.S. action, while Argentina, Costa Rica and Venezuela issued cautious
statements decrying the use of force. Neighboring Colombia called for an
emergency meeting in Bogota of foreign ministers representing seven
nations of the Latin American Group of Eight, from which Panama was
suspended in 1988 after Gen. Noriega deposed its president, Eric Arturo
Delvalle.
Critical statements came also from a NATO member, Spain, and from
neutral Yugoslavia, which heads the 102-nation Nonaligned Movement.
(A.D. Horne, Washington Post, A34)
Latin Nations, Soviets Condemn U.S. Action
The Soviet Union used language reminiscent of the Cold War
Wednesday to denounce the U.S. military strike in Panama, and leaders in
Latin America universally condemned the strike
One of the angriest condemnations came from Peru, where President
Alan Garcia announced he was withdrawing his ambassador from Washington
until U.S. troops leave Panama.
Mr. Garcia said a drug summit scheduled for Feb. 15 with President
Bush and other Latin AMerican presidents in Cartagena, Colombia, should
be postponed as a result of the U.S. military action
Canada said the U.S. action set a "dangerous precedent" but
expressed sympathy.
"What would you have us do?" asked Canadian Prime Minister
Mulroney. "Here you've got a drug runner and thug running the
country. He declares war on the U.S. He assassinates some innocent
American citizens."
Among other Western allies, the Dutch government said it also
sympathizes with Mr. Bush, but Spain "deeply lamented" the U.S. move.
Venezuela summed up many reactions by saying it opposed
intervention but also opposed Gen. Noriega's regime
Guatemala, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Bolivia also lashed out at the
violent turn of events in Panama, but none spoke out to the same degree
as Cuba and Nicaragua
China made no overt comment
Japan was non-commital.
(Combined wires, Washington Times, A6)
-more-
White House News Summary
Thursday, December 21, 1989 -- 3
(Ankara/Reuter) -- Romania's First Deputy Premier Gheorghe Oprea
denied foreign news reports that up to 4,000 protesters may have been
killed last weekend in his country. "It is not true there are large
numbers of dead. Not even 10 have died, let alone thousands," he told
reporters.
HUNGARY (Budapest/Reuter) -- The Hungarian parliament agreed to
dissolve itself on March 16 next year, paving the way for the first fully
free elections in the East Bloc for over 40 years. Announcing the
decision, deputy speaker Istvan Fodor said the country's acting president,
Matyas Szuros, would decide a date for the elections later Thursday or
Friday.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA (Prague/AP) -- The Communist Party voted to
immediately disband the despised paramilitary People's Militia in another
concession to the country's increasingly powerful pro-democracy movement.
The delegates' vote came at a special party congress aimed at shoring up
the party's plummeting popularity, the state-run news agency reported.
EAST GERMAN/YUGOSLAV CHRISTMAS (Vatican City/Reuter) -- Christmas
midnight mass in St. Peter's Basilica will be broadcast for the first time in
East Germany next year, while Yugoslav television will carry Pope John
Paul's Christmas day message and blessing.
CHINA/SATELLITES (Beijing/Reuter) -- China said that President Bush's
decision to allow it to launch three American-built satellites was helpful to
restoring strained Sino-U.S. relations. But a foreign ministry spokesman
was unable to say whether China planned any steps to improve ties or
whether the two sides were closer to easing the main source of friction --
the sheltering of dissident Fang Lizhi in the U.S. Embassy.
CHINESE REFUGEE (Buffalo/AP) -- A Chinese man jailed after he and his
pregnant wife entered the U.S. illegally to flee a forced abortion in China
hopes a presidential order will bring him freedom. Li Jin Lin's case is one
of the first in the nation to test President Bush's directive that says fear
of forced sterilization or abortion can be considered as grounds for
granting an alien political asylum. The couple fears harassment and worse
if they should be returned to China, and their daughter could suffer even
though she is a U.S. citizen by virtue of her birth here, said Kathleen
Rimar, a lawyer representing them before the INS. She said Bush's
directive "doesn't grant people asylum but it gives them a better shot if
they can prove they would be forced to abort or face sterilization."
INDIA (New Delhi/Reuter) -- Prime Minister Vishwanath Pratap Singh's
new minority government won a vote of confidence from parliament with
only one voice of dissent. The Congress party abstained from voting
while communists, a chauvinist Hindu party and Sikh militants all backed
Singh's centrist National Front in a voice vote.
ISRAEL/PALESTINIANS (Jerusalem/Reuter) -- The Israeli army shot dead
two Palestinians, wounded at least 23 and announced it would punish
parents for stone-throwing by young children. Military sources said the
army would start punishing parents of young stone-throwers in the Gaza
Strip by sealing rooms of their houses and seizing furniture. They said
the new punishments aimed to stop protests by children under 12 who
cannot be jailed under Israeli military law used in the sTrip.
-end-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1990
6:00 A.M. SANTIAGO/4:00 A.M. EST EDITION
TRIP NEWS
BUSH LAUDS FREE-MARKET ECONOMY IN CHILE, PROMISES CLOSER RELATIONS
-- President Bush promised improved political and economic ties
with Chile Thursday, saying the Latin American nation has undergone
a transformation "every bit as far-reaching" as the upheavals of
the last year in Eastern Europe.
(Washington Post, Knight-Ridder)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SADDAM ORDERS THE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES -- President Saddam said
Thursday that all the 2,000 or more foreigners being held hostage
in Iraq and Kuwait are to be released promptly and the country's
rubber-stamp National Assembly scheduled a special session for
Friday to carry out his order.
(Washington Post)
SOME EUROPEANS INSIDE IRAQ ARE NOT HOSTAGES, U.S. INVESTIGATORS SAY
-- In apparent defiance of international sanctions against Iraq,
a number of Europeans portrayed as hostages in Baghdad actually are
technicians working voluntarily to keep Iraq's weapons facilities
and other key industries operating, American investigators now
suspect.
(Los Angeles Times)
NETWORK NEWS (Thursday evening)
GULF -- President Bush welcomed
Saddam's announcement to free
TRIP NEWS
A-1
all foreign hostages in Iraq and
Kuwait, but there was the danger
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-3
the move would undermine Bush's
unyielding stand toward Iraq.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-8
The President denied the
story he'll soon call a Middle
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
East peace conference to
negotiate the future of
Palestine.
GATT -- Talks on farm subsidies
collapsed in disagreement.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-1
TRIP NEWS
BUSH LAUDS FREE-MARKET ECONOMY
IN CHILE, PROMISES CLOSER RELATIONS
SANTIAGO -- President Bush promised improved political and
economic ties with Chile Thursday, saying the Latin American nation
has undergone a transformation "every bit as far-reaching" as the
upheavals of the last year in Eastern Europe.
Bush said Chile's economic policies put it in "the forefront
of the free-market movement now taking hold across Latin
America.
II
One of the cars in Bush's entourage was hit by an egg as the
President rode from the airport to the home of President Patricio
Aylwin, whose inauguration last spring restored democracy to Chile
after 17 years of military rule under Gen. Pinochet
Chilean reporters pressed Bush with questions about the 1976
assassination in Washington of ex-foreign minister Orlando
Letelier, a foe of Pinochet, and about the aftermath of a 1989
embargo on Chilean fruit
Last Saturday, the White House announced it had lifted
sanctions prohibiting military assistance and sales to Chile that
were imposed by Congress after the Letelier bombing in Washington.
The Administration justified the decision by saying that Chile had
taken steps to resolve the case here, including its shifting
jurisdiction of the case from the military to civilian courts
"Chile has moved farther, faster than any other nation in
South America toward real free-market reform," Bush told the
Chilean Congress in the Pacific seacoast city of Valparaiso
He said this made it "a prime candidate" for debt relief under his
newly proposed Enterprise for the Americas initiative.
(Dan Balz, Washington Post, A53)
BUSH CALLS CHILE A POLITICAL, ECONOMIC MODEL FOR LATIN AMERICA
SANTIAGO -- President Bush hailed Chile Thursday as a
political and economic model for the rest of Latin America, calling
its transformation "every bit as far-reaching as the revolutions
that changed the face of Eastern Europe.
The lavish praise would have been unthinkable from an American
president just a year ago, when Chile was in the final days of the
16-year military rule of rightist strongman Gen. Pinochet.
But the ascension of democratically elected President Aylwin
has helped change Chile's image as a suppressor of human rights,
and its growing economy has made it the envy of its South American
neighbors.
"Chile has moved farther, faster than any other nation in
South America toward real free market reform," Bush declared in a
speech before the Chilean National Congress.
Nearing the end of his six-day swing through five South
American nations, Bush said the strong economic performance made
Chile a prime candidate for the debt-relief provisions of his Latin
American assistance plan.
(Charles Green, Knight-Ridder)
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-2
BUSH LAUDS CHILEAN DEMOCRACY
SANTIAGO -- President Bush had praise Thursday for the newly
restored democracy in this nation, but the Chileans were more
interested in discussing a controversial five-day U.S. ban on their
grapes last year.
Standing under an apricot tree loaded with fruit on the patio
at the home of President Patricio Aylwin, the two presidents
fielded questions.
While the American press concentrated on the Persian Gulf
crisis, Chilean reporters quizzed Bush on bilateral matters
including the resentment here for the U.S. decision to remove
grapes from supermarket shelves last year
Bush said he and Aylwin would discuss the grape question. He
used the Tylenol incident as an example to explain how seriously
the U.S. views cases of poisoned food and medicine.
He told how the company removed Tylenol several years ago
after one tampered capsule was found.
"It isn't the Chilean grape that was singled out," he said.
"This is the way in the United States we approach matters that can
adversely affect the health of our people."
Bush later flew to nearby Valparaiso, where he addressed the
National Congress, telling its members that in spite of the
"remarkable events" in Europe, the world should not lose sight of
what has happened in this hemisphere. "Chile has undergone a
political transformation every bit as far-reaching as the
revolution that changed the face of Eastern Europe,' he said.
(Kathy Lewis, Dallas Morning News)
###
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-3
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
SADDAM ORDERS THE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES
BAGHDAD -- President Saddam said Thursday that all the 2,000
or more foreigners being held hostage in Iraq and Kuwait are to be
released promptly and the country's rubber-stamp National Assembly
scheduled a special session for Friday to carry out his order.
The surprise announcement -- which meets one of the three U.N.
objectives -- was cautiously applauded by U.S. Embassy officials
and visiting hostage relatives here. While there was no official
indication when the hostages would be freed, Iraq's U.N. ambassador
said they would be home by Christmas.
Saddam cited appeals by other Arab leaders, expressions of
concern about war by U.S. Senate Democrats and pleas from a
European Parliament delegation as positive factors in his decision.
He said all this "encouraged" him "to respond to these good,
positive changes -- changes that will have a major impact on world
public opinion in general, and U.S. public opinion in particular,
in restraining the evil ones who are seeking and pushing for war.
The statement, read over state-run Baghdad Radio, was
applauded by U.S. and other Western diplomats here as a potential
breakthrough in the hostage crisis.
(Dana Priest, Washington Post, A1)
BUSH WELCOMES PLEDGE BUT BARS ANY CONCESSIONS
SANTIAGO -- President Bush Thursday cautiously welcomed
President Saddam's decision to release the hostages in Iraq, but
maintained his hard line against offering Saddam any concession to
withdraw his troops from Kuwait such as linking the Persian Gulf
crisis to a resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Bush said Saddam's move to release the hostages shows that the
U.S. strategy of economic sanctions and the threat of war "is
working," and insisted that Saddam comply fully with U.N.
resolutions calling for complete withdrawal of Iraqi troops from
Kuwait and the restoration of the Kuwaiti government.
"We've got to continue to keep the pressure on, Bush told a
news conference here during a tour of five Latin American nations.
He added later: "The release of all hostages would be a very good
thing, but the problem is the aggression against Kuwait, and the
man must leave Kuwait without reservation, without condition."
Bush's rhetoric, and similar remarks in Washington Thursday
by Secretary Baker before the House Foreign Affairs Committee,
reflected the Administration's determination to prevent mounting
talk about a possible diplomatic deal from eroding the
international coalition aligned against Saddam and the threat to
use force if Iraqi troops have not withdrawn by early next year.
U.S. officials appeared particularly anxious to ensure that a
hostage release not boost sentiment on Capitol Hill and around the
U.S. in favor of delaying military action against Iraq for months
in order to give economic sanctions against Iraq more time to
work
The President said he wanted to "gun
down" speculation that
the U.S. is supporting a Middle East peace conference as part of
a deal to end the gulf crisis, saying Saddam was simply trying to
justify his own aggression by insisting that an Iraqi pullout from
Kuwait be linked to settlement of the Palestinian issue.
-more-
(Dan Balz, Washington Post, A1)
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-4
EUROPEAN LEADERS WELCOME NEWS
But Pledge Unified Stand To Force Iraqi Pullout
PARIS -- The European allies Thursday welcomed President
Saddam's declared intention to free all foreign hostages and
expressed the hope that their release will be followed soon by the
complete withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait and the restoration
of its legitimate government.
Spokesmen for European governments hailed the announcement as
the result of unyielding opposition by the international community
to Iraq's transgression of international law. But they stressed
the need to sustain the pressure of a global consensus that Iraq
must comply with all terms of the U.N. resolutions.
(William Drozdiak, Washington Post, A30)
SADDAM BIDS TO ELEVATE TALKS
Move Seen Also As Aimed At U.S. Public Opinion
DHAHRAN -- Saddam Hussein decided to release his foreign
hostages in an effort to upgrade forthcoming U.S.-Iraqi diplomatic
contacts into full-fledged negotiations on Middle East issues,
according to Arab diplomats and analysts.
In their view, the Iraqi leaders's surprise announcement
Thursday that he would free the hostages, including 88 Americans
held as "human shields," is also an attempt to weaken the
international coalition arrayed against Baghdad and increase
domestic pressures on the Bush Administration to delay early
military action.
"Saddam wants to transfer (the upcoming talks) to
negotiations. He's playing with American public opinion,' said one
senior Egyptian military source. "He wants to defeat Mr. Bush at
home."
(Caryle Murphy, Washington Post, A1)
SOME EUROPEANS INSIDE IRAQ
ARE NOT HOSTAGES, U.S. INVESTIGATORS SAY
In apparent defiance of international sanctions against Iraq,
a number of Europeans portrayed as hostages in Baghdad actually are
technicians working voluntarily to keep Iraq's weapons facilities
and other key industries operating, American investigators now
suspect.
Although the number of foreign nationals involved is believed
to be small, investigators said they are helping to maintain key
facilities, including Iraq's main chemical-weapons plant. Some are
Germans who appear to be moving in and out of Iraq freely through
Jordan.
The suspicions are based, in part, on accounts provided by
freed hostages who have reported seeing Europeans at work,
apparently voluntarily, at strategic sites where "human shields"
have been held to deter a possible U.S.-led military strike.
The critical assistance poses a threat to the effectiveness
of the U.N. embargo against Iraq and is a source of particular
frustration to U.S. officials eager to find a way to stop the
workers. German federal prosecutors confirmed that they are
investing 20 to 30 cases involving companies and individuals
believed to be providing illegal services and commodities to Iraq.
(Douglas Frantz and Tamara Jones, Los Angeles Times, A41)
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-5
PARTISAN SPLIT DEEPENS IN U.S. POLICY DEBATE
Reaction To Saddam's Move Underscores Schism
The domestic political debate on President Bush's Persian Gulf
policy became more sharply partisan Thursday, with Republicans
claiming that President Saddam's announcement that he will release
all hostages vindicated Bush's insistence on forcing the issue,
while Democrats defended a more gradual approach allowing time for
sanctions to work.
The split underscored the degree to which the early
congressional consensus on the gulf has eroded since Bush's
decision a month ago to double the size of U.S. forces in the gulf
and to threaten Iraq with military retaliation for its invasion of
Kuwait
Sen. Dole lost no time in attempting to seize the political
advantage. "While President Bush and the United Nations had the
courage to force Saddam's hand, " he said in a statement, "Congress
sat on its hands and tried to tie the President's (hands) behind
his back
No doubt about it, the President's policy is working.
The last thing we need are any more timid signals from Congress."
On the other side, Sen. Sarbanes, an advocate of continuing
the economic sanctions and delaying any resort to military force,
said, "If the hostages are released, it represents the achievement
of one of our major goals without the expenditure of any
lives
which runs directly counter to what Dole is saying.'
Several sources said that Rep. Solarz, one of the strongest
Democratic supporters of the Bush policy, warned a closed-door
Democratic strategy session Thursday that if the party appears to
be denying support to the Administration and Bush orders a January
attack that results in a quick Iraqi defeat, as he considers
likely, then the voters "will keep us out of the White House
forever."
(David Broder, Washington Post, A25)
CHENEY IS SAID TO SEEK AID FROM NATO STATES
BRUSSELS -- Secretary Cheney told other defense ministers from
NATO Thursday that the U.S. would welcome additional military
support for the effort to oust Iraqi forces from Kuwait, according
to senior diplomatic sources.
Cheney reportedly said the U.S. wants help from other NATO
members to transport a large contingent of U.S. troops and military
equipment to the Persian Gulf by mid-January
He and British
Defense Minister Tom King also called for added contributions of
ammunition, spare parts and medical supplies for the estimated
460,000 U.S. and British troops in or headed for the Persian Gulf.
(Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A25)
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-6
DIPLOMACY SHIFTING WESTERN DEBATE FROM A STICK TO A CARROT
Although President Bush and Secretary Baker have insisted they
will not negotiate with Iraq, they are being drawn inexorably into
an intense period of negotiation that is not entirely within their
control
Since the U.N. Security Council voted last week to authorize
the use of force against Iraq if it does not leave Kuwait by Jan.
15, the U.S. has proposed new high-level talks, Iraq has accepted,
Iraqi soldiers have made a token effort to resupply the besieged
U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, and now Saddam proposes to liberate the
remaining hostages. There have been daily discussions between
Washington and Baghdad over the details of the planned exchange of
visits between Baker and Foreign Minister Aziz.
The result of this back and forth has been to shift the debate
in the U.S. and between Washington and its partners from the
quality of the "stick" being wielded by the alliance to the shape
of the "carrot" that might be used to induce Saddam to retreat.
The risk for Bush is that the debate will be increasingly
difficult to control as the U.S. is buffeted by proposals from
friends and adversaries that further cloud the message of resolve
that it wants to send Iraq and the American people
Officials conceded that they have entered a new phase of the
crisis that will be more difficult to manage. "It's like those
vegetables they brought to the embassy," said an official,
referring to the food taken to the door of the Kuwait embassy. "It
certainly means there is movement. But is (he responding to) this
massive force? Is it the U.N.? or is it some game he's playing?"
(David Hoffman, news analysis, Washington Post, A28)
U.N. DELAYS DEBATE ON PALESTINIAN PROBLEM
U.S. Negotiates With Nonaligned Nations
Over Proposal On Mideast Peace Conference
U.N. -- The Security Council Thursday delayed for a day its
debate on the Palestinian problem, as U.S. and nonaligned diplomats
continued negotiations over a resolution urging consideration of
an international peace conference on the Middle East "at an
appropriate time."
U.S. diplomats said the U.S. has not agreed to convene such
a conference. The U.N. proposal "doesn't seek to convene a
conference, it simply says it might be useful at the appropriate
time," a U.S. official said. (Trevor Rowe, Washington Post, A58)
IRAQIS, SAUDIS SAID TO BAR RIGHTS GROUP
Two of the leading adversaries in the Persian Gulf, Iraq and
Saudi Arabia, have governments so repressive that no one is
available in them to monitor human rights violations, a human
rights group said Thursday.
Those countries and Albania, Ethiopia and North Korea were the
worst five violators of rights cited by Human Rights Watch in its
fourth annual survey of persecution of human rights monitors
worldwide
Thirty-one monitors were killed, and another eight
"disappeared" after being taken into custody, the report said,
citing more than 500 cases of persecution in 50 countries.
(Al Kamen, Washington Post, A19)
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-7
TRADE TALKS AGAIN STALLED OVER SUBSIDIES
BRUSSELS -- Global negotiations to expand free trade broke
down in bitterness Thursday night over the issue of farm trade
subsidies, making it extremely difficult for negotiators to reach
a successful end Friday of a four-year effort to expand trade rules
to cover $1 trillion in new forms of commerce.
The deadlock came after the negotiations received a sudden
reprieve this afternoon when the 12-nation EC agreed to discuss the
$12 billion a year it pays farmers to help them sell in foreign
markets.
But hours later the talks reached a stalemate when the EC,
Japan and South Korea raised so many objections that other nations
decided it was fruitless to continue negotiations on GATT.
(Stuart Auerbach, Washington Post, C12)
PANAMANIAN MUTINEERS HAD SEVERAL AMERICANS IN GRASP
PANAMA CITY -- American troops were dispatched to surround
Panamanian police headquarters early Wednesday because a handful
of U.S. advisers, including two Army colonels, were trapped inside
and on the verge of a shootout with munitions Panamanian police
officers who had stormed the building, American officials said here
Thursday.
The advisers had been inside the headquarters shortly after
midnight when the rebellious officers burst in and took control of
the building.
(Lee Hockstader, Washington Post, A53)
###
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- A-8
NATIONAL NEWS
ECONOMY, S&L BAILOUT SEEN DRIVING UP DEFICIT
A weakening economy and skyrocketing costs of the S&L bailout
will raise the federal budget deficit to a record $320 billion in
this fiscal year, the CBO estimated Thursday.
The deficit will surge even higher in the fiscal year starting
Oct. 1, despite Congress' five-year agreement to reduce red-ink
spending, CBO Director Reischauer told the House Budget Committee.
Even if there is a recession in the first half of next year,
however, the deficit will start to shrink in 1993 and drop sharply
thereafter as the new congressional budget actions take hold,
Reischauer said.
(William Eaton, Los Angeles Times, A4)
SUNUNU SAID TO WANT COMPTROLLER REPLACED
Chief of Staff Sununu is seeking to block a second five-year
term for Comptroller of the Currency Robert Clarke, after
complaining in recent White House meetings that Clarke's oversight
of national banks is so tough that it has caused a nationwide
credit crunch, Bush Administration officials said Thursday.
Apparently at the behest of Sununu, calls have been made this
week to bankers and other business executives soliciting opinions
about Clarke. While there is no firm timetable, one Administration
official sid he expects the President to make a decision on the
nomination early next week.
"Sununu is among those who oppose Clarke's nomination," an
Administration official confirmed.
Clarke's reappointment is supported by Secretary Brady
Some Administration officials said Clarke was assured by the White
House as recently as last Thursday of his reappointment, but
another official flatly denied that any assurances were given.
(John Berry, Washington Post, A1)
GEPHARDT SAYS GOP PLAYING RACIAL POLITICS
Rep. Gephardt charged Thursday that President Bush and other
Republican strategists are using opposition to civil rights
legislation "to divide white working people from black working
people, and thereby distract them from their common interests."
Setting the stage for a renewed fight over the civil rights
legislation expected when a new Congress convenes next month,
Gephardt dismissed Bush's contention when he vetoed the bill in
October that it would force businesses to impose racial quotas.
And he criticized Republicans who he charged are planning to use
quotas as a polarizing issue in the 1992 elections:
"The ideologues on the right are following a new trail of
racial resentment and recrimination blazed by David Duke, then trod
successfully by Jesse Helms, and now given a tarnished patina of
intellectual respectability by William Bennett."
RNC spokesman Black dismissed the charges as "nonsense. They
are hitting below the belt in trying to rope David Duke, a former
Democrat, into this equation. There is a legitimate difference
between the president and the liberal Democrats and what ought to
be in this (civil rights) bill. If they try to convert it into a
quota bill again, he will oppose it."
(Thomas Edsall, Washington Post, A14)
-end of A-section-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-1
NETWORK NEWS SUMMARY
(Thursday evening, December 6)
GULF
ABC's DIANE SAWYER: Words Americans have been hoping to hear: the
hostages -- Saddam Hussein's guests -- may be coming home. There
are more than 6,000 Western and Japanese citizens still detained
or hiding in Iraq and Kuwait, 930 of them Americans. Thursday
morning Hussein announced they will be free to leave, maybe within
days. The Voice of America has already started telling them
preparations are under way. The administration called it a welcome
and significant development, a sign that the international pressure
on Iraq is working.
ABC's KAREN BURNS reports from Baghdad that news of their release
came as a surprise to the hostages.
(BURNS: "Why are the hostages being released all of a sudden?
NAJDI AL-HADIPHI, gen. dir. of government information: "There has
been some changes, positive changes, in the world public opinion,
including the American public opinion.'
Iraqi officials and Western analysts here believe Saddam agreed to
make concessions in meetings two days ago with King Hussein and
Yassir Arafat. Both want linkage to the Palestinians issue. One
Iraq official says the hostages are being released just because
they are no longer needed.
(AL-HADIPHI: "The Iraqi forces took advantage of this period to
complete their deployment in the province of Kuwait and now they
are fully prepared to deter any aggression on Iraqi territory.")
American officials are still waiting to see if Saddam's promise is
kept.
(JOSEPH WILSON, U.S. Embassy Charge: "I have put a bottle of
California champagne in the ice box. I will uncork it when I see
these people with their exit visas and on the up-ramp.")
Friday the Iraqi National Assembly will vote on Saddam's proposal
to release the hostages. If they vote as they are expected to, the
hostages could be released immediately.
SAWYER reports ABC News has learned that in addition to telling
Hussein to release the hostages, the PLO and King Hussein have also
urged him to get out of Kuwait and try to make a separate deal with
King Fahd. Under the deal, Iraq would gain access to the sea and
keep the oil fields along the Iraq-Kuwait border.
The reaction from President Bush Thursday was: keep the
pressure on.
ABC's BRIT HUME: Word of the Iraqi announcement had reached
President Bush aboard Air Force One as he flew into Santiago. Mr.
Bush could not do other than welcome the news, but there was the
danger that it would undermine his unyielding stand toward Iraq.
(TV coverage: President walking with President Aylwin.)
He said nothing about it until asked at a joint news conference
with Chilean President Aylwin.
(PRESIDENT: "The release of all hostages would be a very good
thing, but the problem is the aggression against Kuwait, and the
man must leave Kuwait without reservation, without condition.")
The President insisted there is no behind-the-scenes diplomacy
between the U.S. and Iraq.
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-2
HUME continues:
(PRESIDENT: "There are no secret negotiations, direct or indirect,
with Iraq over this question. None, and there will be none.")
And he denied the U.S., which is working on a compromise U.N.
resolution on a Middle East peace conference, is trying to give
Saddam a face-saving concession for leaving Kuwait.
(PRESIDENT: "I don't care about face, he doesn't need any face.
He needs to get out of Kuwait without trying to complicate this
matter by talking about some Middle East peace settlement or peace
conference.")
However that plays out, the release of the hostages, assuming it
happens, achieves a major goal of the administration's Gulf policy,
but it also removes one justification for the use of force at the
very time when many in Congress and elsewhere are claiming that
force is unnecessary because the policy is working without it.
SAWYER reports Saddam mentioned a number of positive developments,
among them the fact that Democrats in Congress have been urging
patience. Thursday, Secretary Baker got an earful from members of
the House.
ABC's JOHN MCWETHY reports the more Saddam gives ground, the
rougher it seems to get for Secretary Baker to sell administration
strategy. House members repeatedly asked Secretary Baker why the
administration was in such a hurry to threaten a war; why not wait
and give sanctions time to work?
(SECRETARY BAKER: "When you say wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, that
undercuts a strategy that is showing every possibility of
working.")
Baker was asked if fighting to save Kuwait would be worth the
deaths of 15,000 or more American soldiers.
(REP. KOSTMAYER: "It seems to me essential that we have to ask
ourselves as a country whether or not the object is worth the loss
of life. Is there a more fundamental central question --
SECRETARY BAKER: "It is a question, Mr. Kostmayer, that should be
asked --
REP. KOSTMAYER: " -- as to how many Americans, Mr. Secretary, will
die in the Persian Gulf if we go to war?"
SECRETARY BAKER: "The question ought to be asked: if, as and when
there is a decision made to use force, that's when it ought to be
asked.")
Baker was also asked about rumors that the U.S. was now, for the
first time, willing to support a U.N. resolution calling for an
international conference on the Arab-Israeli question, something
Saddam Hussein, among others, has wanted.
(SECRETARY BAKER: "We are not now recommending that an
international conference on the Arab-Israeli conflict be held, nor
are we supporting a resolution in the Security Council that would
seek to convene such a conference.")
But the U.S. does not have to support such a resolution; it could
abstain, allowing the measure to pass. That would keep America's
Arab coalition partners happy and signal to Iraq that the U.S. is,
in fact, willing to negotiate.
ABC's DEAN REYNOLDS reports from Tel Aviv that Israeli opposition
to any such conference has not changed. On a London stop-over
before flying to the U.S., Prime Minister Shamir firmly rejected
the talk of an international peace conference on the Middle East.
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-3
REYNOLDS continues:
(PRIME MINISTER SHAMIR: "If such a decision will be taken by
anybody, any foreign body, we will not participate in it. We will
not participate in it.")
Addressing the Palestinian situation in an international conference
would, in Shamir's opinion, mean international isolation for Israel
and world-wide pressure to give up the occupied territory he has
vowed to keep forever. Thursday night, Israeli television showed
Secretary Baker denying any change in the U.S. policy about a
Mideast conference, but privately Israeli officials remain
suspicious that some change may be in the wind. Relations between
Jerusalem and Washington have seldom been worse than they are now
and the mere mention of an international Mideast peace conference
will do little to improve the atmosphere for Mr. Shamir's meeting
at the White House next week.
(ABC-Lead)
ABC's DEAN REYNOLDS reports from the Saudi desert on American
troops training there.
SAWYER reports another American soldier was killed in an accident
in Saudi Arabia, crushed between a truck and construction material.
Fifty-three American soldiers have died since Operation Desert
Shield began.
ABC's BILL GREENWOOD reports on gift-boxes sent to troops in Saudi
Arabia by a charity called Help Hospitalized Veterans. Critics say
the group should not be spending 50 percent of its funds raised on
advertising.
(ABC-2)
NBC's FAITH DANIELS: A diplomatic bombshell out of Baghdad
Thursday night: Saddam Hussein apparently blinks, saying he'll
release all foreign hostages from Iraq and Kuwait. There are about
6,000 foreigners being held, more than 1,000 of them Americans.
NBC's MIKE BOETTCHER reports from Baghdad that Saddam said he was
allowing all foreigners to leave with "our apologies for all harm
and forgiveness in God almighty." Saddam appeared on Iraqi
television with religious leaders who urged that he release the
foreign hostages. In a later statement, he said that requests from
other Arab leaders like King Hussein and what he perceived as a
shift in American and world opinion against going to war convinced
him to allow the hostages to leave. Hostages and their wives are
already celebrating at a Baghdad hotel, so they expect their
release very soon. In releasing the hostages, Saddam would like
to avoid a war and would like to be the hero of the Arab world.
If he can tie a negotiated settlement of Kuwait to the issue of the
Palestinian homeland, then he would be that hero.
DANIELS: If there's one thing President Bush doesn't want to do
it's make Saddam a hero, and to that end he was hanging tough. The
President will not budge on any attempt to link a solution of
Kuwait to the broader Mideast peace problem, mainly Israel and
Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-4
NBC's JOHN COCHRAN: Saddam's promise to release the hostages got
the kind of cautious response we've come to expect from George
Bush. President Bush first heard the news on board Air Force One
as he flew into Santiago. Later, at a joint news conference with
Chile's President Aylwin, Bush made it clear that even if Saddam
does free the hostages, the threat of war will continue.
(TV coverage: Presidents Bush and Aylwin reviewing Chilean
troops.)
(PRESIDENT: "The release of all hostages would be a very good
thing, but the problem is the aggression against Kuwait, and the
man must leave Kuwait without reservation, without condition.")
Bush also said he is not impressed by Saddam's recent gifts of food
and drinks to Americans trapped in the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.
(PRESIDENT: "Well first, I don't consider a couple of cases of
Pepsi Cola a serious release on our beleaguered embassy in
Kuwait.'
Bush ruled out any secret deals when he meets with the Iraqi
foreign minister later this month.
(PRESIDENT: "I don't want any people to think there are secret
negotiations going on or that I, on behalf of this world-wide
coalition, will even consider making a concession, if you will.")
But how about reports that American diplomats at the United Nations
are preparing a resolution that Saddam wants, calling for a peace
conference for Palestinians and Israelis? But the resolution might
give Saddam a face-saving way to withdraw from Kuwait.
(PRESIDENT: "I don't care about face, he doesn't need any face.
He needs to get out of Kuwait without trying to complicate this
matter by talking about some Middle East peace settlement or peace
conference.")
But administration officials say the U.S. is ready with a
resolution which simply restates the American position that someday
a Mideast peace conference may be a good idea.
DANIELS: Why would the U.S. want to do that?
COCHRAN: It's a small bone for Saddam Hussein, just restating
American policy, but if it makes him happy so much the better say
American officials. They hope he will blink again by possibly
withdrawing from Kuwait. They think he's already blinked big-time
Thursday with his promise to release the hostages.
NBC's JOHN DANCY reports from the State Department on Secretary
Baker's testimony on Capitol Hill. A testy and combative James
Baker told a House committee Thursday Saddam's announcement was a
sign the policy of economic and military pressure is working. If
it's succeeding, said Rep. Hamilton, why rush into using force?
(SECRETARY BAKER: "If we want a peaceful solution, it should be
crystal clear to them that force is not going to be ruled out as
an option, it is a real, live, credible option --
REP. HAMILTON: "And you appreciate --
SECRETARY BAKER: " -- wait just a minute. You asked me a
question, you let me answer, just let me answer the question. That
is my answer to you when you say wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, that
undercuts a strategy that is showing every possibility of working,
Mr. Hamilton."
REP. HAMILTON: "There are costs, of course, to waiting. There are
also very heavy costs of going to war.")
SECRETARY BAKER: "Absolutely.")
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-5
DANCY continues: Baker also tried to put out a fire at the U.N.
The U.S. is for the first time considering a Security Council
resolution that calls for an international peace conference on the
Middle East. A vote on the resolution could come as early as
Friday. Baker said that U.S. policy had not changed.
(SECRETARY BAKER: "We have taken the position for a long time that
an international conference, properly structured, at an appropriate
time, might be useful.")
But, said Baker, not in the middle of the Gulf crisis.
(SECRETARY BAKER: "This is certainly not an appropriate time for
an international conference.")
That seemed to satisfy pro-Israel members of Congress, but on the
larger issue of the Persian Gulf the administration is still under
attack despite Thursday's news on the hostages.
NBC's MARTIN FLETCHER reports from Tel Aviv the government's heart
missed a beat at reports of a possible international peace
conference, but when that proved a false alarm you could feel the
relief all around Jerusalem. With the Palestinian uprising
becoming more deadly, Israel wants to keep a free hand to deal with
the Palestinian violence.
(MOSHE ARENS, Israeli Defense Minister: "We will fight fire with
fire.")
Even if Washington can negotiate the peaceful end to Saddam's
occupation of Kuwait, Israel is still worried.
(BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, deputy prime minister: "The question is
really, how do we ensure that these weapons of destruction, these
missiles, these chemical weapons, the nuclear program that he is
fast accelerating in Iraq, that these do not pose a threat in the
aftermath of the crisis, assuming he gets out of Kuwait?")
Israel still wants the U.S. to defeat Iraq militarily but won't
say so in public. Instead, government sources say that in
Washington Prime Minister Shamir will promise there'll be no
unilateral Israeli action against Iraq and that Israel will stick
to the American line to give peace talks a chance.
(NBC-Lead)
NBC's KEITH MILLER reports from Saudi Arabia that there was no let-
up in the U.S. military build-up. Many soldiers welcomed a
possible hostage release as a signal Saddam may be seeking peace.
Among the soldiers from the countries allied against Iraq, many
believe Saddam. peace in the Gulf can only be achieved by eliminating
DANIELS reports that while Saddam declared his forces are now fully
prepared to fight, the Pentagon said Iraq has put 50,000 new troops
in and around Kuwait.
NBC's FRED FRANCIS reports from the Pentagon that officials fear
that a protracted diplomatic process will put a great burden on
U.S. forces. It puts pressure on them to either act swiftly or be
prepared for a long wait in the sand. Military planners say the
pressures of mobilization and waiting for combat are mounting.
There is a fear that Saddam could begin a very slow withdrawal from
Kuwait, a pace fast enough to forestall an attack but which could
drag us into 1992.
(LT. GEN. WILLIAM ODOM (ret.), military analyst: "And I think we
would have little option but to keep a fairly significant force in
Saudi Arabia throughout that entire period.")
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-6
FRANCIS continues: A long and expensive deployment in the sand
could erode public support, especially if the world wants to
believe that Saddam is pulling out. All that against the
conviction of U.S. intelligence that sophisticated Iraqi military
hardware will begin to fail without spare parts by summer's end.
Thursday's developments suggest there could be a long wait to avoid
war. If the sanctions are lifted, it's almost impossible to keep
Saddam from getting a nuclear weapon and a missile to deliver it,
and that's what worries this President.
(NBC-2)
NBC's ROGER O'NEIL reports Americans in the streets don't trust
Saddam's offer to release the hostages. The message to President
Bush: hang tough.
(NBC-3)
NBC's JOHN CHANCELLOR comments on America's oil addiction. We're
addicts, so we keep two sets of ethical books. We didn't try to
rescue Tibet when China took it over -- no oil. We looked the
other way when Morocco annexed Spanish Sahara -- no oil. Americans
will have to risk fighting for oil as long as their country won't
conserve it. Conservation is a joke; gas prices are lower than in
any big country because that pleases the voters. There is no
national energy strategy.
(NBC-7)
CBS's DAN RATHER: Is there a deal in the making in the Persian
Gulf crisis? Two major moves Thursday gave the question new
significance. Saddam Hussein said he was releasing all of the
thousands of hostages and President Bush confirmed he has had the
U.S. join United Nation's talks about a possible international
conference on all Mideast problems. The Iraqi ambassador to the
U.S. said the hostages should be home for Christmas. Touring South
America, President Bush and his aides said the moves shows their
pressure against Saddam is working.
CBS's ALAN PIZZEY reports from Baghdad on the news of the release.
The hostages are jubilant.
CBS's WYATT ANDREWS: The promise to release the hostages Thursday
put President Bush in an awkward position. His attitude seems to
be he wants the hostages out but does not want to owe Iraq
anything.
(PRESIDENT: "One, I hope it is credible. Two, no single hostage
should have been taken in the first place, and I hope that it shows
that the strategy is working and that Saddam understands that his
hostage policy has incurred the condemnation of the whole world.")
Mr. Bush's wariness reflects his overall distrust of Saddam
Hussein. Iraq last week offered to resupply the Kuwaiti embassy,
but the President said the result was only two cases of Pepsi Cola.
The White House has been denying rumors floated almost daily by
Iraq saying the President is secretly dealing with Saddam.
(PRESIDENT: "There are no secret negotiations, direct or indirect,
with Iraq over this question. None, and there will be none --
secret negotiations of that nature.")
Thursday Mr. Bush specifically denied the story he'll soon call a
Middle East peace conference to negotiate the future of Palestine,
in essence complying with Saddam's demand to equate the occupied
West Bank with occupied Kuwait.
(PRESIDENT: "The United States of course remains interested in a
solution to that other question, but there is no linkage with what
has to happen in Kuwait.")
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-7
ANDREWS continues: Despite the potential good news for the
hostages, the White House does not think it necessarily improves
the chances for peace. Instead of seeing a man working to reduce
tension, the White House views Saddam Hussein now as a man
maneuvering on every front except Kuwait itself.
CBS's BILL PLANTE reports on Secretary Baker's testimony on Capitol
Hill.
(SECRETARY BAKER: "If we are to have any chance of success, Mr.
Chairman, I must go to Baghdad with the fullest support of the
Congress and the American people.
Members of Congress kept recalling testimony from one former
official after another, almost all of whom counseled giving
sanctions time to work.
(REP. KOSTMAYER: "All of the former military leadership,
distinguished men and women, have told us you're wrong and we
should wait. None of them agree with you.
SECRETARY BAKER: "I simply do not agree with that, that all of
them have said we are wrong.")
Baker refused to speculate how many American lives would be lost
in a campaign against Iraq.
(SECRETARY BAKER: "The loss of one life is too much. Let me say
to you that the President has not made a decision to use force.")
There was a lack of enthusiasm for those the U.S. is protecting in
the Gulf.
(REP. STUDDS: "We are there in defense of a regime in Saudi Arabia
which is, among other things, sexist, anti-Semitic and which
wouldn't know an election or a democracy if it saw one."
SECRETARY BAKER: "No one is defending the form of government of
each and every one of our multi-national coalition partners."
Despite all the rhetorical fireworks, the administration knows it
can't do very much about what's being said in Congress. What
frustrates them most here is the feeling that members in Congress
are hedging their bets. We've invited them to take a vote, said
one official, but they'd just rather sit there and pontificate.
RATHER asks SEN. NUNN: What about the argument that if Saddam
praises you, you must be doing something wrong?
SEN. NUNN:
If Saddam is praising my position, he's praising
someone who has advocated bringing Iraq to its knees with an
economic embargo unless they get out of Kuwait and also one who has
made it very clear from the very beginning that I agree with
President Bush's overall policy and still do. And also, I believe
we ought to have a military option. The only difference is whether
we use the embargo in a slow way of bringing pain or whether we use
military force immediately. So there's not much difference of
opinion here
RATHER: What about Secretary Baker's argument and that of
President Bush that the best course for Democrats is to sit down,
be quiet and swing in unity behind the President's policy?
SEN. NUNN: Everything I've heard from the President and the
secretary and the secretary of defense also is that they welcome
these hearings as a way of basically bringing the American people
in on the overall question of our policy in the Persian Gulf
I have objected to building a military force so large that we don't
have patience to let the embargo work
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-8
RATHER: If the hostages are released and if Saddam gets out of
Kuwait, are you in favor of backing away at that time or continuing
to try to get him to disarm
?
SEN. NUNN:
In either event I think we ought to continue the
embargo on all weapons of high-technology and certainly nuclear
weapons.
(CBS-Lead)
CBS's MARTHA TEICHNER reports on the Israeli reaction to events in
the Gulf. The timing could not have been worse, as Prime Minister
Shamir is hoping to repair Israel's image with a trip to London to
meet Prime Minister Major and to Washington for his first meeting
with President Bush in more than a year.
(PRIME MINISTER SHAMIR: "I think that Israel will not agree that
any foreign body will decide about its future and safety.")
For Palestinians, an international conference is their prize for
backing Saddam and linking their situation with the Gulf crisis.
(CHASAN EL-HATIB, Palestinian leader: "All the time we thought
that an international conference and international legitimacy is
the best approach to deal with the Middle East issue.")
But even Israelis who supported the international approach in the
past think it's a mistake now.
(SHIMON PERES, Israeli Labor Party leader: "If this is a cost to
maintain a certain coalition, I'm not convinced that this is a
necessary cost.")
But it's a cost some analysts are convinced the Americans are
willing to pay -- at Israel's expense -- linkage even if it's
disguised.
(AHIVA ELDAR, political analyst: "They will tell Saddam Hussein,
first of all, you have to leave Kuwait, but we promise you now that
we will deal with the Gulf issue and the Palestinian dispute after
your problems have been solved.")
Israeli leaders are praying the U.S. will not betray them in its
efforts to bring the Gulf crisis to an end.
PROF. FOUAD AJAMI, of Johns Hopkins University, says that the
linkage is what Saddam has wanted all along. If we do end up
talking about an international conference and we sanction an
international conference, then this is a major change in American
policy. The Israelis would never go along with it.
GEN. GEORGE CRIST (ret.), military analyst, says that Iraqi troop
strength in Kuwait represents a country prepared to fight, not
withdraw.
AJAMI comments that there is still a big possibility that we will
go to war on January 15 because we didn't find any other options.
RATHER: Is the U.S. military now in the position to move instantly
to offense?
CRIST: No, we will not be until January 15
and that's one of the
reasons we're going to keep talking.
(CBS-2)
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, December 7, 1990 -- B-9
TRADE TALKS
SAWYER reports according to one U.S. trade representative, talks
on farm subsidies collapsed in bitter disagreement. Japan, Korea
and the EC are all resisting efforts to open their markets to
agricultural imports and to lower subsidies to their farmers.
(ABC-6)
AUTO MILEAGE
ABC's NED POTTER reports on America's addiction to gas-guzzling
cars. American troops are now massed in the desert partly because
our cars need seven million barrels of oil a day.
(CHRISTOPHER FLAVIN, Worldwatch Institute: "The best way to reduce
our dependence on imported oil is to improve the fuel economy of
our cars. In effect, Detroit is our biggest oilfield out there.")
Cars are already in development in Europe and Japan that could save
gas without giving up safety, speed or size. Americans are still
in love with powerful cars, though. They can afford it because gas
taxes are so low in America.
(ROBERT LUTZ, President, Chrysler: "The real way to get the
public's attention and to drive the public to want more fuel
efficient cars is, unfortunately, to raise the price of fuel.")
The Energy Department has already thought of that, suggesting
higher gas taxes or talk of efficiency requirements for auto
makers, or higher taxes on big cars coupled with rebates to people
who buy efficient ones. So far, each idea has drawn fire from
other branches of the administration as limiting people's freedom.
(SECRETARY SKINNER: "We're not going to wean them away from those
big automobiles by mandating certain requirements. They're going
to have to recognize that it's in their best interest to do so.")
The result is that while the administration is divided, the U.S.
waits. Meanwhile, its foreign competitors do research on the high-
mileage cars Americans someday may need.
(ABC-7)
NORIEGA
RATHER reports there was a possible big break for U.S. government
prosecutors in the Noriega case. A former top aid to Noriega, Luis
del Cid, pleaded guilty to charges of delivering hundreds of
thousands of dollars in drug money to Noriega.
(CBS-4)
BUDGET DEAL
RATHER: The Congressional Budget Office predicted Thursday that
in spite of the recent federal budget deal, including higher taxes
and spending cuts, the federal budget deficit could soon soar again
to record levels, perhaps, this office says, even topping $260
billion in 1992 before settling back down. Many in Congress think
it will be much higher than even that
(CBS-5)
SHUTTLE COLUMBIA
ABC's JIM SLADE reports the astronauts on the Columbia have been
focusing the shuttle's telescope by hand after the failure of the
computer guidance system. The delays have caused the mission to
meet only half its schedule.
(ABC-4, NBC-5, CBS-3)
-End of B-Section-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1990 -- 6 a.m. EST EDITION
TODAY'S HEADLINES
NATIONAL NEWS
Congressional Democrats Harshly Criticize Budget Director, Proposed
Budget -- In a bitter start to the year-long spending battle, the White
House budget director, Richard Darman, came under harsh Democratic
criticism Tuesday, with legislators accusing him of authoring a "slide-by
budget" based on a process that "stinks and lies."
(Boston Globe, Washington Post)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ABC News Says Soviets Sent Helicopters To Nicaragua -- A shipment of
Soviet-made MI-17 HIP helicopters arrived in Nicaragua in the past few
days aboard a Soviet freighter, despite Moscow's assurances that it had
stopped all arms shipments to Central America, ABC News reported
Tuesday.
(UPI)
Gorbachev Says Resignation Report Groundless -- Soviet President
Gorbachev said Wednesday he had no intention of resigning as Communist
Party chief and dismissed as "groundless" a U.S. television report that he
was about to step down.
(Reuter)
NETWORK NEWS (Tuesday evening)
BUDGET -- Democrats attacked the
President for proposing what they
called a sham budget and for not
NATIONAL NEWS
A-1
showing more leadership aimed at
cutting the deficit.
INTERNATIONAL
A-8
GERMAN REUNIFICATION East Germany's
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
Communist Party for the first time
endorsed reunification with West
EDITORIALS
C-1
Germany.
FOREIGN MEDIA
C-3
FLIGHT 52/DRUGS -- At least two of
the passengers from the ill-fated
flight face charges of drug smuggling.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
NATIONAL NEWS
DEMOCRATS VENT RAGE AT DARMAN
OMB Chief Defends Bush Plan On Hill
House Democrats erupted in frustration Tuesday over President
Bush's proposed $1.23 trillion budget and lashed out at the spending
plan's chief architect, OMB Budget Director Richard Darman.
"This is not a serious effort," said Rep. Panetta (D.-Calif.), who
joined other Democrats in accusing Darman of crafting a budget that is
riddled with accounting gimmicks, unrealistic economic projections and
shopworn deficit reduction measures that have no chance of passage.
Quoting Darman's own words from an introduction to the budget that
called on the government to be "serious" about cutting the deficit, Panetta
added, "If the President is not serious about deficit reduction, why
should Congress?"
"There are two Dick Darmans," charged Rep. Schumer (D.-N.Y.).
"There is Dr. Jekyll-Darman the pamphleteer and Mr. Hyde-Darman the
budgeteer -- and the two don't add up."
Calling Darman's appearance "Act One of the smoke and mirrors
game," Rep. Slattery (D.-Kan.) charged that Bush was frittering away his
extraordinary popularity. "He tells [the public] what they want to hear
when they want to hear it, the way Ronald Reagan did," said Slattery.
But the most extraordinary outburst came from Rep. Russo
(D.-III.) who said he is delighted that his six-year "sentence" on the
budget panel is drawing to a close.
Condemning the budget process that "stinks and lies," Russo assailed
Darman for leaving the hard choices to Congress and perpetuating what he
called fiscal dishonesty. In particular, he cited the accounting devices
used last year in the savings and loan bailout.
(Tom Kenworthy, Washington Post, A8)
Congressional Democrats Harshly Criticize Budget Director, Proposed
Budget
In a bitter start to the year-long spending battle, the White House
budget director, Richard Darman, came under harsh Democratic criticism
Tuesday, with legislators accusing him of authoring a "slide-by budget"
based on a process that "stinks and lies."
Meanwhile, the House and Senate Democratic leaders, in separate
press conferences, questioned whether Bush had violated his "no new
taxes" pledge. He has proposed several billion dollars in new revenues
this year, such as increased fees on airline tickets and certain Medicare
benefits.
"It's not a budget free of revenue or tax increases," said Rep. Foley
(D.-Wash.), adding that he understood that Darman "didn't object to
revenues being discussed."
The Senate majority leader, George Mitchell (D.-Maine) also said new
revenues were on the negotiating table because Bush had already proposed
some in his budget. However, Mitchell stressed that he was not proposing
any new taxes.
(Michael Kranish & John Mashek, Boston Globe)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-2
GAP SEEN BETWEEN BUSH RHETORIC, BUDGET PROPOSALS
A wide gap separates the rhetoric of of Bush's budget from the
substance of his proposals, according to a number of analysts. The
President's fiscal 1991 blueprint, they said Tuesday, offers little in the
way of significant initiatives to address the problems it cites.
"The rhetoric in the budget focuses on the future, but the substance
of the budget does very little to meet any of the needs that Darman
identifies, whether it be the U.S. savings rate, or whether it be our
problems in education or drugs," said Carol Cox, president of the
Committee for a Responsible Federal budget, a bipartisan group of former
policy-makers.
In particular, Cox and other analysts said, the budget offers little
evidence that Bush is prepared to make a major assault on the federal
deficit despite language and figures in the document suggesting that the
nation's long-term prospects depend on a major reduction in the
government's red ink.
Instead, critics say, the first budget drafted entirely by the Bush
Administration essentially is a recycled version of Reagan administration
budget proposals that relies on optimistic assumptions, spending cuts that
Congress repeatedly has rejected, and a smattering of accounting
gimmicks.
(Paul Blustein, Washington Post, A1)
HILL SEES POLITICAL HARM IN BASE-CLOSINGS
Aspin Calls For Independent Commission
To Study Pentagon Plan
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Aspin (D.-Wis.) charged
Tuesday that the Bush Administration's plan for closing military bases
puts "a political gun to the head" of members of Congress and called for
creation of a new independent commission to select bases for closure.
Aspin's comments came amid angry cries from Democrats that nearly
all the domestic bases targeted by the Administration for shutdown are in
districts represented by Democrats.
Reacting to Defense Secretary Cheney's proposal to close or scale
back 72 domestic installations or units and 14 overseas facilities, Aspin
said, "the substance is right but the process stinks."
...
"That creates hostages for the Administration," Aspin said at a news
conference. "Vote against a veto override, your base is safe. Vote to
override, your base is threatened. This puts a political gun to the head
of a member with a base in his or her district."
Rep. Schroeder (D.-Colo.) joined Aspin in a separate analysis,
concluding that 19 of the 21 domestic bases slated for shutdown by Cheney
are in districts represented by Democrats
"I do not think Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater
could have devised a more partisan, less-logical military base closure list
than the one Defense Secretary Dick Cheney released yesterday,"
Schroeder said.
But House Speaker Foley (D.-Wash.) declined to accuse the
Administration of partisanship on the issue, saying he heard "some
Republicans are very angry" with the choices.
(Helen Dewar, Washington Post, A8)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-3
BUSH'S PLAN FOR SOCIAL SECURITY HIT
Deal With Surplus Now, Not In 1993,
Moynihan Tells AARP Panel
Sen. Moynihan (D.-N.Y.) Tuesday ridiculed the Bush Administration's
plan to wait until after the next presidential election to deal with the
Social Security surplus.
Moynihan said that waiting until 1993 to stop using the Social Security
trust fund surplus to finance day-to-day operations of the government is
like declaring "there will be integrity after the next presidential election.
Starting in 1993 we don't do this bad thing anymore."
(Spencer Rich, Washington Post, A8)
BUSH'S ENVIRONMENT POLICIES FAULTED BY ACTIVISTS
If you read his lips, George Bush looks as though he is living up to
his pledge to be the environment president. He talks about battling
pollution every chance he gets, from summertime visits to Maine to
nationwide treks promoting his clean aid bill.
But if you read his budget, legislative program and agency
directives, a far different image emerges, environmentalists said: While he
is a huge improvement over Ronald Reagan, Bush has failed to provide the
aggressive leadership needed to tackle today's imposing pollution problems.
Nowhere is the gap between problems and solutions clearer than with
global warming, critics add. As evidence of the danger mounts, Bush's
only response during a year in office has been to call for an international
conference to talk things over, and some Washington observers doubt the
meeting will materialize.
"He doesn't pass the test against a standard of what needs to be
done," said Ali Webb of the League of Conservation Voters, a Washington
group that rates politicians' performances on the environment. "Our
overall grade would be a C-minus or D-plus." (Larry Tye, Boston Globe)
ROBOTICS TAKES A GIANT STEP IN BUDGET FOR R&D FUNDS
The Bush Administration has seen the technological future, and it
looks like robots
"If the space program research leads to more autonomy in robots,
that's going to be seen in applications from medicine and agriculture to
harvesting oranges and strawberries," according to Harry Stefano,
professor of electrical engineering at George Mason University.
"Intelligent robots will be a major factor in helping the U.S. catch up with
Japan and Europe."
The Administration's requested 28 percent increase in research and
development funding for robotics dwarfs the four other advanced
technologies discussed in the fiscal year 1991 budget.
(Willie Schatz, Washington Post, D1)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-4
BUSH SET TO TOSS LIFE PRESERVER TO FOUNDERING
CAPITAL GAINS CUT
The Bush Administration will try to rescue its beleaguered capital
gains tax cut plan by returning it to Congress folded into a bill with two
popular tax breaks aimed at average savers.
Treasury Secretary Brady announced the plan Tuesday to boost
proposed Family Savings Accounts, which would exempt some savings
interest from income taxes, and the Home Ownership Initiative, which
would allow first-time home buyers to use up to $20,000 from an IRA
account.
Mr. Brady refused to discuss the possibility of a veto if all three
parts of the bill are not enacted together, saying he didn't expect that to
happen.
"I think each one of these stands on its own bottom," he said.
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A4)
BUSH PLANS TO TOUCH ALL THE BASES IN
STATE OF UNION
President Bush will give himself a thumbs-up televised report card
Wednesday night in his first State of the Union speech, telling Americans
they must learn more, save more, spend less and stay vigilant.
Bush is at the peak of his popularity so far, with 79 percent of
Americans approving his job performance. His speech will boast about a
successful first year but aims to avoid gloating.
White House Chief of Staff Sununu says Bush's speech will be
"coherent" but has no new initiatives and no "grand thematic title."
"I think you're going to hear a good speech that somehow has the
style that can reach the American public," Sununu said.
"It may not be the kind of speech that they train you to give in
Rhetoric I or Rhetoric II
It is a straightforward, honest expression
by a President that really cares about the country, about what he thinks
is going on now and what he expects to get done over the next year."
(Ann McFeatters, Scripps Howard)
Bush's Speech To Focus On Education Goals
President Bush spent much of Tuesday honing his maiden State of the
Union speech and rehersing delivery of a message portrayed as more
philosophy than legislative laundry list.
He plans to call on the Congress at 9 o'clock Wednesday for action on
his "unfinished agenda" and will divide the half-hour speech between
foreign and domestic policy with emphasis on education goals he advocates
to improve the schools, according to White House Chief of Staff Sununu.
"He will try to give a little focus to what he thinks are the
underlying principles of what he's trying to accomplish," Mr. Sununu said
in an interview Tuesday night with reporters.
"I don't think I'm surprising you by saying I would bet that [the
education goals] are in there," he said.
To buttress the theme, Education Secretary Cavazos will hold a press
conference Wednesday at the White House and Mr. Bush will travel Friday
to universities in North Carolina and Tennessee to talk about education.
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A3)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-5
BUSH'S SPEECH WRITERS: NOT THE IDEOLOGICAL BREED
OF YEARS PAST
As George Bush prepares to deliver his first State of the Union
address Wednesday night, there may be passionate partisans lurking in his
speech-writing operation, men who are dreaming the words that capture
the essence of the President and his policies. But if there are, they are
hidden. And so, mostly, are their words.
White House Communications Director David Demarest, who hired and
supervises the all-white, all-male staff of speech writer, said he "believes"
the five Bush speech writers are Republicans, but "I'm not 100 percent
sure." He is, however, certain that none of his speech writers is an
ideologue, and equally certain that speeches are a less important form of
communication for Bush than they were for Reagan or many other
presidents.
"It is safe to say that we don't try to over-rely on speeches to carry
the President's message," said Demarest
He noted that Bush has used
news conferences, travel, short statements and other devices more than
speeches. "He's awfully good off-the-cuff," Demarest said.
"That," sniffed one Administration official, "is because Bush does not
give speeches. He gives remarks."
Said a Republican with close ties to Bush: "The President's speeches
are mediocre at best. They have no weight. They have no sense of
history. They rarely reach out to America."
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A19)
LAST MINUTE OBJECTIONS DELAY BILL
TO EASE VOTER REGISTRATION
White House, Michel Worry About Cost And Fraud
A bipartisan House bill to ease voter registration was derailed at least
temporarily Tuesday by last-minute objections from the White House and
Rep. Michel (R.-III.).
The measure would provide automatic voter registration for anyone
getting a driver's license, require registration by mail and at major
government offices in all states and take other steps designed to reduce
barriers to voting.
Months of negotiation had brought support for the measure from such
key Republicans as Rep. Gingrich (Ga.) and Conference Chairman Lewis
(Calif.). But when the White House and Michel weighed in this week with
strong objections to the potential cost of the bill and its anti-fraud
provisions, the result was a sharp partisan exchange and a party-line vote
Tuesday in the Rules Committee.
House Speaker Foley (D.-Wash.) set a procedural vote on the measure
on the House calendar for Wednesday but agreed to Michel's request that
the bill not be debated until next week.
(David Broder, Washington Post, A2)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-6
GREENSPAN: RECESSION RISK SLIGHT
Fed Chairman Says Danger Has Declined
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said the current slowdown
in U.S. economic growth is not likely to turn into a recession, but he
cautioned that it will be spring before anyone can be sure.
Greenspan's assessment that the risk of a recession has declined
substantially since last fall, coupled with an assertion that the nation's 4.5
percent inflation rate is "unacceptable," was taken by investors as an
indication that the inflation-conscious central bank is not likely to lower
interest rates again soon to ensure continued economic growth.
(John Berry, Washington Post, D1)
EARLIER USE OF AIDS DRUG URGED
AZT Is Found To Help Before Symptoms Start
A federal advisory committee Tuesday unanimously recommended that
the FDA vastly expand use of the drug AZT, a step that would permit
physicians to prescribe it for hundreds of thousands of Americans who are
infected but show no overt signs of the illness
The recommendation is based on the fact that the human
immunodeficiancy virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, destroys the immune
system progressively but the first illness does not develop until late in the
process. Currently the FDA recommends that doctors wait to give AZT
until patients reach the later stages of the process
"We have excellent evidence from well-designed, well-conducted
studies that AZT has a beneficial effect," on people not yet sick, said Paul
Lietman, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a consultant
to the committee. "We may never have enough information to make a
perfect decision, but I certainly feel comfortable with this one."
(Michael Specter, Washington Post, A1)
U.S. WANTS EMPLOYEES TO HELP POLICE PENSIONS
Ways Sought To Ease Filing Of Lawsuits
The Labor Department, fending off concerns about the financial safety
of the nation's private pension plans, is exploring ways to make it easier
and less expensive for individuals to sue their former employers in pension
disputes. Labor Secretary Dole said the department is trying to find out "if
there aren't ways to see if private individuals could bring [legal] action"
as a way of overcoming a shortage of federal regulators to police the
nation's $1.7 trillion private pension system.
At the same time, the department has asked Congress to increase the
number of enforcement officers from 200 to 300 in the coming fiscal year to
help police more than 900,000 private pension plans
"The number of pension plans and assets has been increasing, but
there has not been an increase in the number of inspectors," Dole said.
"This is one area where we clearly need to add inspectors."
(Frank Swoboda, Washington Post, A4)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-7
JUDGE ORDERS REAGAN
TO GIVE DIARY EXCERPTS TO POINDEXTER
Executive Privilege Claim May Be Made
A federal judge Tuesday ordered former President Reagan to turn
over excerpts from his personal diaries to former National Security Advisor
Poindexter for use at his Iran-contra criminal trial, finding that the
journals "contain information of significance" for Poindexter's defense
The decision gives a boost to Poindexter's efforts to show that
Reagan knew of and authorized his activities, and that the national
security adviser therefore believed they were legal and had no motive to
conceal them from Congress
However, Judge Greene said, Reagan may still assert "executive
privilege" -- a claim on which Greene has not yet ruled.
(Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, A1)
WISCONSIN LAWMAKERS KEEP ABORTION PENALTIES
MADISON -- State lawmakers decided Tuesday not to vote on a
measure to repeal unenforceable criminal penalties for doctors who perform
abortions, but they continued debate on a bill to require minors to get
permission for abortions.
The Assembly voted 57 to 39 to keep the repeal bill in the amendment
stage and not bring it to the floor for a final vote, a move that
abortion-rights advocates said effectively kills the measure
The bill would have repealed an outdated state law that provides
criminal penalties, including prison terms, for doctors who perform
abortions.
(AP, Washington Post, A3)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Rules Change Save Retirees' Health Coverage," by
Judith Havemann, appears in the Washington Post, A19.
"SEC Chief To Ask Congress For Power To Issue 'Cease And Desist'
Orders," by David Vise, appears in the Washington Post, D3.
###
INTERNA TIONAL NEWS
PENTAGON COULD CHANGE '91 BUDGET, CHENEY SAYS
Possible Treaties, Aircraft Review Cited
Defense Secretary Cheney said Tuesday that conventional arms control
agreements with the Soviet Union and a Pentagon review of its most
expensive aircraft programs could force major revisions in his new budget
before Congress votes on the controversial spending plan.
Cheney described his proposed $306.9 billion for fiscal 1991 as "our
best guess of what we need" and said defense officials are still struggling
to shape a budget in the midst of volatile world events and continuing
weapons studies.
The defense secretary, who has been criticized on Capitol Hill for
making only shallow budget cuts in (response to a dramatically reduced
military threat in Europe, said Tuesday he might approach Congress with
changes before it begins final mark-up of the defense bill late this spring.
While the defense secretary said he may be willing to recommend
further cuts in conventional troops and weapons, Cheney said he is
adamantly opposed to cutbacks in modernization of strategic forces outside
those negotiated in the current round of START talks in Geneva.
(Molly Moore, Washington Post, A16)
Cheney's Wary First Step
Defense Secretary Cheney's budget represents a first step toward
restructuring the military but stops short of the major overhaul that some
members of Congress and outside experts have advocated as a response to
the diminishing Soviet threat and changes in Eastern Europe.
As revealed in the $295 billion Pentagon budget for the fiscal year
1991, Mr. Cheney's vision is rooted in an intuitive caution that has been
deepened by the concern over the political uncertainty of Soviet President
Gorbachev.
In Mr. Cheney's view, which is shared by President Bush, the U.S.
will continue to need a large Navy to deal with brushfire conflicts and
threats to American interests in places like Latin America and Asia.
He also believes that this is the wrong time to forego modernization of
strategic forces, since the Soviet Union is modernizing its own arsenal.
Another factor in shaping the budget is politics. Some of Mr.
Cheney's requests appear inflated to serve as a bargaining lever with
Congress -- the $900 million increase in funding for the space-based
antimissile system, for example, which Congress is certain to cut back.
(news analysis, Michael Gordon, New York Times, A1)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-9
Cheney Defends Slashes In Budget
Defense Secretary Cheney Tuesday defended his 1991 budget decision
to protect expensive strategic weapons at the expnense of conventional
forces, saying the Soviet Union continues to modernize its missiles and
bombers.
"They [the Soviets] aren't going to give up all their nukes,' Mr.
Cheney said, anticipating attempts by congressional budget cutters to
target the MX and Midgetman missiles, and the $70 billion B-2 Stealth
bomber program
But congressional Democrats immediately pounced on the $295.1 billion
budget as an inadequate response to the diminishing Soviet threat.
Rep. Aspin (D.-Wis.) called the budget "a fairly timid proposal." He
predicted Congress would reduce the five B-2 bombers the Pentagon wants
to buy next year for $5.5 billion.
(Rowan Scarborough & Peter Almond, Washington Times, A3)
U.S. OFFERS COMPROMISE ON MILITARY PLANES IN EUROPE
New Position Addresses Warsaw Pact Demand
To Exclude Trainer Aircraft From Limits
The Bush Administration has crafted a compromise proposal to reduce
military aircraft in Europe, and the Western alliance may present it at an
international conference in Ottowa next month, U.S. and diplomatic sources
disclosed Tuesday.
The compromise is intended to help speed current negotiations on a
landmark accord slashing Warsaw Pact conventional forces by settling one
of the principal disputes, the sources said.
They explained that it was crafted partly in response to a Soviet
negotiating shift on military aircraft last October and partly in recognition
of the reduced security threat from the Warsaw Pact since recent political
reforms in Eastern Europe.
The sources said the new U.S. proposal moves the West closer to a
Warsaw Pact demand that about 5,700 military aircraft, used strictly to
train pilots, be excluded from a limit on combat planes deployed within the
region covered by a new accord. (R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A16)
SCHLESINGER URGES RADICAL CUT IN EUROPE
U.S. Troop-Cut Plans Called Insufficient
The U.S. should plan for a radical reduction of its forces in Western
Europe as a result of East European political reforms that have all but
eliminated the Warsaw Pact military threat, former defense secretary James
Schlesinger said Tuesday.
"The military balance has been radically altered," Schlesinger told the
Senate Armed Services Committee. "The role for the American forces [in
Europe] has now been superceded" by pressure from Moscow's allies for a
swift withdrawal of Soviet troops from their territory," he said.
Schlesinger
urged that U.S. troops in Europe eventually be cut
from the current level of 305,000 to between 75,000 and 100,000.
(R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A12)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-10
$500 MILLION IS ASKED IN AID FOR EAST EUROPE
Senate Democrats' Plan Surpasses Bush's
Democratic leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Tuesday
proposed to increase President Bush's $300 million plan for economic aid to
Eastern Europe to more than $500 million in the first move in this year's
congressional maneuvering over assistance to the world's emerging
democracies.
The plan, unveiled by committee Chairman Pell (D.-R.I.) and
members Biden (D.-Del.) and Simon (D.-III.) would expand last year's
Poland-Hungary aid package to include Czechoslovakia, East Germany,
Romania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia.
In addition
the Democratic proposal would hold out the possibility
for the first time of limited assistance to the Soviet Union
Asked where he would get the additional $511 million, Pell told
reporters that it "hopefully will come out of the defense budget."
(Helen Dewar, Washington Post, A12)
ABC NEWS SAYS SOVIETS SENT HELICOPTERS TO NICARAGUA
A shipment of Soviet-made MI-17 HIP helicopters arrived in
Nicaragua in the past few days aboard a Soviet freighter, despite
Moscow's assurances that it had stopped all arms shipments to Central
America, ABC News reported Tuesday.
ABC News, which attributed its report to intelligence sources, said
the Soviet helicopters had been delivered in crates by a Soviet merchant
ship that docked at the Nicaraguan port of Corinto
At the Malta summit in December, Soviet leader Gorbachev pledged not
to sent additional weapons to Nicaragua. ABC said U.S. officials view the
delivery of the helicopters as a violation of Gorbachev's promise.
The report said the issue would be high on the agenda when
Secretary Baker meets Soviet Foreign Minister Shevardnadze Feb. 8-9 in
Moscow.
(UPI)
SANDINSTAS PREPARE SITE FOR SOVIET MISSILES
The Marxist Sandinista regime in Nicaragua is building emplacements
for surface-to-air missiles that U.S. intellignece analysts believe could be
the first step toward the introduction of advanced MiG jet fighters.
American intelligence agencies detected "site preparations" for
Soviet-made SA-2 missiles at Punta Huente, a military airfield outside the
capital of Managua, over the past two months, U.S. intelligence sources
said.
The 12 surface-to-air missile sites were first uncovered through a
series of photographs obtained by a U.S. intelligence satellite and are
characteristic of SA-2s
Nicaraguan military defectors have told U.S. intelligence agencies that
the Sandinstas were preparing to deploy MiGs and that Nicaraguan pilots
were being trained to fly the aircraft since 1981.
(Bill Gertz, Washington Times, A3)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-11
SECRET SERVICE FACES A TOUGH TASK IN CARTAGENA
Facing what a security source called "one of the hardest assignments"
in its history, the Secret Service has prepared three sercret routes for
safely delivering President Bush to the Andean nations' drug summit in the
violence-plagied Colombian resort of Cartagena, a White House official said
Tuesday.
Despite frightening reports that the President may be targeted for
death by the cartels, Mr. Bush has been adamant in his determination to
carry out the mission
Bush's insistence on pressing ahead with the meeting, said a former
senior government official, carries with it more than simply a commitment
to Barco, which Bush is said to feel very strongly.
"It demonstrates one more time that he's not a wimp -- he's macho
man. Everybody says, 'Don't go, it's too dangerous.' He's going to show
them," the former official said. But, he added, there's another
"perception around town -- that it is grandstanding."
(James Gerstenzang, Los Angeles Times)
QUAYLE TRIP: RESENTMENT DRAMATIZED
Vice President Quayle's trip to Latin America and the Caribbean was
supposed to allay some of the region's resentment over the U.S. invasion
of Panama, but instead it seems to have dramatized the depth of that
resentment.
The three-day trip
underscored the problems still facing the Bush
Administration as a result of the invasion, including pressure from some
Latin American leaders for fresh elections to establish the legitimacy of
Panama's new government.
The government of President Endara wants to be recognized and
respected by its neighbors in the hemisphere, but it also wants American
troops to remain on its territory. These goals appear to be mutually
exclusive. Venezuela, Peru, Mexico, Jamaica and other countries will not
fully accept the Endara government as long as the U.S. invasion force
remains in Panama. (news analysis, Robert Pear, New York Times, A16)
SOVIETS OBJECT TO BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S REQUEST
FOR MORE SDI FUNDING
MOSCOW -- The Soviet Union strongly objected Tuesday to President
Bush's budget proposal to increase spending on SDI, calling it "out of
step" with recent world events and suggesting that it could hamper the
U.S. -Soviet agreement reached at Malta last month to move quickly toward
a 50 percent cut in offensive arsenals.
The sharp Soviet reaction
was made public by the Soviet Foreign
Ministry nine days before the scheduled arrival here of Secretary Baker on
a mission that includes an important element of arms control negotiations.
Spokesman Vadim Perfilev noted that at their December meeting at
Malta, Bush and Soviet President Gorbachev set a target date of this
June's U.S.-Soviet summit in the U.S. for reaching accord on all major
issues standing in the way of 50 percent cuts in each country's strategic
offensive arms.
"Why in this light is it necessary to build up Star Wars?" asked
Perfilev. "Why now?" when the U.S. and Soviet Union are moving closer
to agreement on many major issues, he asked.
(Don Oberdorfer, Washington Post, A16)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- A-12
GORBACHEV SAYS RESIGNATION REPORT GROUNDLESS
MOSCOW -- Soviet President Gorbachev said Wednesday he had no
intention of resigning as Communist Party chief and dismissed as
"groundless" a U.S. television report that he was about to step down.
Journalists attending a photo session between Gorbachev and Brazilian
President-elect Fernando Collor de Mello in the Kremlin said the Soviet
leader looked taken aback when asked about a report by the CNN network
that he was considering quitting.
"I have no intention of doing so," he said. "No one has said this
and I certainly didn't make any such statement. Any such suggestions are
groundless."
(Reuter)
GORBACHEV SHIFTS ON UNIFICATION
Opposition Muted In E. German Talks;
Cautious Pace Urged
MOSCOW -- Soviet President Gorbachev appeared Tuesday to soften
the Kremlin's long-standing opposition to German reunification in talks with
East German Prime Minister Modrow, while emphasizing that the issue
should be solved jointly by East and West.
At a news conference here following a day of talks with Soviet
leaders, Modrow spoke of a "stage-by-stage" union of East and West
Germany, describing reunification as a real possibility. He said he had
discussed the idea with Gorbachev and the Soviet leader had not ruled it
out
The official Soviet news agency Tass quoted Gorbachev as saying that
the question of reunification "was not unexpected," and adding: "No one
casts any doubt upon it."
"Time itself is having an impact on the process and lends dynamism to
it. It is essential to act responsibly and not seek the solution to this
important issue on the streets," he said.
(Michael Dobbs, Washington Post, A1)
SENATE PASSES BILL INCLUDING CHINA TRADE SANCTIONS
President Bush is expected to sign legislation that provides for trade
sanctions against China, but allows the President to suspend them if he
finds it is in the national interest.
The Senate voted 98-0 late Tuesday for the measure, which was
passed by the House in November before Congress' two-month holiday
break
Most of the sanctions reflect actions Bush himself had already taken
in the wake of the bloody supression of pro-democracy demonstrations in
Beijing on June 4, and their place in the bill is mostly regarded as
(Jim Drinkard, AP)
symbolic.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Tuesday Evening, January 30)
GORBACHEV
ABC's Diane Sawyer: We don't know how many unlisted telephones there
are in Washington and Moscow, but it's safe to say many of them were
ringing off the hook today with everyone trying to find out what was
going on inside the Kremlin. Mikhail Gorbachev is preparing for a
critical leadership meeting, and it has touched off a swirl of rumor
and speculation about his political future. The only hard fact out
today is this: Even before the latest round of rumors, Secretary
Baker decided to delay an important visit to Moscow.
ABC's John McWethy reports that the one-day postponement of the
meeting between Secretary Baker and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze
was initiated by Baker himself in a phone call to Shevardnadze.
(Margaret Tutwiler: "It simply makes more sense to have the Soviets
complete their plenum before beginning this important ministerial.")
Spokeswoman Tutwiler was referring to next week's meeting of the
Communist Party Central Committee, where Gorbachev is expected to
be fighting for the continuation of his reforms and, in the view of
some, for his political survival. U.S. officials say Baker wanted to
give Shevardnadze enough time to shift gears between the intense
infighting of the party plenum and what U.S. officials say is expected
to be an extremely important Baker meeting with Shevardnadze and
Gorbachev. ABC News has learned that one issue high on the U.S.
agenda will be what American intelligence sources say is the delivery
of four Soviet-made Mi-17 helicopters to Nicaragua in the last few
days. Intelligence sources say the helicopters, in crates, were
delivered by a Soviet merchant ship to a Nicaraguan port. In the
view of U.S. officials, this is a gross violation of Gorbachev's pledge
not to ship further weapons to Nicaragua.
(ABC-Lead)
Sawyer: Both the White House and the State Department said today they
had no information about a televised report on CNN that Gorbachev
was considering resigning as head of the Soviet Communist Party.
ABC's Jim Laurie reports that informed sources said Mikhail
Gorbachev presided over a Politburo meeting yesterday. While at a
dacha outside Moscow, his chief aides and speechwriters were working
on a major Gorbachev address to the Central Committee next Monday.
For weeks now Moscow has been awash in rumors and speculation at
what might happen at that meeting. There are rumors that members
of the Politburo, both conservative or liberal, might step down;
rumors that the Central Committee might vote to end the supremacy of
the Communist Party; rumors that conservatives might try to take
over; and rumors about Gorbachev himself. For nearly a year, some
observers have suggested if Mikhail Gorbachev was unhappy enough
with the pace of party reform he might bolt from the party, build a
new power base as state president, and try to run the country
without the Communist Party. It's only speculation, but as one
Soviet said tonight, if he did try, without Gorbachev, the (ABC-2) Party
would fall apart.
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-2
Sawyer: Here's another indication of how much Americans worry about
Gorbachev. A new ABC News poll finds that with Gorbachev in
power, 63% of Americans believe they can trust the Soviet Union; 30%
say no; 7% did not know. But if Gorbachev were not in power, only
30% say they would trust the Soviet Union; 52% say they would not;
18% do not know.
(ABC-3)
NBC's Tom Brokaw: Mikhail Gorbachev: Is he getting ready to resign as
head of the Soviet Communist Party, to keep only his job as state
president? CNN today quoted a source in the Party as saying the
Soviet leader was contemplating just that, and it quickly became the
report heard round the world. There has been no confirmation of the
story, but the attention it is receiving is the reflection of
Gorbachev's uncertain position. Gorbachev did appear on Soviet
television tonight with East German Prime Minister Modrow, but they
were discussing German reunification, not Gorbachev's future. To be
sure, Gorbachev does have problems. His decision to send troops to
Azerbaijan was not popular. Republics still are demanding more
independence than Gorbachev wants to grant. And at home, the
restructuring of the Soviet economy, perestroika, still is not working.
The Soviet people are increasingly unhappy with the shortage of
consumer goods. It is against this backdrop that we must measure
the story that Gorbachev is about to resign as head of the Communist
Party, but keep his job as president of the Soviet state.
Brokaw discusses the Gorbachev story with NBC's Bob Abernethy.
Brokaw: Have you been able to find any Soviet authority who can
confirm this speculation?
Abernethy: No one to confirm it, no one to deny it, but there are a
lot of reasons to be very skeptical about it. First of all, Gorbachev
has been accumulating power to himself, not giving any of it up, and
it would be unlike him to do that. He believes very strongly in the
role of the Party as the leading force, wants to reform it but
certainly not abandon it.
Brokaw: He is a shrewd political operator, and already there is
speculation here that he is maybe putting out this story so that the
Party will rally behind him so he'll consolidate his power even more.
Would that be like him?
Abernethy: It wouldn't be the first time that a major politician had
done that at a time of crisis in order to get people to rally around
and say, "Oh no, don't do that, we need you. It also is possible
that some of his opponents might wish that he would do this very
thing, and might have put out that story because they would (NBC-Lead) like it
to happen.
Brokaw: And here in Washington, the White House and State Department
were busy checking with the American ambassador in Moscow and
other intelligence sources but, so far, no confirmation. Secretary
Baker did postpone by a couple of days his trip to Moscow next
week, but that was because of the Communist Party Central Committee
meeting, not this report; and it was Baker's decision.
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-3
NBC's John Dancy reports that there's been a lot of speculation at
the State Department that in fact Gorbachev would try to do
something like this; but even so, the State Department was blindsided
by what happened today, so much so that they had to send out
inquiries to the ambassador in Moscow and to the Soviet Embassy in
Washington to try to find out the truth of the situation. They still
don't know what it is. Secretary Baker said this afternoon that it is
still just a rumor. That doesn't mean it is necessarily not true, but
simply that the State Department can't confirm it.
Brokaw discusses the report with Dancy.
Brokaw: If this does prove to be the case, if he gives up the Party
post, this Administration has a lot invested in Mikhail Gorbachev.
What's the analysis of what that would mean?
Dancy: Well, for one thing, it would set Gorbachev at war with his
own Party, even more then he is already. But, keep in mind it
might also be a bluff; he might not have to give up the party post.
He might, in fact, get a vote confidence from the Party. Even so,
even if he had to give up the Party post, he would then become head
of the Supreme Soviet, the supreme elected body in the country.
Gorbachev is placing his own personal popularity at stake here and
saying, I am more popular than the Party.
(NBC-2)
CBS's Dan Rather: Rumors -- so far, nothing more than that -- rumors
are circulating in Moscow and elsewhere that Mikhail Gorbachev is
considering resigning, the latest refueled by a news report to that
effect this afternoon by CNN. That network said its report was
based on "informed sources" it did not identify. The official United
States government position is, It's only a rumor; if it's true, we
don't know it.
CBS's Anthony Mason reports that the story is rampant across Moscow
tonight; even Communist Party officials are talking about it. It comes
at an especially sensitive time: the eve of the Central Committee
plenum after two of Gorbachev's most troubled weeks in power. When
Gorbachev greeted East German Prime Minister Modrow this morning,
it was the first time he'd been seen publicly in more than a week.
Gorbachev is due to chair a critical plenum of the Central Committee
beginning next Monday, and there are strong divisions within the
Kremlin over his handling of the unrest in Azerbaijan and the
independence movement in Lithuania. Military leaders are known to
be bitter that the army was not ordered in sooner to put down the
Azerbaijani nationalist uprising. And Gorbachev's highly public and
personal appeal to the Lithuanians has done nothing to quiet demands
there for secession. But publicly, Soviet leaders say there still is no
alternative to Gorbachev. Talk of Gorbachev's resignation from the
Party leadership may be nothing more than inside political
speculation. But it is an indication of the growing political tension.
Rather discusses Gorbachev with Mason:
Rather: If Gorbachev is to announce anything approaching
resignation, would it be likely to come at next week's big Central
Committee meeting?
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-4
Mason: If it were to come then, it would be a bombshell, and it
would almost certainly upset the [Soviet] government. That's why
most people seem to think that's very unlikely. There is a lot of talk
tonight, a lot of speculation, many people think this is really just
insider gossip that's going on, people trying to play out scenarios.
But there is concern, and the committee plenum is going to be
important.
CBS's Bill Plante: Even before the rumor began to circulate, the State
Department announced today that Secretary Baker will postpone by
one day his scheduled visit next week with Foreign Minister
Shevardnadze. Did the Secretary know something was up in Moscow?
His staff swears not. They say that the one-day delay was Baker's
idea, not Moscow's, and that the Secretary had no advance
knowledge.
(Secretary Baker: "All I can tell you now, Bill, is that it's a rumor,
and therefore it's not something that I think that we should respond
to or react to.")
Rumor or not, that didn't stop others from interpreting the meaning
of it all. To the Senate Minority leader, it was a caution not to cut
defense spending.
(Sen. Dole: "Is he in or out? We don't know. But one thing is
certain -- let's slow down, let's look at reality, and let's call off this
mad rush to spend a dividend we don't even have yet.")
Others thought the news, even if true, wouldn't change much.
(Sen. D'Amato: "He may be seeking the opportunity to govern in the
future and sees the Communist Party as an impediment.")
If this is a tactical maneuver by Gorbachev to downplay the
importance of the Party, specialists say the tip-off will be the
installation of one of his own trusted lieutenants as the Party
secretary. If it happens, and it's someone else not close to
Gorbachev, then watch out, because that'll mean he really is in
trouble.
(CBS-2)
Rather discusses Gorbachev with Princeton Univ. Prof. Stephen Cohen.
Rather:
Is it plausible that Gorbachev could be, would be
considering resigning at this point?
Cohen: We've got
two facts. Opposition to him has been growing
for
six
or
seven
months;
Azerbaijan
may have been the last straw.
Secondly, we know that he threatened to resign at a meeting of this
same Central Committee only a month ago in December. So it's
plausible, though it's only a rumor.
Rather:
Could
he
effectively be a powerful force if he resigns as
head of the Communist Party and holds on to the newer title of
President?
Cohen: I think not. Some of his radical supporters have urged him
to do this, to make this symbolic gesture: throw aside the Party,
stand tall as the elected president. But the reality is, this
parliament has no power: doesn't control the budget, doesn't control
the armed forces, doesn't control the administration of the country.
All that is still in the hands of the Party apparatus.
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-5
Rather: What if Gorbachev resigns, or is forced out?
Cohen: Even if he's just weakened, I think it is a terrible blow to
this great reform movement that's been underway for five years, and
the question really is not whether the reforms will go on, but what
will replace them. And one can imagine some not-pretty alternatives.
(CBS-3)
VOLGAGRAD/COMMUNIST PARTY
Rather reports that the entire ruling Communist Politburo of Volgagrad --
formerly Stalingrad -- resigned today after three days of mass
demonstrations against Communist leadership.
(CBS-4)
BUDGET/CONGRESS
ABC's Sheilah Kast: Budget Director Darman came well-prepared to
defend the budget.
(TV Coverage: Darman placing huge attache case on table.)
And committee Democrats were equally prepared to attack it.
(Rep. Panetta: "This is not a serious effort at trying to achieve
deficit reduction. I guess my question would be, that if the
President is not serious about confronting the deficit issue, why
should the Congress be serious about it?"
Darman: "It's almost regrettable that I should even have to say this,
but of course the President's serious. Of course I'm serious.
On defense spending:
(Rep. Schumer: "It is not a cut, it is an increase. And at a time
when Communism's crumbling around us, President Bush simply says
he's greeting peace by charging us for it.")
On Medicare cuts:
(Rep. Russo: "This, you don't know what a tough choice is. Do
you think 5.5 cutting out of Medicare is a tough choice for you? It's
easy for you. You've been doing it for all these years, you're
party's been doing it! Tough choice is for me to cut 5.5 billion.
Tough choice for you is soak the rich, and make them pay higher
taxes."
Darman: "When you say no tough choices, there may not be as many
as you would like, but I don't think it's entirely fair to say none
are.")
And in one of the sharpest exchanges, Slattery of Kansas called on
Darman to stop counting Social Security funds against the deficit.
(Rep. Slattery: "And to the extent that you're accumulating new
debt and not retiring old debt with Social Security trust fund
surplus, you are perpetrating a dishonesty on the American people,
Dick."
Darman: " What I resent on this point, if I may say so -- "
Rep. Panetta: "Mutual rhetorical comments and, uh, I was just going
to make clear I don't think anybody's accusing you, Mr. Darman, of
being dishonest."
Darman: "I would like to understand it that way, but the words are
strong words, Mr. Chairman, and I -- "
Rep. Slattery: "Mr. Chairman, I meant them to be strong words,
Dick, and I'm not going to back off of that.")
At this point, no one's backing off.
(ABC-4)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-6
Sawyer: Here's another number to consider when you hear about the
proposed cuts in defense spending: the number 3,285,000. That's
how many people have jobs in defense-related industry.
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports that with the Soviet threat receding and
more cuts in defense expected, defense-related companies and their
workers are facing an uncertain future. Some companies are already
adapting. When the officials of one company which makes parts for
jet engines, 95 percent of which goes to the military, saw Pentagon
spending going down, they converted some of their products for
commercial aviation. For them, profits and employment have never
been higher. Not every subcontractor will be able to survive
cutbacks in military spending, but many will emerge stronger than
before, and most believe that in the long run reduced international
tensions will mean more business opportunities and more jobs (ABC-5)
Brokaw: A day after President Bush presented his 1991 budget,
Democrats attacked the President for proposing what they called a
sham budget, and for not showing more leadership aimed at cutting
the deficit.
NBC's Andrea Mitchell: Budget Director Darman has been lecturing
Congress about the need to get serious about cutting the deficit.
Today, leading Democrats told him he had ignored his own advice.
(Rep. Schumer: "It's a totally different Dick Darman. It's almost as
if we have Dr. Jekyll -- Darman the pamphleteer -- and Mr. Hyde --
Darman the budgeteer."
(Rep. Panetta: "At a time when we need bold leadership, what we've
been presented with is another slide-by budget. If the President is
not serious about confronting the deficit issue, why should the
Congress be serious about it?"
Darman: "But of course the President's serious. And of course I'm
serious.")
Democrats complained that the Administration had made the deficit
look smaller than it really is through accounting gimmicks; proposed
recycled cuts that have no chance of passing, like cuts in
mass-transit subsidies; rosy forecasts of economic growth and
declining interest rates; and using the Social Security surplus to pay
current expenses.
(Rep. Russo: "This budget process stinks, and lies. We know
that's a charade and we know that's a lie.")
(Rep. Slattery: "It's the biggest lie that we have told the American
people, maybe in this generation."
Darman: "The words are strong words, Mr. Chairman, and I -- "
Rep. Slattery: "Mr. Chairman, I meant them to be strong words,
Dick, and I'm not going to back off of that.")
Democrats' sharpest criticism was that Bush proposes too much
defense spending.
(Rep. Boxer: "You've missed it, you've blown the opportunity for
economic growth by spending more on the military. You've blown
it!") Democrats say they're willing to consider cuts in entitlements
but
that Bush must consider more defense cuts and higher taxes.
(Sen. Mitchell: "We've got to compromise and we've all got to give
something up and make some choices that we'd rather not make.")
But the President says taxes are not on the table, leading (NBC-4) people
here to predict another year of budget stalemate.
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-7
Brokaw: The President, of course, complains that the Democrats are the
big spenders, and he has the same complaint about the rest of us.
So, the President is now proposing what he says is a way for families
in this country to spend less and save more. No surprise -- the
Democrats have something to say about that, as well.
NBC's John Cochran reports that during the 1980s, the U.S. rate of
savings fell to eighteenth among the 21 top industrial countries.
(Alan Greenspan: "What's wrong with our economy, if one can say
there's something fundamentally wrong, is that we do not save
enough.")
To turn that around, President Bush is proposing his family-savings
plan. Families could invest up to $5,000 a year in a tax-free
account. But, the money must remain in the account seven years to
get the tax break.
(Secretary Brady: "If Americans increase their savings as a result
of this proposal, we will generate more of the funds needed for
investment, from domestic sources, strengthening our economy.")
Almost everyone agrees that if Americans save more, interest rates
will go down, and American companies will not have to rely so much
on foreigners to supply investment capital. But would the Bush
family-savings plan provide enough capital to make a difference?
Democrats say, not nearly enough.
(Sen. Sasser: "Most middle-income taxpayers simply are living from
paycheck to paycheck now, and they can't put aside savings for
seven years just on the likelihood that the interest on those savings
would be tax-free.")
On one thing, Democrats and the President agree: Americans must
discipline themselves by saving more. The question is whether
Congress and the President can discipline themselves by agreeing on
a plan to encourage savings.
(NBC-5)
Rather: President Bush's new election-year budget came under heavy
attack in Congress today. Democratic leaders said it combined cuts
in domestic programs and phony economic predictions to create a false
impression that something is being done about the deficit when it
actually isn't.
CBS's Bob Schieffer: It's become a ritual: On the first day the President
releases the budget; on the second day, Congress dumps on it.
And everywhere you looked, you knew this was the second day.
(Rep. Lawrence Smith: "This country ought to be ashamed of this
Administration!")
(Rep. Sander Levin: "This is deja-voodoo: cut taxes, and raise
revenue.")
Plans to close some military bases drew some of the heaviest flak.
(Rep. Schroeder: "Ninety-nine percent of civilian personnel that will
be laid off by base closures are in Democratic districts.")
Even the mild-mannered House speaker interrupted a picture session
with the British Foreign Minister.
(Speaker Foley: "This certainly is not a budget that takes dramatic
steps forward.")
But it was the Administration's budget director, Richard Darman, who
caught the brunt. He was hardly seated at the House budget
committee when Democrats accused him of using rosy economic
forecasts to make the deficit look smaller than it is.
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-8
(Rep. Panetta: "If the President is not serious about confronting the
deficit issue, why should the Congress be serious about it?"
Darman: "It's almost regrettable that I should even have to say this,
but of course the President's serious. Of course I'm serious.")
Schumer of New York didn't think so.
(Rep. Schumer: "You warned of deficits to go into the next century,
but your budget pretends the deficit will evaporate by 1993.")
Democrats all around said the country isn't getting the straight talk
it needs: Either cut spending, or raise taxes.
(Rep. Slattery: "But instead, what we see is a little bit more of the
smoke-and-mirror game.")
(Rep. Russo: "As somebody who is starting his sixth year on the
Budget Committee, I can't wait till my sentence is over with. This
budget process stinks, and lies.")
Few here would disagree with that, but despite all the Democratic
posturing today about reducting the deficit, few of them are really
interested in cutting back their pet projects or taking the lead on
raising taxes. After all, it is an election year.
(CBS-6)
BUDGET/COMMENTARY
NBC's John Chancellor:
If you're an ordinary citizen
nobody
is
giving you an honest reading of the country's accounts
The
White House looks at the deficit through rose-colored glasses. Its
estimate of the deficit is $124 billion. The Congress forecasts a
larger deficit. And along comes Sen. Moynihan, who says the
government is cooking the books, using money from the Social
Security trust fund to make the deficit look smaller. Moynihan says
the true deficit is $206 billion. Actually, it's even bigger than that:
the cost of bailing out the S&L industry is another huge expenditure
that isn't counted against the deficit. If a business had an
accountant who couldn't figure out the real size of a company's debt,
the company would fire the accountant. Taxpayers can't do that, but
at the very least, the public should demand honest bookkeeping.
The way to start is to stop all the gimmickry, close down the
smoke-and-mirror machines, and make the government tell the truth
about the real size of the deficit.
(NBC-10)
IRAQI TORTURE
Sawyer reports that Amnesty International said today it's received reports
that Iraqi troops have killed or wounded large numbers of unarmed
civilians in a search for army deserters. Yet despite the continuing
charge of human rights abuse in Iraq, ABC News has learned that
the Bush Administration has overridden Congress and made Iraq
eligible for $200 million in loan guarantees, saying such credits (ABC-6) are in
the national interest.
E. GERMANY
Rather reports that East Germany's Communist Party today for the first
time endorsed reunification with West Germany. A new Communist-led
government that includes members of the opposition will be announced (CBS-10)
tomorrow.
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-9
S. AFRICA
NBC's Robin Lloyd reports that police today arrested scores of
demonstrators protesting a British cricket team playing in South
Africa. Anti-apartheid activists say they will step up demonstrations
this week to demand the immediate release of Nelson Mandela. But
with the current wave of political unrest, the government may be
having second thoughts about it and may be afraid to release him.
(NBC-3)
REAGAN DIARIES
Sawyer reports that a federal judge today ordered former President Reagan
to turn over portions of his personal diary to John Poindexter. His
lawyers say the diaries may show Reagan knew and approved of
Poindexter's activities during the Iran-contra scandal.
(ABC-12, NBC-6)
CBS's Rita Braver reports that former President Reagan or the Bush
Administration can still raise one more obstacle to the judge's order
by invoking Executive Privilege.
(Paul Rothstein, Georgetown Univ.: "The President has to come
forward with some concrete reasons why it would be damaging to the
public interest to reveal the presidential information.")
Neither President Reagan's attorneys nor the Bush Justice Department
has decided whether to try to claim Executive Privilege in this case.
(CBS-5)
LONGSHOREMEN'S UNION/JUSTICE DEPT.
Sawyer reports that ABC News has learned the Justice Department will ask
a federal court next week to, in effect, take over the international
Longshoremen's Union and name a trustee to run it. The Justice
Department will argue that the union is now controlled by organized (ABC-7)
crime.
FLIGHT 52/DRUGS
Brokaw reports that at least two of those passengers from the ill-fated
Avianca Flight 52 now face charges of drug smuggling.
NBC's Bob Jamieson reports that authorities say one of the two
passengers is believed to have swallowed 70 packages of cocaine, with
a street value of $250,000. More and more Colombians and people
from other countries are willing to swallow drug packages to smuggle
them into the U.S. Miami authorities saw an alarming six-fold
increase of such smuggling last year. And at New York's Kennedy
Airport, the destination of Avianca Flight 52 and the country's
busiest international gateway, arrest of those who swallow drugs
doubled last year. They will probably double again this year.
Customs officials say West African heroin smugglers are now using the
technique.
(NBC-8, ABC-11)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- B-10
FLOURIDATION
CBS's Deborah Potter reports that the government is taking a new look at
flouridation. A study to be released this week by the national
toxicology program says it may cause a rare form of cancer in
laboratory animals. The results are preliminary, but they've already
reignited the long-simmering fight over flouridation. Dentists are
mounting a counterattack. The EPA is now reviewing the new study
to see if the limit on the amount of flouride permitted in drinking
water should be lowered.
(CBS-8)
EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
Rather reports that after the California earthquake of 1989, the air was
bright with promises from the White House and the federal
government. But today, in the shadows of reality, those promises
for too many are deferred; and, for too many, the dreams are
destroyed.
CBS's John Blackstone reports that amid the earthquake's
destruction, there was hope: the federal government's pledge of
billions in emergency aid. But by now, some two-thirds of those
faced with the paperwork for disaster loans have just given up. One
woman whose apartment building was so badly damaged it made the
cover of Time magazine said she never dreamt that after three months
there still would be no answer from anyone about loans. FEMA is
becoming accustomed to hearing complaints.
(Tommie Hamner, FEMA coordinator: "All of the federal programs will
operate at their fullest, and there's going to be people that fall
through the cracks, absolutely fall through the cracks.")
(Woman with apartment: "That's one of the things they keep saying
is, 'You fell through the cracks.' Well, what do you do to not fall
through the cracks? Who do you contact?")
More than three months after the earthquake, the figures show the
overwhelming majority of those who have asked for help have not
received any. More than 35,000 people applied for grants to pay for
temporary housing, but fewer than 12,000 have received any money.
Of 30,000 applications to replace lost furniture and clothing, just
12,500 checks have been sent. Eighteen-thousand have applied for
low-interest loans to rebuild houses and businesses, but fewer than
2,000 checks have been put in the mail. The officials overseeing all
this paperwork insist they are moving efficiently; the problem, they
say, is a mistaken public perception that relief money should be easy
to get. The reality is, when the politicians proudly announced
massive amounts of money for relief, they left a lot of strings
attached that they didn't talk about. Most of the relief money is not
given away, it's loaned at low interest rates. But applicants complain
the government wants more proof than most banks that the loans will
be paid back. Even with a multi-billion dollar federal recovery
program, many earthquake victims are coming to realize (CBS-11) that
self-reliance is their only choice.
-End of B-Section-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
THE BUDGET
The Hour Of Positive Thinking
"
President Bush's budget
mentions
by name one serious problem after another, yet makes clear that most of
them will be around long after Washington spends the alloted $1.23 trillion.
One that may even be worse is the rate at which the federal government
goes into debt
Economists generally think that the national debt could
well grow by as much as Bush promises it will shrink
What the White
House says is that it will have it both ways. It anticipates both a higher
rate of growth and falling interest rates, even though if business were as
good as the White House projects, the Federal Reserve Board probably
would jack up interest rates to fight inflation
The President again
puts politics and a campaign promise ahead of smart policy and rules out
even minimal increases in taxes that could get government out of the
red
Despite White House forecasts, the economy is wallowing through
a sluggish period that could as easily end in recession as in better times."
(Los Angeles Times, 1/30)
Worthy New Goals In Bush Budget -- "Despite its cute references to
Cookie Monster' and 'Hidden Pacmen,' President Bush and Budget Director
Darman say their first attempt at a federal budget should be taken
seriously
And as an indication of how Washington should shift its
priorities, it deserves that consideration. Bush wants to put more money
into areas neglected by his predecessor
He also wants to make further
reductions in the deficit, maintain a strong defense, encourage family
savings and boost investment by reducing the cost of capital through a cut
in the capital gains tax. All are worthy objectives
Bush wants to
accomplish them with no significant new taxes or spending cuts. That's
where his budget proposal turns into the usual political mush. He claims
that it satisfies the $64 billion target
But that's a phony figure,
because the budget once again counts the
Social Security Trust Fund as
revenue
President Bush has given Congress a budget that avoids the
rigid ideology of the past. That's refreshing. But it also avoids any
significant steps to eliminate the deficit and, with it, our dependence on
foreign capital."
(Chicago Tribune, 1/30)
Plan Balances Fiscal Reality And Social Needs
"
There is much to like
about President Bush's budget, as well as elements to find fault with. On
the plus side, the President is making a big push for investment
incentives to keep the economy rolling
Bush, also to his credit, is
responding to a variety of social needs
And he recommends stepping
up outlays for the war on drugs. Similarly appealing is the President's
proposed expansion of several federal housing programs aimed at
empowering tenants
More problematic is the President's budget
proposal for the Pentagon
Local leaders must seek creative ways to
soften the economic blow that [base-closing] decisions will have on the
affected areas
The Administration may be most vulnerable to criticism
that it is trying to reach the
deficit target
by relying on overly
optimistic economic assumptions
Granted, [President Bush's]
recommendations may not be everything that some Democratic lawmakers
want. But, in many cases, they are what the government can afford."
(Cleveland Plain Dealer, 1/30)
-more-
Wednesday, January 31, 1990 -- C-2
Wonders
In
Darmanland
:
"
The deficit really is fading away. If
Congress passed Bush's budget, the federal deficit would decline to about
1% of GNP in 1991. That's
about the same as the average for America's
six major trading partners. It soon may be impossible for tax-increasers
to blame every blip in the money markets on 'the deficit.
All of the
usual tax-raising suspects are pointing out what a 'disappointment' Richard
Darman is as budget director because he hasn't thrown President Bush's
'no new taxes' pledge out the window. If he keeps standing on principle,
Darman might even lose his reputation as a 'pragmatist,' the Washington
version of a knighthood."
(Wall Street Journal, 1/30)
Bush Budget Fights The Cold War, Not The Deficit -- "George Bush says
his $1.23-trillion budget for 1991 emphasizes 'investment in the future,'
but the budget appears more to reflect Cold War military priorities than
the needs of a peacetime economy hamstrung by debt. Bush is due credit
for plans to spend more on space exploration, environmental cleanup, air
traffic controllers and Head Start
And he's right to chop some
expensive weapons systems, close bases and cut 38,000 military personnel
that just aren't needed, given the shrinking Soviet threat. But Bush cuts
the overall military budget by only 2 percent, and plans increases for
unnecessary programs like the B-2 bomber, the MX missile and Star Wars
research -- which Congress should cut
This is a budget that, despite
Bush's rhetoric, looks backward, still competing against one-time military
foes at a time when it should be marshaling the country's resources to
compete with economic rivals that pose a much greater long-term threat."
(Newsday, 1/30)
Fighting The Deficit -- "What started as a wisp of smoke on the
intellectual horizon has now billowed into a major conflagration that may
lead to radical changes in federal laws about Social Security taxes, deficit
reduction and incentives for savings and investment. Almost daily, a new
idea issues forth
That so many responsible elected political leaders
would present so many startling proposals in such a short time
is
testimony to a recognition that there are serious problems
As it is,
the deficit is not being conquered
Despite its tough talk,
[Gramm-Rudman] allows much spending and borrowing to go uncounted
Social Security is part of the deficit charade because its surplus is
borrowed by the government for current spending needs
The U.S.
investment rate has dropped from 6.9 percent of GNP in the 1970s to 4.6
percent in the 1980s
Some
of
today's
proposals
are
worthy
ideas.
By mixing and matching, Congress may find a formula that leads to real
deficit reduction, to a more secure and less oppressive funding scheme for
Social Security and to incentives for saving and investment on the part of
ordinary citizens as well as the rich."
(Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, 1/29)
Pillow Power Or Not, A Good Call -- "Good for President Bush! It seems
as if he might have listened to the favorable comments his wife, Barbara,
made about the Head Start program last week, and has included an
additional $500 million for the successful federal preschool program in his
budget proposal. Just as important, the President's proposal targets
4-year-olds, a pivotal age, according to educators, because that's when
children are old enough to flourish in a group setting
Head Start is
educationally effective and cost-effective
Most Head Start children
come from welfare families or families at or below the federal poverty
line
The early intervention can help to break that cycle of poverty."
(Los Angeles Times, 1/30)
###
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION
THE BUDGET
"Peace And Cake"
"
The drama that will absorb Congress through the months ahead is
the Mystery of the Missing Peace Dividend
Of course, Mr. Bush is
anxious about the new peace; and, perhaps with an excess of caution, he
does not wish to give away in a budget that which must theoretically be
bargained away in Vienna and other forums. But, overall, he sends no
useful signal to a Moscow busy hacking unilaterally at its generals'
resources.' "
(Guardian, Britain)
"Time For U.S. To Drop Phony Figures"
"The whole process of reaching these figures is deeply corrupting,
and
there will be a price to pay for this corruption. The price will be
paid most probably in a fall in the dollar
The surprising thing is to
see a country whose private sector, in the main, operates on tight
financial discipline, fail to operate with similar discipline in the public
sector. The Soviet bloc can no longer operate on phony figures. Can the
United States?"
(Independent, Britain)
"No Peace Dividend Yet"
"
Bush's attack on the deficit
is a courageous one only at first
sight. The proposal is based on the assumption that taxes will increase
three times faster than the state's spending rate, and that economic
growth will continue at the same rate in 1990, too. The sages in Wall
Street, on the other hand, are convinced that the economic growth of the
Reagan era is coming to an end.' (Sueddeutsche Zeitung, West Germany)
"1991 Budget Gambles On Strong Economy"
"The presentation of the 1991 budget was mainly a public relations
operation for Richard Darman. The insolent, controversial, often bold and
charming man failed to seduce Congress and to obtain the cuts necessary
for the reduction of the deficit during the first year of the Bush term
The Administration's elbow room is limited."
(Jacqueline Grapin, Figaro, France)
"Bush Creative With His Accounting"
"George Bush Monday presented Congress with details of a budget
which if believable would be the stuff of dreams. The plan is to reduce
next year's federal deficit to $63.1 billion without putting up taxes and
without doing much more than nibble away at defense and social security
spending
To support such a flight of fancy, he is hoping that the
American economy will defy the laws of gravity."
(Daily Telegraph, Britain)
"General Skepticism Over Bush's Budget"
"President Bush's 1991 budget was received with great skepticism
by economists and financial markets. Wall Street has growing doubts that
the President will be able to cut the budget deficit." (Les Echos, France)
-End of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 1990 -- 6:00 A.M. EDT EDITION
TODAY'S HEADLINES
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
BUSH WROTE TO SHAMIR IN EFFORT TO JUMP-START MIDEAST PEACE PROCESS
-- President Bush has tried to jump-start the Mideast peace process
with a lengthy private letter to Prime Minister Shamir, he revealed
Monday in an exclusive interview on foreign policy issues with
Knight-Ridder.
(Knight-Ridder)
MANDELA IN CANADA GETS PROMISE OF CONTINUED SANCTIONS -- Black
nationalist leader Nelson Mandela, half-way through a six-week
international tour to persuade Western nations not to lift
sanctions against South Africa, will leave Canada with promises of
cash aid and continued support.
(Reuter)
NATIONAL NEWS
AP SURVEY: FLAG AMENDMENT TOO CLOSE TO CALL -- An Associated Press
survey of Congress shows that the vote on President Bush's anti-
flag burning amendment is too close to call -- with undecided
moderate Democrats in control of its fate.
(AP)
NETWORK NEWS (Monday Evening)
FLORIDA KILLINGS -- A man
walked into a credit agency
in Jacksonville, FL, and gunned
down eight people and wounded
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
six before killing himself.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-11
FAMILY LEAVE -- The White House
said President Bush will veto
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
the guaranteed family leave
act.
EDITORIALS
C-1
DRUNK DRIVING -- The Supreme
Court said police may videotape
drunk drivers so there is a
visual record of how drunk
they are.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
BUSH WROTE TO SHAMIR IN EFFORT
TO JUMP-START MIDEAST PEACE PROCESS
President Bush has tried to jump-start the Mideast peace
process with a lengthy private letter to Prime Minister Shamir, he
revealed Monday in an exclusive interview on foreign policy issues
with Knight-Ridder.
The letter included "several suggestions" that Bush said he
hoped would clear the way for peace talks in the Middle East.
In the interview, the President declined to endorse majority
rule in predominantly black South Africa and spoke with great
optimism about prospects for settling differences with the Soviet
Union over the democracy movement in Eastern Europe.
Bush would not say what his specific suggestions to Shamir
were but added that the new right-wing government of
Israel
"presents some real problems" for the U.S. -- including
sharp differences toward Israeli settlements in occupied
territories. The President said he emphasized in the letter that
peace talks between Israel and Palestinians
"should go forward."
Shamir, meanwhile, said in Jerusalem that the letter "asks me
for replies and explanations about our path in the framework of the
peace process, and promised a reply "to the best of our ability."
Bush also said that despite an implied threat by Secretary
Baker last week that the U.S. might abandon efforts to get peace
talks started, "we aren't going to pick up our marbles and go
home." Bush cautioned, however, that unless Israel and the
Palestinians wanted to move forward "there may be a hiatus" in U.S.
peace efforts.
On the question of majority rule, Bush said, "I want to have
that matter sorted out through negotiation in our country
I
think we're going to be a little careful there
I clearly would
favor the elimination of apartheid and I'd like to see full
participation by all in the political process."
(James McCartney, Knight-Ridder)
A Bush Letter Prods Shamir On Peace Talks
President Bush, following up on a stern public message from
Secretary Baker last week, has written a "lengthy" letter to Prime
Minister Shamir questioning the willingness of his new conservative
government to revive the Middle East peace process.
White House spokesman Fitzwater said the letter was sent in
the last few days and was both a congratulatory letter on the
formulation of the government and a lengthier discussion of U.S.-
Israeli relations.
Administration officials said Bush reiterated U.S. commitment
to a plan that Shamir espoused and the Administration adopted last
year for the election of Palestinian representatives in the
occupied territories
Officials said Bush's letter posed
questions to Shamir about his government's positions on various
aspects of the peace talks and expressed U.S. interest in
continuing to work for progress.
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A17)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-2
SHAMIR INVITES SYRIA'S ASSAD TO MEET FOR PEACE TALKS
JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Shamir Monday invited Syrian
President Assad to open peace talks with Israel and criticized the
U.S. for delaying a decision on whether to continue contacts with
the PLO.
Appearing before high school students in the town of Petah
Tikva, Shamir expanded on one of the principal stances of his new
right-wing government by calling on Assad "to come, to talk, to
conduct negotiations and maybe to get to peace.'
Shamir expressed impatience at the slowness of the Bush
Administration to decide on whether to break relations with the PLO
as a result of the attempted attack by guerrillas of the PLO-
affiliated Palestinian Liberation Front on Israeli beaches May 31.
"Week after week passes, and they are still discussing, there in
the diplomatic offices in the United States, if the PLO is a
terrorist organization," Shamir said. "And they can't decide."
The Bush Administration, Shamir added, "has to prove the
credibility of the United States, to prove to the whole world that
those who engage in terror cannot be party to negotiations."
(Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A16)
Shamir Tries To Prove To U.S. Israel Is Serious About Peace
JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Shamir has invited Syrian
President Assad to Israel in a gesture apparently aimed at
convincing the U.S. his new right-wing government wants peace.
"I hope that Syrian President Assad seriously wants peace with
Israel -- we invite him to come, talk, negotiate and maybe we can
achieve peace,' Shamir told high school students
Monday.
Israeli analysts said he expected a negative response from
Assad, one of the Jewish state's worst enemies.
(Marjorie Olster, Reuter)
MANDELA SAYS MAJORITY RULE WILL PROVIDE
EQUAL RIGHTS, STRONG CENTRAL RULE
OTTAWA -- Nelson Mandela, on a visit to secure continued
support for the anti-apartheid movement, said Monday majority rule
in South Africa would lead to a strong central government with an
independent judiciary enforcing a bill of rights for citizens of
all races.
He also said an end to apartheid would mean a new period of
growth for the South African economy. He said nationalization of
industries
was only one option under majority rule. It was by
no means a certainty, he said
"We wish to see every adult South African enjoying the right
to vote and having the possibility of being elected to all organs
of government without discrimination on grounds of race, color or
sex," Mandela said. "In addition to a democratic constitution,
there should be an entrenched
bill of rights
fostered by an
independent judiciary."
At a news conference later, Mandela said a new majority
government would be "extremely careful" with the economy, giving
growth the overriding priority as the best method to ensure a
better standard of living for the black majority.
(Remer Tyson, Knight-Ridder)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-3
CANADA TELLS MANDELA: SANCTIONS STAY
ANC Leader Given A Hero's Welcome
TORONTO -- Nelson Mandela, receiving a tumultuous hero's
welcome in a country that has championed economic sanctions against
South africa for nearly three decades, Monday asked Canada to "walk
the last mile" with his ANC in the struggle against apartheid and
was assured by Canadian leaders they would not relax international
pressure on the white government in Pretoria.
While acknowledging that President de Klerk is "honestly
committed" to a peaceful transformation to democratic rule, Mandela
said that South African police and white extremist
groups continue to kill and maim blacks to protect white minority
rule. "The fact of the matter is, the apartheid system is still
in place," he told a joint session of Parliament in Ottawa.
(William Claiborne, Washington Post, A16)
Mandela In Canada Gets Promise of Continued Sanctions
TORONTO -- Black nationalist leader Nelson Mandela, half-way
through a six-week international tour to persuade Western nations
not to lift sanctions against South Africa, will leave Canada with
promises of cash aid and continued support
Prime Minister Mulroney told Mandela at a dinner in Toronto
Monday: "When clear and irreversible change has occurred; when the
system of apartheid is on the way to oblivion it will be
appropriate to ease some of the pressure of sanctions. But that
time has not yet come.
"To relax sanctions now would run the risk of aborting the
negotiations process before it has properly begun."
Mulroney promised $4.25 million to be spent in South Africa
to repatriate and resettle South African exiles and to reintegrate
political prisoners into their communities. He did not elaborate.
(Jacqueline Thorpe, Reuter)
FUGITIVE RIGHT-WING COUNCILOR DECLARES WAR ON DE KLERK
JOHANNESBURG -- An extreme rightist South African councilor,
on the run from police after stealing arms from a military arsenal,
declared war Tuesday on the reformist government of President de
Klerk.
In a videotape delivered to a Johannesburg newspaper, Piet
"Skit" Rudolph said the highest priority for loyal Afrikaaners was
the overthrow of de Klerk, who wants to scrap apartheid.
"There is no time to plan a counter-revolution. It is now
open war," said Rudolph, flanked on the videotape by masked men
toting machine guns.
(Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-4
POSSIBLE POISON GAS FACILITIES IN LIBYA MONITORED BY U.S.
U.S. intelligence agencies are monitoring one or more
facilities in Libya on the suspicion that the regime of Col.
Gadhafi may seek to produce poison gas after staging a hoax fire
in March at an alleged chemical weapons complex at Rabta, 60 miles
southwest of Tripoli, Administration officials said Monday.
White House press secretary Fitzwater reiterated the Bush
Administration's concern over Libya's suspected chemical weapons
program, saying, "We are prepared to believe the worst."
He declined to specify the location of the facilities that
have become the focus of U.S. attention, but another Administration
official added, "there are a couple of places indicated as possible
sites and they are being watched, but nothing has panned out so
far.
"
Administration officials said that a report in The Washington
Times Monday asserting that Gadhafi is building a new underground
chemical complex several hundred miles south of Tripoli was not
correct and had not been confirmed by the CIA, as the newspaper
said.
"Our basic position is that we think Gadhafi is not finished
with chemical weapons,¹ one Administration official said, adding,
"Do we think there is a new facility now? No."
(Patrick Tyler, Washington Post, A17)
U.S. Claims Khadafy Is Building Underground Chemical Weapons Plant
U.S. officials believe that Libyan leader Col. Khadafy is
building an underground chemical weapons plant in the desert, an
Administration official said Monday. And a White House spokesman
said the fire last March at another Libyan plant was a hoax.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed
reports that members of the Bush Administration think Libya is
building a second facility, and that possible responses are under
review.
"This is a two-step process," the official said. "There is
confirming it, and then there is having a public posture. I think
it's safe to say that as we look very carefully at the evidence
that is available from various sources, we are formulating a public
posture.
=
Speaking at a White House news conference, Presidential
spokesman Fitzwater
said that the Administration had become
convinced that a fire at the Rabta plant in March was faked
"The weight of the evidence regarding the fire as a hoax really
shifted last month,' the [anonymous] Administration source said.
While declining to elaborate on what evidence was available, the
source said the government thought the Rabta plant was still
capable of producing chemical weapons.
(Joshua Cooper Ramo, Boston Globe)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-5
White House Fears The Worst On Libyan Arms
The White House agreed Monday that Libya may be building a
second chemical arms plant and accused Tripoli of staging a "hoax"
fire at its first chemical facility to defuse Western outrage over
Libyans trafficking in poison gas.
"We're prepared to believe the worst," spokesman Fitzwater
said when asked about a story in The Washington Times Monday that
described Libyan efforts to build a second chemical weapons plant
several hundred miles south of Tripoli. The Administration is
evaluating reports about the second plant but "we just don't have
any conclusions to give,' Fitzwater said
The White House and the State Department, meanwhile, accused
Col. Gadhafi's government of faking a fire at Rabta in March.
(Paul Bedard, Washington Times, A3)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "New Libya-Chemical Arms Link," by Jessica Lee,
appears in USA Today, page 4A.
FUNDING ANGOLAN REBELS BLASTED BY BLACK CAUCUS
The Bush Administration has asked Congress to add $10 million
or $15 million to a secret arms program for rebels fighting the
Soviet-backed government of Angola, a congressional source said
Monday.
Some of the money would be used to buy Hawk anti-aircraft
missiles, bolstering an arsenal of shoulder-fired Stinger rockets
the rebels have used to attack government planes, said the source,
who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The request for the extra money prompted an angry letter from
the Congressional Black Caucus to Sen. Boren
Rep.
Dellums
said rebel land mines have given Angola the largest
population of amputees in the world, according to Red Cross
figures. He called U.S. aid to the rebels "morally indefensible."
(AP, Washington Times, A4)
'FRIENDLY FIRE' KILLED 2 U.S. TROOPS
The Defense Department said Monday that two of the 23
Americans killed during the invasion of Panama died from "friendly
fire" coming from U.S. forces, and 19 of the 324 wounded were hit
by rounds fired from U.S. positions.
In a statement issued in response to an article in Newsweek
magazine, the Pentagon said two U.S. servicemen hit by their own
troops during the nigh operation died at Rio Hato, where the Army's
82nd Airborne Division staged a parachute assault to seize a key
base held by the PDF.
"In the case of one additional serviceman killed in action,"
the statement said, "it has not been determined if his death was
a direct result of friendly fire." This case is still under
investigation, the Pentagon said.
(Washington Post, A10)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-6
SANDINISTAS TO ELECT NEW LEADERS IN 1991
MANAGUA -- The opposition Sandinista Front announced Monday
it would hold a national congress next year to elect new leaders
in a secret vote that could conceivably replace former President
Ortega as leader of the party
UNO members have predicted that Ortega will be removed from
the party leadership as a result of bitterness among members over
the 55-percent to 41-percent election loss.
(UPI)
BAKER OFFERS CENTRAL AMERICA HELP IN FINDING AID ELSEWHERE
ANTIGUA, Guatemala -- Secretary Baker assured Central American
presidents Monday that Washington would press Japan and Western
Europe to increase their assistance to the region at a time of
declining U.S. aid to most Central American countries.
Baker, who arrived in Guatemala Sunday night and met
individually with the six presidents Monday, is proposing an
international effort by wealthy nations and international lending
institutions to help Central America. The approach is patterned
on the Group of 24 industrialized nations that was formed last year
to rebuild Hungary and Poland
Although the presidents expressed some doubts about the
structure of the new aid mechanism and conditions that might be
attached to new assistance, the general response to Baker's
proposal was positive.
"The United States is taking the lead in getting the world to
give aid to Central America, said President Rafael Calderon. "We
all celebrate that.'
(Lee Hockstader, Washington Post, A12)
U.S. Proposal Gets Mixed Reception In Central America
ANTIGUA -- Secretary Baker met with Central American
presidents Monday and proposed a development plan to help
"consolidate democracy" that got a favorable but uneasy
reaction
"We showed Secretary Baker we were pleased with this proposal
presented by the United States and specified our will that it be
the Central American countries that form part of the administration
to oversee the results," said Salvadoran President Cristiani,
acting as spokesman for the six heads of state
Baker's proposal did not include a direct role for Central
America in the administration of the aid and foreign development
assistance, and the regional presidents indicated they would push
for such a role.
(Michael Molinski, UPI)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Baker's Aid Proposal Draws Applause From Latin
Leaders," by Reuter, appears in The Washington Times, page A8.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-7
JAPAN PLEDGES MAJOR AID PACKAGE TO MEXICO
TOKYO -- Japan has pledged $779 million in aid to Mexico to
control pollution and finance other projects, highlighting an
official visit to Japan by President Salinas, officials said
Tuesday. The Foreign Ministry officials said Prime Minister Kaifu
committed the funds to Salinas during their meeting Moday at
Kaifu's official residence. Prior to the meeting, Salinas called
on Japan to be more involved in the international community,
particularly in Latin America.
(Mark Kuramitsu, UPI)
U.S. WANTS JAPAN TO DETAIL BILATERAL PLAN
The always unsteady .S.-Japanese relationship could be headed
for an even rockier future if Tokyo fails to provide detailed plans
to implement a bilateral agreement worked out last April, U.S.
Trade Rep. Hills said.
In remarks prepared for delivery to the Japan Society in New
York Monday night, Hills said Japan must realized that the interim
bilateral report addressing structural problems in the two
economies needs to be followed up with specifics in the final
report, due in July
"Japan's foot-dragging since the announcement of our interim
SII report must end. Between now and the completion of the final
SII report general commitments must be augmented by detailed plans,
amounts of monies to be spent and schedules for action to be taken
must be specified," she told the Japan Society.
(Keith Rockwell, Journal of Commerce)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Hills Slams Japan's 'Foot-Dragging,' appears in
USA Today, page 2B.
U.S. TO RETURN LAND FROM MILITARY BASES ON OKINAWA
TOKYO -- The U.S. said Tuesday it would hand back 23
installations on the southern island of Okinawa to the local
government
A statement by the U.S. command said the decision
was approved by a joint Japan-U.S. committee that would work out
details of the handover.
(Reuter)
GENSCHER, SHEVARDNADZE DISCUSS GERMAN UNIFICATION
MUENSTER, West Germany -- The Soviet and West German foreign
ministers, meeting amid increasing calls for German unification by
year's end, apparently failed to reach agreement on Germany's
military future.
In a joint statement Monday after meeting for more than six
hours in the historic city of Muenster, Foreign Ministers Genscher
and Shevardnadze said they "got closer and made progress on
important issues." Speaking at a news conference after the
talks
they said they had agreed to meet again later.
Disagreement on several key issues was obvious. Shevardnadze
said the question of troop strength of a united Germany's defense
force should be determined at the six-nation German unity
negotiations, known as two-plus-four. Genscher, however, said the
issue should be included in East West disarmament talks held in
Vienna.
(UPI)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-8
U.S. RELAXES LICENSING OF HIGH-TECH EXPORTS
In another sign of the winding down of the Cold War, the Bush
Administration Monday wiped away licensing requirements on the sale
of $30 billion worth of computers, telecommunications equipment and
other high-technology products to allies in Western Europe, Japan
and Australia.
The action, which takes effect in two weeks, expands on the
decision 10 days ago by the U.S. and its allies to relax -- but not
eliminate -- barriers to the sale of high-technology products to
the Soviet Union and some of its former East European
satellites.
(Stuart Auerbach, Washington Post, D1)
U.S. To Lower Export Barriers For NATO Partners On Some Items
Export licensing requirements will be eliminated on about $30
billion worth of goods the U.S. sells annually to its NATO
partners, the Commerce Department announced Monday.
The department's ruling, which becomes effective July 2,
"relieves an embarrassing situation,' said Peter Taylor, an expert
on international trade with Export Control News, an industry
newsletter. "The East bloc was winding up with more liberal export
policies than our own allies."
(David Evans, Chicago Tribune)
Easing Of Technology Export Controls May Boost Arms Smuggling In
Mideast
The recent relaxation of Western controls on technology
exports to the Soviet Union may make it easier for countries in the
Middle East to obtain goods crucial to the production and use of
nuclear weapons, according to critics of the move.
The change in export rules, according to a spokeswoman for
the Commerce Department's Bureau of Export Administration, would
allow shipment of various previously restricted items to "certain
reliable Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary and
Czechoslovakia.
But critics of the move charge that the relaxation could
accelerate the nuclear arms race in the Middle east. "This means
that Iraq can order U.S. bomb triggers through front companies in
Eastern Europe without breaking any laws,' asserted Gary Milhollin,
head of the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, a Washington
research firm.
(John Fialka & Eduardo Lachica, Wall Street Journal, A22)
LIGACHEV ASKS SOVIET REFERENDUM ON SOCIALISM vs. CAPITALISM
MOSCOW -- The Soviet Communist Party's leading conservative,
Yegor Ligachev, called Monday for a referendum on whether the
country should follow a socialist or capitalist path.
In an interview with the party daily Pravda, Politburo member
Ligachev obliquely questioned the wisdom of President Gorbachev's
ambition to abandon the command-administrative model and build a
market economy.
Ligachev said he was firmly against the establishment of
private property and was concerned that the country might be headed
for a "restoration" of capitalism.
(David Remnick, Washington Post, A17)
-more-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-9
RUSSIA THREATENS TO CUT PAYMENTS,
SHIPMENTS OF GOODS TO REST OF COUNTRY
MOSCOW
--
Russia
threatened Monday to drastically cut
transfer payments and shipments of goods to the rest of the
country, a move that could hasten the disintegration of the
national federation.
The new Russian prime minister, Ivan Silayev, said his
republic transfers about 100 billion rubles (about $180 billion)
to the national treasury, but gets back only 30 billion rubles
(about $50 billion). Russia also sends more goods and food items
to the rest of the country than it receives back in internal Soviet
trade, Silayev said.
In an inaugural speech to the Russian parliament, he promised
that the republican government will take steps later this year to
stop these lopsided arrangements in order to "ensure Russia's real
economic independence as a sovereign state in the fold of the
Soviet Union.'
(Jeff Sallot, Toronto Globe & Mail)
NO QUICK DECISION ON INDEPENDENCE MORATORIUM
MOSCOW -- Lithuanian President Landsbergis said Monday a
moratorium on the republic's declaration of independence was only
one option for responding to Moscow's demands and some residents
were hostile to it.
The moratorium, proposed by the Lithuanian Council of
Ministers Saturday to meet Moscow's conditions for negotiations on
secession, will probably not be formally considered by parliament
until at least Friday, government spokeswoman Rita Dapkus said by
telephone from Vilnius.
(Michael Collins, UPI)
USE OF FORCE APPROVED BY ROMANIA
Authorities Arrest 3 Protest Leaders
BUCHAREST -- The lower house of Romania's parliament Monday
voted overwhelmingly to empower the Interior Ministry to remove
anti-government demonstrators who for the second day defiantly
blocked traffic in front of Bucharest University.
Undeterred by the vote, hundreds of demonstrators milled
about, shouting anti-government slogans, but no police or soldiers
could be seen
Late Monday night, Romanian television said authorities had
arrested three opposition leaders on charges connected with the
protests here last week. (Jonathan Randal, Washington Post, A12)
OFFICIALS SAY FIGHTING NOW A FULL-FLEDGED WAR
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka -- Government forces overran Tamil rebel
positions in the east Tuesday and repulsed an attack on an army
garrison in the north as bitter ethnic rivalries escalated into
full-fledged war, officials said.
The army used helicoper gunships and repeated machine-gun fire
to repulse an early-morning attack by rebels on the Jaffna military
garrison, said military officials who spoke on condition of
anonymity.
(Dexter Cruez, AP)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-10
UNEASY CALM IN LIBERIA AS DOE MAKES CONCESSIONS
MONROVIA -- Beleagured President Doe, in a gesture of
conciliation, announced a general amnesty for all members of the
rebel National Patriotic Front, legalized two opposition parties
and said the insurgents could form their own party.
An air of nervous calm fell over the Liberian capital Monday.
Fighting in the country's near-6-month-old civil war all but
stopped, Western military officials said.
(Neil Fleming, UPI)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Baker Introduces Age of Frequent-Flier Diplomacy,"
by Warren Strobel, appears in The Washington Times, page A8.
"East Europeans Want Help From West To Form Parties," by Martin
Sieff, appears in The washington Times, page A11.
"KGB Critic Specialized In Counterintelligence," by Bill Gertz,
appears in The Washington Times, page A5.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
OPPONENTS OF FLAG AMENDMENT SEEKING QUICK KILL ON HOUSE FLOOR
Buoyed by an unexpectedly quiet response at the grass roots
and by an unofficial vote tally that shows they can prevail,
opponents of a constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of
the flag are pushing for a quick attempt to kill the proposal on
the House floor, possible as early as Thursday.
"The phone isn't ringing, the mail isn't coming in," said Rep.
Durbin, who was undecided on the flag amendment last week but said
Monday that he is leaning against it. The more political this
becomes, the more skeptical people become.' "
"We're hearing very little from constituents," said Rep.
Glickman, who will vote against the amendment.
"There is nothing driving this issue, other than Washington
politicians," acknowledged Richard Viguerie, a direct-mail
fundraiser for conservative groups
"This is an issue whose time has come and gone," said one
high-level Republican operative who asked not to be identified.
The strategist indicated that if the amendment fails in Congress,
the White House would not seek to turn it into a national campaign
issue against Democrats this fall, but predicted that it would be
raised in isolated Senate and House races
However, a White House official expressed doubt Monday that
the Democrats have the hard votes needed to kill the amendment,
adding that the Administration has a targeted list of wavering
lawmakers it plans to lobby this week.
(Tom Kenworthy & Paul Taylor, Washington Post, A8)
AP Survey: Flag Amendment Too Close To Call
An Associated Press survey of Congress shows that the vote on
President Bush's anti-flag burning amendment is too close to call -
- with undecided moderate Democrats in control of its fate.
Neither side in the politically charged battle could yet claim
victory, according to the survey
"I don't know what the vote
outcome will be. I expect it will be close," Sen. Mitchell said
Monday.
In the Senate, where 67 votes are needed to pass the
amendment, 58 lawmakers surveyed favored it or were leaning in that
direction, while 24 were against or leaning against. of the 18 who
did not take a position, 15 were Democrats.
Supporters and those leaning in favor outnumbered opponents
253 to 115 in the House, where 289 votes are required for passage.
of the 65 who were undecided or had no known position, 54 were
Democrats.
The telephone survey was conducted late last week and Monday.
(Steven Komarow, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-12
Fulbright Calls Flag Amendment 'Great Tragedy'
Former Sen. J. William Fulbright expressed disappointment with
his successors in government, saying it is a "great tragedy" that
politicians have shifted their attention from world events to
debate a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning
"I feel more optimistic about the international situation than
anytime I was in the Senate," he said, adding that he believed even
the Chinese would "come around" and join the world move toward
democracy.
But Fulbright was clearly troubled by the response of American
politicians, faulting President Bush for refusing to cut defense
spending or raise taxes, criticizing the invasion of Panama and the
funding of the contra rebels in Nicaragua, and accusing Democrats
in Congress of timidity.
Asked to comment on the flag amendment, he said, "I think it's
a great tragedy that in this time of very promising issues that we
should be diverted by such an utterly emotional and unimportant
issue
I think it ought to be left alone."
(Gary Silverman, UPI)
FORCED CUTS COULD EXCEED $80 BILLION, DARMAN SAYS
On the eve of critical negotiations with Congress, the Bush
Administration's budget director said Monday that the alternative
to agreement on a deficit-reduction plan is at least $80 billion
in forced spending cuts, which would lay waste to most domestic
programs.
Richard Darman told a group of reporters that possible
revenue-raising measures will be discussed for the first time by
Administration and congressional representatives when they resume
their meetings Tuesday. He predicted that by Thursday, proposals
for $45 billion to $60 billion in deficit reductions "will come
from all parties -- including the Administration."
As the bipartisan budget summit prepared to move from detailed
briefings to direct negotiations, with only the principals present,
Darman said, "We feel a lot better about the group and the process
than we did a few weeks ago." But he cautioned that the
"chemistry" and mutual trust that have been built up in the past
four weeks of briefings are untested. No one, he said, is under
any illusions "about how hard this is."
(David Broder, Washington Post, A8)
WARY NEGOTIATORS NEARING CROSSROADS IN BUDGET TALKS
This may be the week something finally happens in the budget
talks between Congress and the White House.
If it isn't, it ought to be, say lawmakers and officials of
the Bush Administration
"Why are people in that room?" asked Rep. Gingrich. "Mostly
because they couldn't get out of it. The President's men decided
it was time to have a summit, Republicans are there because they
like to be accommodating to the President, and Democrats are there
because they couldn't say no."
"Like Yogi Berra said, when you reach the crossroads, take
it,' said Rep. Panetta.
(Susan Rasky, New York Times, A20)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-13
GOP CANDIDATES STICK TO NO-TAX PLEDGE
Republican Bob Smith has won three House races stressing his
opposition to higher taxes. The New Hampshire congrèssman isn't
about to drop a winning strategy just because George Bush is
wavering. If the President changes course, "I'll disagree with him
point-blank," says Smith. He's counting on the "no new taxes"
theme to sweep him into the Senate this year
Even as President Bush edges away from his "read my lips"
campaign rhetoric, Republican candidates who have staked their
careers on the "no new taxes" pledge are embracing it as tightly
as ever. Publicly, they won't concede anything -- even that Bush
has softened his position. They say he's merely done what was
necessary to open a dialogue with Congress on the budget.
(AP, Washington Times, A4)
ANY PEACE DIVIDEND IS ALREADY SPENT, ROSTENKOWSKI TELLS MAYORS
CHICAGO -- Rep. Rostenkowski told the nation's mayors Monday
that any savings realized from defense budget cuts already have
been spent on other federal priorities and are unlikely to trickle
back to the cities.
Rostenkowski brought a grim message of deficit reduction,
imminent tax increases and legislative deadlock to this week's
annual summer meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, who had
been hoping for a slice of the peace dividend.
"The peace dividend, and quite a bit more, has already been
invested in our savings and loans, Rostenkowski said
"We need
to slash spending and raise taxes merely to get to ground zero."
Sen. Kerrey was considerably more upbeat in a luncheon speech,
declaring urban needs in education, health care, housing and
transportation can be met if federal and local governments work
together.
(Gwen Ifill, Washington Post, A9)
DOW SLIDES 53 ON FEARS ABOUT RATES
NEW YORK -- The Dow Jones industrial average skidded 53 points
Monday as investors' hopes of lower interest rates sank, resulting
in short-term profit-taking, traders said. New pessimism that the
Federal Reserve is not likely to ease Interest rates until
midsummer or autumn was the prime psychological ingredient behind
the decline, analysts said.
(Ralph Cato, Washington POst, D1)
PANEL SOUGHT TO INVESTIGATE CAUSES OF THRIFT SCANDAL
Saying "American taxpayers deserve the whole story," Sen. Bond
Monday urged President Bush to establish a special commission to
determine the causes behind the savings and loan scandal.
In a letter to Bush, Bond said even the appointment of a
special prosecutor to look into criminal conduct of executives at
hundreds
of
failed
thrifts
would be inadequate as the government
spends billions of dollars to bail out the industry
"If we rely solely on prosecutions to punish those at fault,
we leave out a wide range of venal, foolish, short-sighted and
unethical behaviors that are not illegal but will cost this country
just as much," he said.
(UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-14
HOUSE PANEL TO GRILL WITNESS SUBPOENAED IN SILVERADO S&L PROBE
The House Banking Committee is expected to grill witnesses
Tuesday about how Silverado Banking, Savings and Loan of Denver was
allowed to stay open for at least two years after it was clear the
thrift was in serious financial trouble.
The committee is to hear testimony from developers William
Walters and Kenneth Good, both large Silverado borrowers and
stockholders, about their relationship with Neil Bush, a member of
the Silverado board of directors
However, the primary focus of the hearing is expected to be
on Michael Wise, Silverado's former chairman, and W. James Metz,
the thrift's founder and majority stockholder.
(Joan Lowy, Scripps Howard)
ANNUNZIO ATTACKS ADMINISTRATION FOR
LAX ACTION ON CHARGES AGAINST NEIL BUSH
As congressional Democrats look for ways to focus taxpayers'
wrath on the Republican White House for the savings and loan
debacle, Rep. Annunzio wants to make an issue out of the slow pace
of Administration action against President Bush's son Neil.
Annunzio, according to aides, is planning to attack the
Administration on Tuesday for foot-dragging in punishing Neil Bush
for alleged conflicts of interest in his role as a director at the
Silverado Banking, Savings and Loan Association
Annunzio, his aides said, plans to question the
Administration's determination to pursue wrongdoing and criminal
conduct by S&L executives.
Attorney General Thornburgh turned down a request that he
testify before Annunzio's banking subcommittee Thursday about
Administration progress in prosecuting S&L fraud cases. Instead,
the head of the Justice Department's criminal division, Edward
Dennis Jr., is scheduled to testify. But Annunzio plans to have
an empty seat at the witness table to highlight Thornburgh's
absence.
(Terry Atlas, Chicago Tribune)
KEMP, DARMAN URGE HOUSING BILL CHANGES
The Bush Administration took its concerns about a Senate
housing bill to Capitol Hill Monday, challenging senators to delete
new construction programs to favor the poor.
Secretary Kemp and OMB Director Darman met with five members
of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee just
before the Senate took up the National Affordable Housing Act, a
major restructuring of the nation's housing programs.
Participants said there is broad agreement on the need for a
housing bill this year, but significant roadblocks remain. Those
disagreements, as Kemp outlined in a letter last week to Sen.
Cranston
involve the Administration's concern that the Senate
approach fails to address fundamental problems at HUD.
One participant described Monday's meeting as "promising"
and said Administration officials made no veto threats. Kemp aide
Mary Brunette was more pessimistic. "As it stands, the
Administration would oppose the bill," she said.
(Washington Post, A4)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-15
U.S., STATE SUES ALLEGED CORPORATE POLLUTERS
LOS ANGELES -- Federal and state agencies filed suit Monday
against eight alleged corporate polluters, accusing them of dumping
toxic wastes into Southern California coastal waters for decades.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, invokes a long-
ignored provision of federal environmental law to force polluters
to both clean up toxic waste and restore damaged wildlife habitats
to their natural state
"Even though the law has been on the books since 1980, this
is the first time any federal agency has pursued it," National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokesman Brian Gorman said.
Gorman said the legal action "reflects a new political environment
under the Bush Administration" that will be reflected in other
states."
(Carol Baker, UPI)
GROUP WARNS OF CHEMICAL DAMAGE
An environmental group warned Monday that products containing
a chemical called 1, 1,-trichloroethane are damaging the ozone
shield and it urged the Bush Administration to support
international efforts to phase out its use.
Although both House and Senate versions of proposed Clean Air
Act legislation would phase out production of the chemical, the
Natural Resources Defense Council said it was publicizing a list
of products containing 1,1,1 both to aid consumers and to push for
the fastest phase-out possible.
(Martha Hamilton, Washington Post, D2)
BARGE RUNS AGROUND NEAR CAPE COD,
THREATENING SECOND MAJOR OIL SPILL IN EIGHT DAYS
BOURNE, Mass. -- A 475-foot barge loaded with 5 million
gallons of oil ran aground Monday near the Cape Cod Canal, ripping
open four of its tanks and threatening Buzzards Bay with a second
major oil spill in eight days.
As weather conditions worsened Monday night
Coast Guard
officials said a tugboat hitched a towline to take control of the
damaged barge
Less than 200 gallons of oil leaked from the barge Monday, but
Coast Guard officials warned of the potential for a much more
serious spill.
(William Coughlin & Sean Murphy, Boston Globe)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Risk of Big Spill Slight As oil Barge Smashes Into
Rocks Off Cape Cod," by Reuter, appears in The Washington Times,
page A7.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-16
OFFICIALS: POSSIBLE ENERGY CRISIS MAY BE WORSE THAN IN 19708
BISMARCK -- An energy crisis might be coming that would be far
worse than the Arab oil embargo of the early 1970s, federal and
state officials said Monday.
"The focus is how to make sure this country is energy secure
and is able to meet the rising demand that we're facing," Robert
Gentile of the U.S. Energy Department told officials at the 29-
state Interstate Oil Compact Commission meeting in Bismarck
The Energy Department has been in the process of writing a
comprehensive energy policy that will address energy needs and
environmental concerns, said Gentile, assistant secretary for
fossil energy
"Hopefully, it will reopen a dialogue around this country
about energy, put energy back on the nation's scope as a national
concern and a national priority," Gentile said.
(UPI)
U.S. MINERALS SERVICE PRESSED TO TAKE SWIFT ACTION ON MISCONDUCT
The chairman of the House Interior Committee is pressing
Secretary Lujan to take "prompt and appropriate action" on
allegations of financial and sexual misconduct by Interior
Department workers in Dallas.
Rep. Udall termed the allegations against some employees of
the Minerals Management Service's Dallas office serious, warning
that failure to investigate and act on them "could result in
irreparable damage.'
Although allegations are not proof of wrongdoing, Udall told
Lujan, "there nonetheless appears to be a pattern of conduct that
warrants your attention in order to preserve the public faith and
confidence in the integrity of the Royalty Management Program.
Udall made his remarks in a letter to Lujan dated June 14 and
released Monday.
(Steve McGonigle, Dallas Morning News)
STUDY: NIH SLOW TO INCLUDE FEMALES IN DISEASE RESEARCH
The National Institutes of Health has made little progress in
carrying out a four-year-old policy to include more women in
government-funded studies of diseases and their treatments,
according to a study by the GAO described at a congressional
hearing Monday.
Although an NIH memorandum acknowledged last year that
underrepresentation of women in such research has caused
"significant gaps" in medical knowledge, the agency has been slow
and inconsistent in its efforts to get researchers to include more
women in studies, said Mark Nadel, the GAO's associate director for
national and public health issues
William Raub, acting director of the NIH, said in an interview
the "vast majority" of NIH studies include adequate numbers of
woman and are in compliance with the policy
"I don't believe
the NIH system is grossly out of focus," he said. "We do need to
do some fine tuning."
(Susan Okie, Washington Post, A10)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-17
COCAINE SHORTAGE? EVIDENCE SKIMPY
A major price increase for cocaine in New York and Los
Angeles, seen by some as evidence supplies are dwindling, is not
matched in other major cities, including Washington, experts said.
A DEA internal review of 19 major cities due to be released
this week shows that in most areas the price of cocaine is holding
firm and supplies are abundant.
In the District, "the price may have gone down a little,' said
Mario Perez, DEA spokesman for the Washington field office. "From
our observation, both cocaine and crack are plentiful."
(Michael Hedges, Washington Times, A1)
AN ABORTION STORM GATHERS OVER THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
SACRAMENTO -- The conflict over abortion is fueling a fight
for the Republican Party's soul that pro-life and pro-choice
advocates fear could rip the GOP apart.
A cluster of newly formed GOP pro-choice political action
committees wants to overturn the party's pro-life platform by
promoting candidates who favor legalized abortion.
Meanwhile, pro-life activists wrapped up the weekend National
Right to Life Committee convention by warning that their biggest
threat may come not from the left, but from the right
"We've got to stay energized because we've got to bring (pro-
choice Republicans) back in line," said Roy Jones, a Republican
political consultant. "If we don't, it will destroy the Republican
Party."
(Valerie Richardson, Washington Times, A5)
3,800 VIOLATORS FOUND IN CHILD-LABOR SWEEP
Vowing to keep up such enforcement efforts, the U.S.
Department of Labor Monday said it found nearly 3,800 children
working illegally earlier this month in a nationwide, one-day sweep
for child-labor violators.
Illegal child labor was found in 37 percent of the places
visited, with the firms involved facing fines of more than a
million dollars.
Most of the children found working illegally were 14- and 15-
year-olds employed in excess of hours permitted by law, labor
officials said. But 490 children, some younger than 14, were found
working in jobs that posed safety hazards.
(Bruce Butterfield, Boston Globe)
CENSUS REPORTS 95% HAVE RESPONDED
The Census Bureaum roundly criticized this spring because of
the sluggish mail response to the 1990 census, now reports that
nearly 95 percent of "residential units" have responded to the
decennial head count
Officials call the new figures encouraging. BUT some express
concern that the door-to-door count would end weeks past the
original deadline of June 6. The lag, they say, shortens the
period available for follow-up surveys to check the count,
increasing chances for error and inaccuracy.
(Faith Keenan, San Francisco Examiner, Washington Times, A6)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-18
PENSION PROTECTION BROADENED
Court Decision Called 'Victory' For Retirees
The Supreme Court Monday broadened the powers of federal
regulators to protect the pensions of millions of American workers
by affirming the government's authority to order corporations to
reinstate terminated retirement plans.
The 8 to 1 decision in a case involving the LTV Corp. averted
a potential financial crisis for the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corp., which insures $1 trillion in private pension benefits for
40 million workers much the way the FDIC insures bank deposits.
The ruling will make it harder, if not impossible, for corporations
to use bankruptcy laws to "dump" their underfunded pension
liabilities on the agency so they can have more cash for their
creditors.
"This removes a major cloud that's been hanging over the
agency for two and a half years," said James Lockhart, PBGC
executive director. "The nation's retirees won a big victory
today."
(Frank Swoboda, Washington Post, A1)
BETTER TESTS NEEDED TO DETECT FLAW
THAT CAUSED IOWA DC-10 CRASH, NTSB SAYS
The National Transportation Safety Board said Monday that a
crack in an engine part that led to the crash-landing of a United
Airlines DC-10 jumbo jet in Iowa last year probably could not have
been detected by metallurgical tests now used on operational
engines, and urgently recommended that new tests be developed for
engines still in service.
The board said the defect in the engine part could have been
detected at the time of manufacture -- and the crash possibly
prevented -- if another test performed during assembly had been
used properly.
(Don Phillips, Washington Post, A5)
NEA HELPS FUND GAY FILM FESTIVAL
SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco International Lesbian and
Gay Film Festival opened this week with a showing of homoerotic
movies -- thanks in part to a grant from the National Endowment for
the Arts
Frameline, the non-profit group that runs the 10-day festival
but generates most of its income from the rental of homosexual and
lesbian videos, received $9,000 from the NEA, the third such grant
in three years
"The most important thing about it is that a federal agency
has recognized a gay/lesbian organization," says festival Director
Michael Lumpkin.
It gives us a certain legitimacy."
Lumpkin said he signed the obscenity pledge now required of
NEA grant recipients, even though he was "sure" some of the films
would be considered homoerotic, or homosexually arousing.
(Valerie Richardson, Washington Times, A1)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-19
FLORIDA GUNMAN OPENS FIRE IN OFFICE, KILLING EIGHT, SELF
Police Say Man's Car Had Been Repossessed
JACKSONVILLE -- A man whose car had been repossessed stalked
into a crowded auto financing company Monday and sprayed gunfire
around the office, killing eight people before turning the gun on
himself.
James Pough
had pleaded guilty to a felony charge of
aggravated assault in 1971. Under Florida state law, he thereby
was barred from owning weapons, but he had at least two guns
registered in his name, police said.
"Sure it disturbs me, and I wish I could tell you it was
unusual," Duval County Sheriff James McMillan said of the fact
Pough apparently obtained the guns illegally. "Unfortunately this
happens all the time."
(Laura Parker, Washington Post, A1)
BARRY JURY SET, TESTIMONY BEGINS TODAY
The trial of D.C. Mayor Barry is set to begin in earnest
Tuesday, after selection Monday of a jury and alternates. Charles
Lewis, Barry's old friend and now his chief accuser, is expected
to be the first prosecution witness.
(Barton Gellman & Tracy Thompson, Washington Post, A1)
D.C. LAWYER NOMINATED TO ETHICS POST
President Bush made his first nomination for director of the
Office of Government Ethics Monday, asking the Senate to confirm
Washington lawyer Stephen Potts for the post.
At the same time, officials said that Bush has abandoned a
campaign pledge to name a separate senior counselor to the
President for ethics because White House counsel Gray argued his
office should perform that role. (Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A8)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Bush Picks Lawyer To Be Ethics Chief," by Maureen
Dowd, appears in The New York Times, page A19.
FBI DIRECTOR HAS SURGERY; AGENCY WON'T SAY WHAT KIND
FBI Director Sessions underwent surgery last week, but the
agency declined Monday to disclose many details for "security and
privacy reasons."
Sessions could return to work as early as Friday, according
to FBI spokesman Bob Davenport
"He's progressing very well, no complications," Davenport
said. But he would not elaborate.
(Susan Feeney & Steve McGonigle, Dallas Morning News)
-етош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- A-20
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS LEFT OFF BUSH'S AGENDA
Presidential Scholars aren't scheduled to see President Bush.
And their parents are steamed.
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the 141 outstanding
high school seniors will not be honored at the White House.
Instead, they'll get medallions from Secretary Cavazos at
Georgetown University
"I don't mind paying my way here to have my kid's picture
taken with George Bush. This is something else!" said Bob Braun,
who brought daughter Jenifer from Summit, NJ.
(USA Today, 4A)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "The Unlikely Populist: Kevin Phillips, The GOP's
Maverick Pundit, Getting Angry At The Rich," by E.J. Dionne,
appears in The Washington Post, C1.
"Backers Of Capital-Gains Tax Cut Beat Bushes To Locate Recruits
For Their Lobbying Army," by Jeffrey Birnbaum, appears in The Wall
Street Journal, page A22.
"Chaplain's Letter Irks Families of USS Iowa," by Rowan
Scarborough, appears in The Washington Times, page A3.
"Unmasking The Fallacy of The 'Women's Vote, by Michael Oreskes,
appears in The New York Times, page A14.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
Monday evening, June 18
FLORIDA KILLINGS
NBC's Tom Brokaw: A man loaded for war walked into a credit agency
in Jacksonville, FL, today, and in just two minutes he killed eight
people, wounded six, and then killed himself.
(NBC-Lead, CBS-Lead)
ABC's Peter Collins reports that the gunman walked into the General
Motors credit office just after it opened for business. His car
had been repossessed last January. He was carrying a 30-calibre
semi-automatic rifle and a pistol. The man opened fire without
warning. At the rear door he put a pistol to his head and shot
himself dead. About 25 years ago 43-year-old James Pugh [phonetic]
was charged with assault with intent to murder, and in 1971 he was
arrested for murder but served only five years of probation on the
lesser charge of manslaughter. Police are trying to find out how
a man with a history of violence like James Pugh was able to
acquire weapons and when he got them. Florida has about the
weakest gun laws in the U.S. In Jacksonville, no background checks
and no waiting period are required. Ironically, the state has
passed a law requiring a background check, but it will not go into
effect until October. So this incident is certain to add fuel to
the nationwide debate over gun laws, especially as they apply to
automatic weapons.
(ABC-3)
FAMILY LEAVE
Brokaw: Guaranteed family leave. Congress passed it and a lot of
people in this country support it. But today the White House said
that President Bush will veto it, probably this week, a family
leave bill that would guarantee workers unpaid leave to care for
sick relatives or newborn or adopted children. Supporters of the
bill say that President Bush is going back on a campaign promise.
NBC's John Cochran: Joan Curry spends all her time now looking
after her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. Last year
Joan's employer, a university, fired her, officially because of
budget cuts. Unofficially she was told she had missed work too
often because of her mother. The bill Congress passed would affect
companies with at least 50 workers. It would guarantee 12 weeks
unpaid leave each year in cases of doctor-certified serious family
illnesses.
(Joan Curry: "I am sorry to see that President Bush is
contemplating on vetoing the bill, especially at a time now where
the older population is increasing.")
The family care bill also provides unpaid leave to take care of new
children, a problem that candidate George Bush addressed in the '88
campaign.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- B-2
Cochran continues:
(Vice President Bush, Sept. 1988: "We also need to assure that
women don't have to worry about getting their jobs back after
having a child or caring for a child during a serious illness.")
But today White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said, "I'm not
aware of what he said during the campaign. But we are opposed to
federally mandated benefits." Bush's upcoming veto surprises some
who heard Barbara Bush tell Wellesley graduates that work isn't
everything.
(First Lady: "You will regret time not spent with a husband, a
child, a friend or a parent.")
President Bush wants to leave it to workers and employers to
negotiate leave policy. At AT&T the company provides one year's
unpaid leave. Karen Bracy [phonetic] just returned from maternity
leave.
(Karen Bracy: "I didn't have to worry about, okay, if I do take
the year off, you know, will I have a job.")
President Bush has done some things that business executives don't
like, such as compromising with Democrats on minimum wage and
clean-air bills. But Bush aides say it would be too much for a
Republican president to force companies to grant family leave. Not
all Republicans agree.
(Rep. Roukema: "It's a bedrock family issue, and it's one that
Republicans should get behind.")
President Bush suggested workers look for jobs with guarantees of
time off for family emergencies. But some laid off workers like
Joan Curry say that in the real world it's not that easy.
(NBC-4)
DRUNK DRIVING/SUPREME COURT
ABC's Peter Jennings: For the second time in a week the Supreme
Court has made it easier for police to take a more aggressive stand
against drunk driving. Last week the court said it was all right
for the police to set up sobriety checkpoints. Today the court
ruled that police may also videotape drivers so there is a visual
record of how drunk they are. Twenty-three thousand lives are lost
every year as the result of drunk driving. This is a powerful new
tool for the police.
ABC's Tim O'Brien reports that Justice Brennan, writing for the
court, said videotapes were similar to other physical evidence like
fingerprints and blood samples, which are not governed by the
guarantee against self-incrimination. Brennan went out of his way
to emphasize that while police may tape answers to routine
questions, they could not interrogate suspects or ask other
questions designed to trip them up. All the justices agreed that
other tests -- following the roving pencil or walking the straight
line -- are not like testimony and may be taped without violating
any right against self-incrimination.
(ABC-Lead, CBS-3)
PANAMA INVASION
Jennings: The Pentagon said today that some of the 23 Americans
who died when U.S. troops invaded Panama last December were killed
by fire from their own forces. At least two and possibly three
American soldiers were killed and at least 19 wounded by fire from
other American troops during the pre-dawn invasion.
-
(ABC-10, NBC-6, CBS-7)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- B-3
LIBYA
Jennings: There are several reports today that Libya may be
building a second chemical weapons facility several hundred miles
south of Tripoli. The White House says it is not surprised. Libya
is accused of having one chemical weapons plant already in
operation.
(ABC-9)
ROMANIA
Jennings: From the United States and Europe today, another
outburst of condemnation for the Romanian government because of its
violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators last week. The
State Department called for the release of those who were jailed,
and foreign ministers from the EC put off indefinitely any new
trade agreement with Romania. In Bucharest there were more
demonstrations.
ABC's John Donvan reports that the protesters stood their ground
in Bucharest's University Square today, their numbers and self-
confidence growing, even while Romania's parliament was voting to
throw them out. It was one of the parliaments first acts on its
first day in session, more than two-thirds demanding that the
streets be cleared by "the forces of public law and order." That
apparently does not include the thousands of coal miners who took
charge of the city by violent means last week. Today the American
ambassador to Romania returned from Washington with a statement
criticizing Iliescu's actions.
(Ambassador Alan Green: "Frankly I'm shocked by what I've seen and
heard. It is clear that the democratic process in Romania has come
to a stop.")
As for the police and the army, they have remained distant from
this latest protest, watching all but doing little. The government
has decided it wants to talk, inviting this group of students to
meet with a senior official this evening. Student leaders, in
their own statements, have begun advising against public
demonstrations in the current climate.
Jennings: With political upheaval at home a number of Romanians
are choosing not to go home. Over the weekend 35 Romanian soccer
fans at the World Cup in Rome asked for political asylum, and
thousands of others have left Romania in search of a better life.
(ABC-7, NBC-10)
BULGARIA
Jennings reports that a runoff election in Bulgaria has ended with
victory for the communists, who in at least a gesture of reform
have renamed themselves the Socialist Party. Unofficial results
of the second round of voting give the socialists a clear majority
in the Bulgarian parliament.
(ABC-8)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- B-4
POLLUTION
Jennings: In California today the federal government has sued
eight companies for allegedly dumping toxic waste into the waters
off southern California. It is a major environmental lawsuit. The
government wants the companies to clean up the mess, which the
lawsuit says they have made, and restore the shoreline to its
natural status.
ABC's Brian Rooney reports that today's lawsuit represents a major
policy shift by the Bush Administration not only to stop pollution
but to force polluters to go back and clean up what they dumped as
long as 40 years ago. Among the companies named in the suit are
Westinghouse and the Stouffer [phonetic] Chemical Corporation.
Some environmentalists are surprised the government is taking such
tough action.
(Robert Sulnick, American Oceans Campaign: "Yeah. It's the first
hopeful sign that I've seen in over 12 years.")
Accidents like the Exxon oil spill in Alaska provoked the federal
government to adopt a new strategy using old laws. They hope to
force the companies to repair environmental damage. The defendant
companies have not responded to the lawsuit. But with millions of
dollars and a big precedent at stake, they're expected to put up
a big fight.
(ABC-2)
DEFENSE WASTE
CBS's David Martin reports that there are 14,000 potentially
hazardous waste sites at military bases in the U.S.
(Rep. Ray: "I would rank the environmental problem from military
bases as the number two concern, right behind maybe an all-out
emergency to deal with a military offensive of some kind.")
The Defense Department is the federal government's number one
source of hazardous waste. Of the 117 federal facilities on the
EPA's list of most dangerous hazardous waste sites, 87 belong to
the Pentagon. The notion that because it performs such a vital
mission the Defense Department was somehow exempt from obeying
environmental laws ended last year. That's when three senior
officials here at the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground were convicted
of illegally storing and disposing of toxic wastes. This Navy fire
fighting school used to turn out clouds of black smoke from oil
fires. Today it's fires are clean-burning, and the fire
extinguishing foam is a harmless mixture of soap suds. The Air
Force, which used toxic chemicals to strip paint off of aircraft,
now uses a blasting technique that prevents pollution. But the
biggest problem is cleaning up decades of accumulated waste. The
Pentagon estimates it will cost $10 to $15 billion and take 15 to
20 years. But the truth is no one really knows. The Pentagon has
only begun to invest the time and money needed to repair the damage
that's been done. And beyond the cleanup there's the even larger
task of convincing the military that protecting the environment is
as important as defending the nation.
(CBS-8)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- B-5
BANKS
CBS's Dan Rather: Even as the Supreme Court shored up government
protection of private pension plans, worries multiplied tonight
about this nation's banks. Shaky loan policies in the go-go '80s
have left increasing numbers of U.S. banks collapsing or facing an
uncertain tomorrow. And as failures climb, authorities may again
turn to the taxpayer for help.
CBS's Ray Brady reports that banks are in trouble, their numbers
shrinking like a spendthrift checking account, more than 200 a year
going belly up, the greatest number since the Great Depression,
leaving depositors angry, bewildered. Banks are being declared
insolvent across the nation, and you can blame it all on what are
called problem loans -- unpaid loans.
(Rep. Schumer: "I think some of the same problems that pushed the
S&L industry off the cliff are affecting the banking industry.")
Though experts stress most of the banking system is safe and sound,
more than 1,000 banks are on the government's watch list, in
trouble. Most depositors' funds are insured by the U.S.
government, the FDIC. But that may be part of the problem. Some
banks made loans fast and furious, knowing that Uncle Sam would
make up any losses. As more and more banks keep failing, the bill
to the government keeps mounting, a bill that may eventually have
to be paid by the American taxpayer.
(CBS-4)
PENSIONS/SUPREME COURT
Jennings: There was a ruling by the Supreme Court today that
directly affects 30 million Americans who are covered by private
pension plans. The court decided that businesses do not have an
automatic right to cry financial hardship and walk out on their
pension plans. It said the government has a right to keep the
plans going.
(ABC-6, NBC-3, CBS-2)
MANDELA
Brokaw reports that word from Washington tonight is that President
Bush will assure Nelson Mandela next week that U.S. sanctions
against South Africa will be kept in place at least until all
political prisoners in that country are set free. Today Mandela
addressed the Canadian Parliament and received several standing
ovations. On a 13-nation trip to celebrate his own release after
27 years in prison, Mandela said the pressure against apartheid
must be kept up until South Africa has a new constitution that ends
it.
(NBC-9, CBS-9)
OZONE
Rather: Two days before a major conference on the world's
vanishing protective ozone layer, U.S. environmentalists called for
a consumer boycott of products that contain one of the main
culprit [chemicals of ozone depletion]. The list includes more
than 140 items.
(CBS-6)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- B-6
MEDICAL TESTING/WOMEN
Jennings reports that in Washington today the GAO maintained that
one reason doctors often don't know what effect a given treatment
will have on a woman is because the research on that disease was
done only on men. The government report finds that sexual bias is
so common even male laboratory rats are the preferred animal for
study.
(ABC-11)
ABORTION
Brokaw reports that New York's Cardinal John 0' Connor is now trying
to cool a controversy over whether Roman Catholic politicians who
fail to fight against abortion should be kicked out of the church.
O'Connor says he was misinterpreted. Some people, however, are
even questioning that.
(NBC-5)
-end of B-section-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
CHINA
U.S. Leverage With China
--
"
Mr. Bush says his [trade] policy
is designed to keep China open, to avoid further isolating it. But
Beijing is busy isolating itself -- not the other way around. If
anything, events in China since MFN was granted make the
Administration's policy look silly
What seems a tragedy today
[with the Tiananmen Square massacre] needn't end as one. Sen.
Mitchell says he will try to overturn Mr. Bush's MFN waiver in the
30 days Congress has to approve it. Better than that, Congress
should make the MFN conditional on human rights progress. This new
'China card' offers leverage. It will put Beijing clearly on
notice that come next June there's music to be faced.'
(Christian Science Monitor, 6/14)
Chemical Weapons -- China's U.S. Ties Jeopardized By Negotiations
With Gadhafi -- "China's negotiations to sell Libya ingredients for
chemical weapons could hardly be more poorly timed
For China
to help Libyan leader Gadhafi enhance his supply of such weapons
would be a gross affront to President Bush and the American people.
It would come at a time when many Americans still support Beijing's
preferential trade status, despite the Tiananmen Square
massacre
Much of that American public support for U.S. trade
policy on China will vanish, however, if Beijing adds to Mideast
volatility by helping Gadhafi produce chemical weapons. There are
few leaders most Americans would less rather see with a poison-
gas arsenal."
(Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/12)
Bush's Shame, Not Ours -- "Since the American people have had ample
opportunity to take the measure of the proclaimed presidential
'measured response' to last year's bloody slaughter of unarmed
Chinese civilians in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, at least the
thoughtful and morally sensitive among us must agree with Sen.
Mitchell: 'The Chinese people must be told' that President Bush's
silence concerning the morality of his recent action in extending -
- with no human rights conditions attached -- most-favored-nation
trading status to Beijing 'does not represent the view of all
Americans.
Sen. Mitchell is right. The Chinese people must
be told that this is the President's shame, not that of the
American people. The students in Beijing risked all for freedom.
President Bush professed his unwillingness to jeopardize the
profits of 'commercial contacts.
(Union Leader, 6/6)
Trade Status Quo with China OK, Though Dealing With Regime Stinks -
-
"
With that decision [by the President to veto the Chinese
students bill in lieu of an executive order], the possibility looms
now that Beijing -- and people around the world -- will get the
impression that China can do no wrong in the eyes of the American
President. Through other gestures, other messages can be
delivered, but tough actions speak the loudest to the most
people
The U.S. should not reinvent its whole approach to
China because of Tiananmen. It should find an unmistakable way to
express continued outrage about the massacre and the repression
left in its wake."
(Dayton Daily News, 5/30)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, June 19, 1990 -- C-2
Trading With China -- "
We are
outraged at the actions of the
communist mandarins [in the Tiananmen massacre], but trying to
punish them would be as fruitless as it would be
counterproductive
President Bush believes that, by maintaining
our presence in China, Americans can change individual attitudes
and continue to foster entrepreneurialism and a market economy.
That in turn would aid internal pressures for reform. We suspect
he is right. Sure, we'd like to snap our fingers and make
everything right in China, but conducting foreign relations entails
more than wishful thinking. Congress should put its righteous
indignation back on the shelf and allow the President to do his
job."
(Pueblo [Colorado] Chieftain, 5/29)
Bush's Favor To Beijing -- " [MFN trade] is not extended, for
example, to the Soviet Union, largely because of Soviet resistance
to Lithuanian independence, even though the Soviets have not mowed
down dissidents there as did the rulers in Beijing. And what the
move says is that while we may not be condoning human rights
excesses, we are not exerting pressure against them, either, if it
costs us very much. At least, Bush should have attached conditions
to his decision. Congress is angrier than he anticipated and there
is a bipartisan move to disapprove his action. This is one of
those rare occasions when Congress is justified in asserting itself
in foreign affairs. The advocates of freedom far away are
listening for a word that gives hope, as are those who deny freedom
waiting for a word that tells them they are free to proceed
unbothered."
(San Francisco Examiner, 5/27)
Bush Right On China -- "President Bush's one-year extension of
most-favored-nation trade status for China
was not the popular
thing to do but it was the right thing to do
Cancellation of
the trade status, which would have sharply raised U.S. import
tariffs on Chinese goods, would have little direct effect on the
leaders of China responsible for last year's bloody suppression of
dissent in Tiananmen Square. They undoubtedly would have used
cancellation to propagandize against the U.S., while denouncing
Western values, including democratic ideals, and tightening
political repression of their ill-used masses. Keeping most-
favored-nation status alive will help China's economic progress and
maintain an open door to the West, through which democratic reforms
may enter. Predictably, many members of Congress are being quick
to denounce the President's action as kowtowing to China and
signaling forgiveness for the Tiananmen Square massacre. The Bush
action represents neither. It reflects a sober and realistic
assessment of the best interests of this nation and of the more
than 1 billion politically innocent Chinese people."
(Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 5/25)
-end of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MONDAY, JUNE 25, 1990 -- 6:00 A.M. EDT EDITION
TODAY'S HEADLINES
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
CHINA SAYS DISSIDENT FANG LIZHI AND WIFE HAVE LEFT COUNTRY -- China
said Monday that dissident scientist Fang Lizhi and his wife, who
stayed in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing since last June, left China
for medical treatment.
(AP, Reuter)
MANDELA MEETING -- At the historic White House meeting Monday with
Nelson Mandela, President Bush will express a new willingness for
U.S. involvement with both black nationalist groups and the white
Pretoria government as they move toward negotiating the end of
apartheid in South Africa, according to senior Administration
officials.
(Newsday)
NATIONAL NEWS
JUDGE HALTS NATIONWIDE RAIDS TO HIT PUBLIC-HOUSING DRUG DEALERS -
- A federal district judge has blocked, at least temporarily, a
plan by federal officials to oust accused drug dealers from public
housing in a nationwide crackdown.
(AP)
NETWORK NEWS (Sunday Evening)
AIDS CONFERENCE -- Secretary
Sullivan fought to be heard
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
over jeers and catcalls from
the floor.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-12
IRAN QUAKE -- The latest
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
estimate of the dead from the
earthquake is 50,000.
TALK SHOWS
C-1
SOVIET JEWS -- In a surprise
move, housing minister Sharon
announced Soviet Jews
immigrating to Israel will not
be settled in the occupied West
Bank and Gaza Strip.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
CHINA SAYS DISSIDENT FANG LIZHI AND WIFE HAVE LEFT COUNTRY
BEIJING -- China said Monday that dissident scientist Fang
Lizhi and his wife, who stayed in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing since
last June, left China for medical treatment
"In view of the signs of repentance by Fang Lizhi and Li
Shuxian and their illness and out of humanitarian considerations,
the Beijing Public Security Bureau has decided to allow them to go
abroad for medical treatment in line with China's policy of
leniency towards those who participated in the disturbances, the
Ministry of Public Security said.
The ministry, quoted by the official New China News Agency,
did not say where they had gone.
(Vergil Berger, Reuter)
China's Best-Known Dissident Released
BEIJING -- China has allowed Fang Lizhi, its best-known
dissident, to leave his year-long refuge in the U.S. Embassy and
go to a foreign country, the official Xinhua news agency said
Monday.
The agency said Fang
and his wife Li Shuxian had been "given
lenient treatment" by the government and allowed to leave the
country for medical reasons
Xinhua report did not say where
the couple had gone or when they left China.
The U.S. Embassy said it would have no formal comment until
White House spokesman Fitzwater made a formal announcement early
Monday in Washington. "But we're very happy," one diplomat said.
(Jim Abrams, AP)
MANDELA CRITICIZES AID TO SAVIMBI
Nelson Mandela criticized U.S. aid to non-communist guerrillas
in Angola on Sunday after he arrived in Washington for meetings
with President Bush and congressional leaders.
The pointed remarks were a sure sign that the African leader's
three-day visit to the U.S. capital will have a decidedly more
business-like flavor than his first four days in the U.S
During an unusual 20-minute question-and-answer session with
reporters and editors from black-owned media concerns, Mandela said
the U.S. should not be providing assistance to Jonas Savimbi
"The United States and South Africa are the main countries
that support Savimbi,' he said. "We strongly condemn that
because
independent countries should respect the political
sovereignty and territorial integrity of Angola and no assistance
should be rendered to Savimbi.
Mandela said he had not broached the subject of Angola with
South Africa's white government and he refused to divulge what he
is going to tell Bush when they meet Monday.
(Joan Mower, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-2
Mandela Assails U.S. Aid To Savimbi
On the eve of his meeting with President Bush, Nelson Mandela
condemned one of the President's African policies, support for
Jonas Savimbi's rebels in Angola.
Speaking to a group of black journalists Sunday evening,
Mandela said that only the U.S. and South Africa were supporting
Savimbi's guerrillas, "and we strongly condemn that.' Should a
settlement be reached with the South African government, he went
on, "of course, we would not tolerate any further support."
The Administration is expected to bring a request for an
additional $8 to $10 million in aid for Savimbi's UNITA for
consideration by the Intelligence Committees of both houses in the
next few weeks.
One of Bush's first foreign policy acts on assuming the
Presidency was to send a letter of support to Savimbi.
(John Kifner, New York Times, B8)
MANDELA MEETING
At the historic White House meeting Monday with Nelson
Mandela, President Bush will express a new willingness for U.S.
involvement with both black nationalist groups and the white
Pretoria government as they move toward negotiating the end of
apartheid in South Africa, according to senior Administration
officials.
The President will discuss the allocation of $10 million in
U.S. aid to black groups promoting democracy in South Africa,
perhaps including the ANC, as well as the possibility of moving
soon to lift some of the economic sanctions now imposed against the
government of President de Klerk
The officials said Bush, determined to begin reversing years
of intentional U.S. isolation from South Africa, was willing for
the U.S. to undertake a riskier, higher-profile role in pushing for
negotiations between Mandela and de Klerk on ending their nation's
40-year system of racial separation.
"It's an attempt to lend our good offices, facilitate,
whatever -- to encourage the only way this thing can be solved in
any acceptable way, and that is through a dialogue of the parties,"
one of Bush's top foreign-policy advisers said, speaking on
condition of anonymity. "We want to encourage that in any way we
can."
Meanwhile, among conservatives, Bush's welcome for Mandela has
brought complaints that he is conferring too much credibility and
status on the ANC. "The viewpoints Nelson Mandela stands for are
outdated and archaic: socialism, nationalization of industry,
praise for Gadhafi and Cuba, support for the South African
Communist Party," complained Michael Johns, a policy analyst on
African and Third World affairs at the conservative Heritage
Foundation.
(Susan Page, Newsday)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-3
Washington, About To Receive Mandela, Is Worried About De Klerk
When Nelson Mandela meets with President Bush and other
officials on Monday, he will receive a warm welcome but polite
resistance to his call for maintaining or increasing sanctions,
officials say.
The principal concern of the Administration these days is in
fact how to shore up Mandela's adversary, President de Klerk. Bush
would greatly like to lift some of the sanctions imposed since
1986, officials said, as a show of support for de Klerk, who is
regarded with admiration in the Administration
"He's something of a visionary,' an official said of de Klerk.
"The problem is that he may be out too far in front of his people."
(Neil Lewis, New York Times, B8)
Mandela Set for Businesslike Talks With Bush On Apartheid
South African black leader Nelson Mandela, basking in the glow
of the hero's welcome accorded him by Americans, is ready for
businesslike talks with President Bush Monday on ending apartheid.
"Mr. Mandela is a working statesman
He's here to do his
job, to get down to business," said a spokesman for his 11-day,
eight-city tour of the U.S
The President intended to discuss the status of negotiations
between the ANC and the South African government on ending
apartheid as well as the future of American sanctions, according
to a senior U.S. official. Assistant Secretary of State Cohen said
the Administration was close to lifting its economic sanctions
against the Pretoria government. It only remained for President
de Klerk to take a few steps, including the freeing of political
prisoners and lifting the state of emergency in Natal, he said
Touchy issues are Mandela's refusal to disown such allies as
Muammar Gaddafi, Yasser Arafat and Fidel Castro as well as
the
ANC's reluctance to denounce violence. Cohen characterized
Mandela's position as "disturbing," but said Bush would not dwell
on the subject.
(Patricia Wilson, Reuter)
Nelson Set For Prez, Pols
Nelson Mandela said Sunday his talks with the South African
government "have raised the hope for peace,' but he appealed to
President Bush to impose even stronger sanctions against the white
regime to end apartheid.
He also asked for aid for his ANC to continue the struggle for
freedom by South African blacks.
"I came here to put the message out that sanctions must be
intensified, and to ask for resources so we could be able to
address the problems that are facing our country today," Mandela
said at a brief welcoming ceremony at National Airport
He said that reforms by President de Klerk "have raised the
hope for peace." But he was quick to point out that "the
government has yielded not because of a change of heart but because
of the pressure put on the government inside the country and of the
international community." (Barbara Rehm, New York Daily News, 7)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-4
A Man With A Mission: Mandela Brings Sanctions Plea To D.C.
Nelson Mandela brought his campaign to end apartheid to the
nation's capital Sunday, stepping off a chartered Trump jet on a
bright afternoon to whooping cheers and clenched fists raised high
in salute. The South African leader, speaking briefly to reporters
at National Airport, graciously thanked the American people for
their support of his cause and urged them to keep the pressure on
the white minority government that rules his country.
"The people of the United States have been in the forefront
of the struggle for the removal of racial oppression in our
country," Mandela said. "I come here to put the message that
sanctions must be intensified
We have no doubt that the people
of the United States of America will give us such support."
(Lynda Richardson & Veronica Jennings, Washington Post, A1)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Bush Talks With Mandela To Be 'Delicate, by
Jessica Lee, appears in USA Today, page 1A.
ISRAELIS SET NEW POLICY ON SOVIET JEWS
JERUSALEM -- Housing Minister Sharon, one of Israel's
strongest advocates of Jewish settlement in the occupied
territories, Sunday declared that Soviet immigrants to Israel will
not be sent by the new right-wing government to the West Bank and
Gaza Strip.
The statement to a meeting here of the Board of Governors of
the quasi-governmental Jewish Agency appeared intended to satisfy
demands by both the Bush Administration and President Gorbachev for
guarantees from Israel on the settlement of Soviet Jews.
However, Sharon, who is overseeing the government's effort to
absorb the immigrants, stopped short of offering a blanket
assurance that no Soviet Jews will move to the occupied lands.
"We do not divert and we do not send any Russian immigrants
or any Jew who comes from Russia to Samaria, to Judea, to Gaza,
because we understand the seriousness of the situation," said
Sharon
"Our efforts in resettling immigrants are directed at
this side of the Green Line,' Israel's internationally recognized
border.
(Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A13)
POLICE COMMISSIONER WARNS MORE ARABS COULD BE KILLED
JERUSALEM -- The national police commander says "Israel will
respond with severity" and more Palestinians could be killed if
stone-throwing riots persist in Arab areas of Jerusalem.
Late Sunday, police lifted a three-day curfew on three Arab
sections of the city after an appeal from Mayor Teddy Kollek, a
political moderate
Also Sunday, Defense Minister Arens
approved the formation of civil guard units made up of Jewish
settlers in the occupied West Bank, a move condemned by some as
certain to fuel violence between settlers and Arabs
Police commissioner Yaacov Turner said Sunday that if rioting
persists, "We will respond with severity
There are limits to
a capability to exercise restraint. If those who live in Abu Tor,
Ras el-Amud and Silwan don't catch the idea that there is a limit
and if they don't absorb this, then the significance will be that
there will be more killed."
(Allyn Fisher, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-5
PLO ASKS ARAB LEAGUE FOR EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT
The PLO has called for an extraordinary meeting of Arab League
foreign ministers "because of the war of extermination Israel is
waging against the Palestinians," the official Palestinian News
Agency WAFA said.
The agency quoted Hakam Balaoui, the PLO's representative to
Tunis, as saying Sunday the "war" aims at "striking the intifada."
"The flagrant Israeli threats have expansionist and aggressive
aims after the American decision to suspend dialogue with the PLO,"
Balaoui said.
He said the Tunis-based Arab League should hold an
extraordinary session "because of the war of extermination Israel
is waging against the Palestinians of the occupied territories."
Balaoui added that the decision by Washington to suspend the
dialogue begun in December 1988 "encourages the Israeli government
to increase its organized state terrorism and exposes Arab security
to dangers."
(Michel Deure, UPI)
PLO LAUNCHES PROBE INTO ATTACK
The PLO will discipline Palestinian guerrilla leader Abul
Abbas should an internal PLO investigation conclude that his
group's seaborne attack against Israel was aimed at civilian rather
than military targets, according to a senior PLO official.
The PLO's Central Committee is scheduled to meet next month
to discuss the raid and take steps to prevent such attacks from
occurring without approval from the PLO leadership, Khaled al-
Hassan, an aide to PLO Chairman Arafat, said in a telephone
interview from London.
In a statement issued in Baghdad, Abbas said he had agreed
that Arafat could "take any measure he sees as necessary to protect
the national achievements of our people."
(James Dorsey, Washington Times, A9)
STRONG AFTERSHOCK TRIGGERS LANDSLIDE IN DEVASTATED AREA
RUDBAR, Iran -- The most powerful aftershock in three days
rocked earthquake-devastated northern Iran on Sunday, triggering
a landslide that blocked the road linking this shattered town to
the Caspian Sea Coast.
The casualty toll climbed to 50,000 dead and 200,000 wounded,
according to a newspaper close to President Rafsanjani. Official
radio put the death toll at 48,000
In Washington, the State Department said a Red Cross charter
flight carrying supplies donated by the U.S. government was
scheduled to arrive in Tehran late Sunday.
Earlier, the radical newspaper Jomhuri Islami urged that no
help be accepted from the U.S. and other countries whose hands "are
stained with the blood of the Iranian people."
The Foreign Ministry, however, said that "due to the magnitude
of the disaster," Iran would accept all aid. (Slobodan Lekic, AP)
-ЭТОШ»
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-6
U.S. Government, Private Groups Send Aid
The U.S. government and private agencies have given more than
40 tons of relief supplies and hundreds of thousands of dollars to
help long-time antagonist Iran dig out from its massive earthquake,
officials said Sunday.
The government's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance was to
send relief supplies to Tehran Sunday from stockpiles in Leghorn,
Italy, the InterAction relief group said.
(Reuter, Washington Post, A15)
Iran Criticized For Not Allowing Foreign Help Sooner
TEHRAN -- The leader of a British rescue team says Iranian
authorities underestimated the devastation wrought by a massive
earthquake which struck northwest Iran four days ago, killing up
to 50,000 people.
Iranians interviewed among the ruins of the earthquake
zone say rescue work has been inconsistent and there are still
many risks for the survivors, including an estimated 500,000
homeless
"These people have not understood the size and scope of the
devastation, " British rescue team leader Tom Penman told reporters
in the town of Manjil, where 90 percent of buildings were
demolished. Penman's comments followed a statement Saturday by the
U.N. Disaster and Relief Organization which said "offers of further
search dogs and search rescue teams and medical teams have been
discouraged" by the Iranians.
(Simon Haydon, Reuter)
Rescue Crews Losing Hope Of Finding Iran Quake Survivors
MANJIL, Iran
--
Iran has told the U.N. that the death toll
could rise to 50,000, M'Hamed Essaafi, U.N. undersecretary general
in charge of the U.N. relief effort for the quake, said in Geneva,
according to Reuter. Essaafi said well over 100,000 people are
estimated to have been injured and 500,000 are believed to be
homeless.
A sizable aftershock Sunday hampered the Iranian government's
massive relief efforts in the region
There were no official
estimates aftershock on how many people were killed or injured by the
Foreign relief workers, primarily from Europe and Japan, have
begun to fan out across the northwest, but for the most part the
themselves. Iranians are handling the massive supply and relief effort by
(Steve Coll, Washington Post, A1)
SOVIET MOLDAVIANS STAGE HUGE BORDER DEMONSTRATION
BUCHAREST -- Hundreds of thousands of Soviet Moldavians massed
on the border with Romania in support for the republic's
proclamation of sovereignty. Soviet frontier guards had to erect
iron fences to keep some of the demonstrators from being trampeled,
witnesses said.
The sovereignty declaration was adopted late Saturday, Tass
said. It appeared similar to the one issued by the Russian
republic.
(Catherine Adams, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-7
SOVIET SUB TUNNELS ON START AGENDA
The Bush Administration is pressing the Soviet Union to
destroy a network of huge coastal tunnels that are used as
underwater hiding places for ballistic missile submarines,
according to Administration and congressional officials.
U.S. arms negotiators, during recent talks in Geneva, have
insisted that the Soviets agree to shut down the caves -- perhaps
even dynamite them -- before a START treaty is signed, according
to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The officials added, however, that State Department
negotiators are prepared to drop the demand in favor of concluding
a treaty late this year. The issue would be addressed in later
START negotiations
According to one defense official, the issue of how to deal
with the tunnels in START talks was discussed by a group of arms-
control experts at the NSC last week.
(Rowan Scarborough & Bill Gertz, Washington Times, A5)
U.S. FEELS FIRM SOVIET STANDS CAN BE IGNORED
On subjects ranging from arms control to German reunification,
the Bush Administration has concluded that it can safely ignore the
Soviet Union's hard-line positions, confident that Moscow will
eventually retreat.
A ranking State Department official offered this assessment
Saturday in explaining why the American delegation is unconcerned
about tough new Soviet conditions for German unity which, on the
surface, appeared to be deal-wreckers.
Talking to reporters traveling with Secretary Baker on the
trip home from unification talks in East Berlin, the official
dismissed the latest proposal by Foreign Minister Shevardnadze as
a "wish list of issues that they would like to see resolved."
But he said Shevardnadze realizes that the other participants
in the so-called two-plus-four negotiations will not go along with
the Soviet approach
And he said that Moscow is unlikely to
hold out for long against the consensus of the other five
participants
The official indicated that the Administration has concluded
that Gorbachev and his associates often adopt hard-line positions
primarily to appeal to conservatives in the Kremlin hierarchy
The Administration believes that the Soviets will ultimately back
away if the West holds firm.
(News analysis, Norman Kempster, Los Angeles Times, A8)
GORBACHEV U-TURN STEERS REFORM TOWARD DEAD END
President Gorbachev has ended his brief flirtation with Boris
Yeltsin in favor of an alliance with Communist Party hardliners
over the weekend, a gamble likely to impede reforms and spark an
exodus of party progressives.
"This is the latest in a bewildering series of U-turns," said
Daniel Pipes, director of the Foreign Policy Research Institute in
Philadelphia. "It's becoming ever more apparent that Gorbachev is
winging it. He is improvising from crisis to crisis in an ever
more desperate way.'
(Martis Sieff, Washington Times, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-8
WASHINGTON TODAY: MAYBE GEPHARDT DIDN'T BLUNDER AFTER ALL
House Majority Leader Gephardt took a verbal beating from just
about everyone when he suggested three months ago that the U.S.
give economic aid to the Soviet Union.
"Maybe he'll come up with a brilliant idea one of these days,"
President Bush said sarcastically. The consensus on Capitol Hill
was that Gephardt had committed a political blunder.
Now, with an economic summit meeting just two weeks away, the
White House is mulling over -- guess what? Yes, it's U.S.
participation in something much like Gephardt suggested, and the
Missouri Democrat is smiling.
"The Soviet people are at a crossroads," Gephardt said last
week. "They will decide in the next six months whether to continue
on the road to reform, or to fall back to something out of their
past. We ought to be trying to figure out what we can reasonably
do." He added: "We ought to be leading. This is the grandest and
best opportunity we've been presented with in 50 years."
(Jim Drinkard, AP)
DETENTE STIRS BIG SHIFT IN U.S. SPYING
To the U.S. intelligence community, the end of the Cold War
might be summed up in two classified ads: Help wanted: Spies.
For sale: Spy satellites
The fall of the Iron Curtain has brought down many of the
walls of secrecy, flooding today's spymasters with once-secret
information about the Soviet military
"No more listening for hiccups," said CIA Director Webster.
"You no longer have to pry the door open for information," agrees
a senior CIA official.
"There are so many Soviets talking freely that we're now in
the process of sifting information rather than only collecting,"
the CIA official said
Another shift: Counterintelligence agents will focus more on
combatting Soviet and other snoops involved in economic espionage,
which intelligence officials say is increasing as struggling
governments, including U.S. allies, attempt to compete in the world
market. Officials predict one major bonus from the lessened
tensions with the Soviet Union -- a decrease in covert operations.
(Bryna Brennan, New York Daily News, 4)
TOP AIDES SPLIT WITH WALESA
WARSAW -- Sixty-three of Lech Walesa's senior advisers and
longtime allies in the Solidarity movement broke ranks with him
Sunday over his criticism of the Solidarity-led government. They
said he should dissolve the national Citizens Committee in which
they fought together to overcome four decades of Communist rule
It came in a letter read at a daylong meeting of the
committee
The 200 members of the committee postponed
considering the letter for one month at Walesa's behest in order
the let emotions cool.
"Let's think it over. Maybe there are solutions for our
further joint path, the Solidarity chairman said. The signers of
the letter agreed to remain on the committee in the meantime.
(John Daniszewski, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-9
Key Solidarity Figures Desert Walesa In First Formal Split
WARSAW -- A power struggle between Lech Walesa and his former
allies has created the first formal split in the Solidarity
movement that defeated communism in Poland.
Sixty-three top Solidarity figures resigned dramatically
Sunday from Walesa's 200-strong Citizens' Committee, the body that
masterminded the union's rise to power.
The mass defection
wrecked a key Walesa powerbase and
followed an acrimonious debate in which former comrades accused him
of undermining democracy and acting like a despot
The mass resignation of old friends and close advisers --
including Bronislaw Geremek, leader of Solidarity's parliamentary
group, and several ministers -- appeared to take Walesa by
surprise
"I'm afraid our beautiful revolution will come to
nothing, that others will come along and destroy it all. That's
why I give battle even to my friends," he said, looking tired and
strained.
(Mark Trevelyan, Reuter)
SOUTH KOREA TO PAY TO MOVE U.S. ARMY OUT OF SEOUL BY 1996
SEOUL -- South Korea and the United States signed a pact
Monday for Seoul to pay the cost of moving U.S. army headquarters
out of the capital's center by the end of 1996, South Korea's
defense ministry said.
The head of the U.S. Eighth Army, Gen. Louis Menetrey, and
South Korea's Defense Minister, Lee Sang-hoon, signed a memorandum
of agreement Monday morning, ending the first stage of months of
negotiations on moving the headquarters
U.S. Army officials declined immediate comment on the
memorandum.
(Reuter)
U.S., JAPAN OPEN TOUGH TALKS ON REMOVING TRADE BARRIERS
TOKYO -- U.S. and Japanese officials kicked off a round of
talks Monday, with the two sides still at odds over ways to reform
economic practices perceived as barriers to trade.
Officials on both sides have said they hope a final report on
the year-long SII can be patched together ahead of the July 9-11
economic summit in Houston
But in recent weeks tension has increased as U.S. officials
accused Tokyo of "backsliding" on trade and Japanese officials in
turn made charges of "offensive" new American demands
Trade experts predict, however, that the desire of the two
sides to avoid a blow-up over trade ahead of the Houston summit
means some compromise is likely to be achieved.
Assistant Treasury Secretary Charles Dallara, a leading player
in the talks, said that while the U.S. favors a public works target
in the form of GNP ratio, that is not necessarily the only answer.
"The real issue is not the question of the ratio but the
extent of their mid-term investment," Dallara said in an interview
on NHK public television Sunday. "The numbers are moving in the
right direction."
(Linda sieg, Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-10
CANADA ATTEMPTS TO CALM MARKETS
Impact of Constitutional Crisis Feared
TORONTO -- Reflecting increasing concern over the potential
impact of Canada's constitutional crisis on foreign currency and
investment markets, the country's finance minister said Sunday that
the government will maintain its tight monetary policy to protect
the value of the Canadian dollar and control a worsening of the
economy.
Michael Wilson, the finance minister, said in a telephone
interview that he had spent the day talking with foreign investors,
urging them to balance their concerns over failure of
constitutional reforms with an appreciation of the basic
soundness of Canada's economy and its firm economic policies.
"People forget that this country of 26 million people has
been the world's eighth biggest industrial economy. The failure
of the Meech Lake accord doesn't represent a fundamental split in
the nation. It is simply a breakdown of a process,' Wilson said.
(William Claiborne, Washington Post, A13)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Canada's Political Logjam May Hurt Economy," by
Jim Fox, appears in USA Today, page 4A.
LIBERALS CHOOSE QUEBECER TO LEAD PARTY
OTTAWA -- Canada's Liberal Party, pledging to find a way to
unite French-speaking Quebec and English-speaking regions of the
country if it is returned to power, ended its national convention
with a Quebec native as its new leader.
Jean Chretien, a lawyer and for many years a cabinet minister
in the Liberal government of Pierre Trudeau, swept to victory late
Saturday on the first ballot in Calgary
Political analysts said Chretien's victory would return the
party to an American-style of liberalism favored by Trudeau.
(Laurie Watson, UPI)
LIBERIAN TALKS TO RESUME
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast -- There was little hope that the
resumption of peace talks Monday in Liberia's six-month civil war
would succeed without President Doe's resignation, sources, [who
asked not to be identified], said.
The talks
were scheduled to resume Monday at the U.S.
Embassy in Freetown
Nigeria and Togo are believed to have offered Doe political
asylum, and U.S. officials in Africa said the U.S. is willing to
grant Doe asylum or assistance in relocating to another country if
he requests it. In Washington, a State Department spokesman denied
there had been any offer of asylum.
(Mark Huband, UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-11
VIOLENCE, TENSIONS INCREASING ALONG THE U.S.-MEXICAN BORDER
SAN YSIDRO, Calif.
--
The scene was a section of U.S. land
just west of the San Ysidro border crossing. Residents of nearby
communities complain that the U.S. has lost control of a swath of
its territory and that an upsurge of border violence has made the
area a volatile, dangerous no man's land
Led by Muriel Watson, [the widow of a Border Patrol agent],
they have launched a campaign dubbed "Light Up the Border," in
which they line up their cars by the hundreds with headlights
beaming across a stretch of vacant land toward Mexico. The monthly
demonstrations have prompted denunciations in Mexico, charges by
Chicano groups of racism and an increase in border tensions
Although undeterred by the criticism, Watson this month
decided to suspend Light Up the Border because of an unhealthy
combination of mosquitoes and white supremacists. In addition, she
said, police are promising concerted action to tackle the problem.
(William Branigin, Washington Post, A16)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Activists Attest To Romania's Idea of Democracy,"
by Michael Ybarra, appears in The Washington Post, page A17.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
JUDGE HALTS NATIONWIDE RAIDS TO HIT PUBLIC-HOUSING DRUG DEALERS
A federal district judge has blocked, at least temporarily,
a plan by federal officials to oust accused drug dealers from
public housing in a nationwide crackdown.
Federal marshals had been poised to begin raiding apartments
in housing projects Monday in as many as 22 cities where the holder
of the lease is a suspected drug dealer who faces possible
prosecution for at least two felonies.
However, in a ruling issued late Friday, U.S. District Judge
Richard Williams ordered the federal government to give tenants
"proper notice and an opportunity to be heard in court" before
seizing their leases. His initial order, earlier in the week, had
applied only to the Richmond area.
The judge's expanded order left the plan in limbo.
The New York Times quoted Frank Keating, the general counsel
for the HUD Department, as saying agency officials had yet to
discuss what to do in light of the order. He said they considered
filing an emergency appeal Monday morning.
"Even if officials did not immediately evict the targeted
tenants, they could be arrested and put on notice they were in
peril of losing their housing,' Keating was quoted as saying in The
Times' Monday edition. "If it was up to me, I think we should go
in and make these arrests and crack in there." (James Rowley, AP)
PROTESTERS TAKE OVER AIDS EVENT
Demonstrators Drown Out Speech By Sullivan As Conference Ends
SAN FRANCISCO -- Hundreds of protesters armed with whistles
and air horns took control of the Moscone Center Sunday, drowning
out Secretary Sullivan as he delivered the closing address at the
Sixth International Conference on AIDS.
Enraged by the U.S. governments's restrictions on immigration
of people infected with the HI-virus that causes AIDS, the
demonstrators pelted Sullivan with condoms while chanting "Shame,
Shame, Shame.
Despite noise so loud that speech was virtually inaudible,
Sullivan delivered his entire address. As he spoke, a sea of
protesters stood on their chairs and held aloft bright yellow signs
saying "Turn Your Back. "
The demonstration was led by members of ACT UP
Even as Sullivan's address showed the continuing divisions
between AIDS activists and the federal government, the
Administration's chief AIDS researcher, Anthony Fauci, received a
standing ovation for his address to the assembled crowd.
(Michael Specter & Malcolm Gladwell, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-13
Top AIDS Official Defends Scientists Against Activists
SAN FRANCISCO -- Hundreds of chanting, whistle-blowing
demonstrators drowned out Secretary Sullivan on Sunday while he
urged cooperation between scientists and AIDS activists.
Sullivan, asking for "cooperation, tolerance, understanding
and caring" in the closing speech at the Sixth International
Conference on AIDS, dodged wads of paper tossed at him as he stood
at the podium behind a line of police.
"We must find the ways and means to work together for the
benefit of people with AIDS and HIV infection throughout the
world," Sullivan said, but demonstrators unfurled banners, blew
whistles and airhorns and chanted: "We want action. No more
words." Many doctors, scientists and others attending the meeting
at the Moscone Center convention hall were upset by the disruption,
organized by the activist group ACT-UP
"It's sad, said Dr. James Curran, head of the AIDS program
at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. "It's an example of the
fragmentation of the efforts that I most fear in the 1990s, sick
versus well, gay versus straight."
Sullivan was able to complete his speech, though only snatches
could be heard above the din. By contrast, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the
government's top AIDS official, was warmly received
"Activists
are mistaken when they assume, or at least publicly state, that
scientists do not care about them," said Fauci. (Daniel Haney, AP)
Sullivan Drowned Out By AIDS Activists At Conference
SAN FRANCISCO -- Several hundred angry demonstrators, many
with AIDS or AIDS-virus infection, ended the Sixth International
Conference on AIDS here Sunday with an ear-splitting, 30-minute
demonstration that nearly drowned out a speech by the secretary of
health and human services, Dr. Louis Sullivan.
Sullivan resolutely plowed through his speech against a din
of whistles, air horns and angry chants
"We die! They do
nothing!" the protesters chanted
Despite rumors earlier in the
week that militants might attempt violence, there were no scuffles.
Sullivan's address was largely devoted to generalities
about the epidemic. However, he did publicly oppose a measure in
the final stages of congressional passage that would exclude food
handlers with AIDS or HIV-infection from protection against
workplace discrimination in the pending Americans with Disabilities
Act. "While some have proposed that workers who handle food be
treated differently under the act," Sullivan said, "evidence
indicates that blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections such
as HIV are not transmitted during the preparation or serving of
food or beverages."
The statement was apparently added at the last minute, as it
does not appear in his prepared text.
Many AIDS specialists said Sullivan's public opposition to the
food-handlers amendment was particularly important because the
disabilities act is to be debated this week by a congressional
conference committee
"The Secretary's statement on food
handlers is very, very important,' Rep. Pelosi said in an interview
during Sullivan's speech. "Now we can merchandise that in
conference and try to get the amendment out."
(Richard Knox & Jane Meredith Adams, Boston Globe)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-14
Noisy Protest Ends AIDS Meeting
SAN FRANCISCO -- Booing, whistles, airhorns and thrown objects
disrupted a Sunday speech on AIDS policy by Dr. Louis Sullivan, HHS
Secretary
He called for cooperation among officials, scientists and
activists but was barely heard over protesters' noise
"The AIDS epidemic can divide us or it can unite us
Let
us not turn our frustration into theater," he said
Some conference delegates joined the protest. Others sat in
apparent shock, then stood to applaud vigorosly at the end of the
speech
In a press conference
top federal AIDS official Dr.
Anthony Fauci said he didn't think the disruption of Sullivan's
speech caused "an irreparable schism in the dialogue between
scientists and activists."
(Kim Painter, USA Today, 1A)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Jeers At AIDS Gathering Silence Health Secretary,"
by Philip Hilts, appears in The New York Times, page A12.
HUNDREDS RALLY AT WHITE HOUSE FOR CHILD CARE LEGISLATION
Several hundred adults and children rallied in a park across
the street from the White House on Sunday to protest the slow
progress in getting federal child care assistance legislation
enacted.
"Working families are weary of campaign promises that VOW to
help America's families only to see those promises go unfulfilled,"
Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund,
told the gathering.
(AP)
FLETCHER SAYS HE CAN'T PERSUADE BUSH TO ACCEPT CIVIL RIGHTS BILL
The head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission said Sunday he
had been unable to convince President Bush that a proposed civil
rights bill would not lead to racial hiring quotas.
But Arthur Fletcher said he hoped Bush would back away from
a threat to veto the Civil Rights Act of 1990 unless it is
modified.
Fletcher, who appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" program with
Jesse Jackson, was asked whether he believed Bush would veto the
legislation. Fletcher responded, "I hope not." But he added, "I
can't tell you what the President is going to do."
Fletcher
said the commission voted 7 to 1 last week to
support the legislation. However, the commission wants included
a statement that there is no intention to force quotas. Fletcher
said he had tried to convince Administration officials that the
bill as drafted would not do so.
"I obviously haven't convinced them yet, but
we don't know
the language in the bill yet. When we finally see what that says,
we'll know whether there is a propensity for quotas or not," he
said.
(Robert Naylor, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-15
CIVIL RIGHTS ACT VOTE SET FOR MANDELA'S DAY; GOP MIFFED
Senate Democrats have irked Republicans by scheduling a key
procedural vote on the Civl Rights Act of 1990 on the same day
Nelson Mandela addresses Congress.
"The timing really politicizes the bill and does not help it,
it hurts it," a Republican aide close to negotiations on the bill
said Sunday. "What you've got is the Democrats trying to put a
thumb in our eye."
"It's pretty obvious what is happening here: They want to
have a bill pending when Mr. Mandela is addressing a jopint meeting
of Congress," Sen. Dole said Friday.
(Major Garrett, Washington Times, A10)
THORNBURGH DEFENDS ADMINISTRATION'S ATTACK ON S&L FRAUD
Attorney General Thornburgh on Sunday fired back at critics
who say the Bush Administration is not moving aggressively to
ferret out savings and loan fraud.
"We're going after savings and loans crooks, whether they're
Republicans or Democrats
A very impressive record on that
score,' Thornburgh said during an appearance on the CBS program
"Face the Nation."
His comments came as Secretary Brady said it was time for
Democrats and Republicans to stop trying to affix blame for the S&L
scandal and concentrate on catching culprits
"What the American people want is a dedicated, organized, calm
approach to cleaning up the problem (and) make sure to
prosecute
the criminals involved," Brady said on ABC's "This Week with David
Brinkley."
(AP)
CNN'S TOUGH S&L PROBE
CNN is celebrating its 10th anniversary of gathering news by
trying to uncover some. The maiden voyage of the network's new
Special Assignment investigative unit continues this week with a
five-part series on the savings and loan catastrophe called "S&Ls:
The Full Story."
Each of the five reports will air on CNN four times daily -
- at 7 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. -- starting Monday with "A
Fiscal Vietnam," an introductory chapter that attempts to size up
the crisis
It is, says reporter Brooks Jackson, "the worst financial
disaster since the Great Depression," one that will take an entire
generation to pay off. Ken Bode, the former NBC News reporter also
assigned to the story, warns that effects of the scandal "could
begin to ripple through the economy," perhaps contributing to a
recession
Part 4, to be seen Thursday, lays much of the blame for the
crisis right on the doorstep of George Bush, the "S&L President"
for whom "no new taxes" are words virtually doomed to be eaten.
(Tom Shales, Washington Post, B4)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-16
SOUTHWEST TO GET ECONOMIC BENEFITS IN SAVINGS BAILOUT
The federal cleanup of the savings and loan disaster will
result in a significant transfer of wealth from the Northeast
states and Middle West to Texas and other states in the Southwest,
many economists and politicians have concluded.
As a consequence, they say, the economy in Texas and its
neighboring states will be stronger in the years ahead and the
economy in most other states will be weaker.
(David Rosenbaum, New York Times, A1)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Political Furor Over S&L Bailout Adds To
Complexities of Senate Conduct Cases," by Helen Dewar, appears in
The Washington Post, page A9.
WITH EXCEPTION OF DOMENICI,
GOP LAWMAKERS LIMIT ROLE IN DEFICIT PACKAGE TO PLAYING SPOILER
Congressional Republicans, outnumbered in both houses, love
bipartisan budget summits. It's their only chance to play in the
high-stakes deficit-reduction game. Now they've got their summit.
But so far their role has been limited largely to carping about the
slow pace of the talks and threatening to block a deal if it risks
their party's anti-tax reputation
The exception is Sen. Domenici
The former budget
committee chairman tends to forget that others see him as a
supporting player. He annoyed Richard Darman the other day by
suggesting changes in Medicare premiums that he hadn't first
cleared with the Administration. And sometimes he upstages the
budget committee chairman, Sen. Sasser.
(David Wessel, Wall Street Journal, A16)
GOVS OFFER GLOBAL WARMING GOALS
The USA's governors Monday give a reluctant President Bush
seven "reasonable" goals to greatly cut emissions of carbon
dioxide, the main gas responsible for global warming.
Iowa Gov. Branstad, president of the group, says in the
report that, although uncertainty exists about global warming "and
the costs of prevention could be substantial, we must take action."
The report's reception at the White House is uncertain.
(Dennis Camire, USA Today, 3A)
BARGE SPILLS GASOLINE OFF RHODE ISLAND AFTER COLLISION
BOSTON -- A barge carrying more than three million gallons of
gasoline spilled less than 1,000 gallons of its cargo Friday when
it collided with a fishing boat in the Block Island Sound off Rhode
Island, the Coast Guard said.
A six-inch gash was cut in the barge, ST85, when it collided
with the 58-foot fishing boat, Hunter, about 3.8 miles south of
Weekapug, said Petty Officer Toni Noonan at the marine safety
office in Providence.
"Less than 1,000 gallons spilled,' she said.
They (barge
crewmen) plugged it up real quick and stabilized it." There was
no immediate deployment of cleanup crews, Coast Guard officials
said.
(Reuter)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- A-17
BUSH SUPPORTS A GENTLER APPROACH TO REIN IN NEA
The White House, reversing its opposition to restrictions on
taxpayer-funded art, is backing a moderate, broadly worded approach
to eliminate subsidies for obscene and blasphemous projects,
according to Bush Administration officials.
The Administration will endorse a plan by Rep. Paul Henry over
tougher, more restrictive grant language proposed by Rep.
Rohrabacher, the officials said
Henry's proposal would require that any NEA grant winner
demonstrate "a commitment to artistic excellence which is sensitive
to the nature of public sponsorship, its religious traditions or
racial or ethnic groups
(and) does not violate prevailing
standards against obscenity or indecency.
"That kind of language is similar to the language used by
other government agencies. It's reasonable," said a senior
Administration official close to the issue who asked not to be
identified.
(Paul Bedard, Washington Times, A3)
EDITOR'S NOTE: "Poll Shows Most Believe Obscenity On Rise In Art,"
by the AP, appears in The Washington Times, page A3.
REPUBLICANS VIEW A DEMOCRATIC STAR 'WITH TREPIDATION'
Republicans are carefully watching [Gov. Douglas Wilder]
"Everybody I know in the GOP views Wilder with great
trepidation, as in scared [expletive]," said Republican consultant
William Pascoe. "What makes him so threatening is he's a Democrat
with a message that sells so well to the middle class that you
don't pay attention to the color of his skin.'
Although Charles Black, a close associate of RNC Chairman
Atwater, thinks Wilder "will run for President, his real goal may
be to pre-empt [Jesse] Jackson as a national spokesman" and to
wrest the No. 2 spot on the ticket
"We're not scared, but we're certainly not indifferent,
either," said NRCC Co-chairman Ed Rollins. "
We see him as a
future political force.
RNC Chief of Staff Mary Matalin sees little threat, direct or
indirect. "Not nominating Jackson isn't as easy as it sounds,' she
said. "His guys, the left-wing libs, control the Democratic
convention. They're not going to switch over to a conservative
Democrat like Wilder because he's black
It's pretty hard for
the Democrats to stand for something different from the GOP when
Wulder sounds every bit as Republican as our chief Republican."
(Ralph Hallow, Washington Times, A1)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Republicans Say They'll Take Flag Issue Directly
To Voters," by John Dillin, appears in The Christian Science
Monitor, page 1.
"Flag Vote: The People Back Home, by Dirk Johnson, appears in The
New York Times, page A12.
"Aging Nuclear Plants: New Questions," by Thomas Lippman, appears
in The Washington Post, page A4.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
Sunday evening, June 24
AIDS CONFERENCE
CBS's Richard Schlesinger: In San Francisco today protesters at
the final session of the AIDS conference became so emotional the
police were prepared for anything. Health Secretary Sullivan
fought to be heard over jeers and cat calls from the floor.
CBS's Susan Spencer: Police in full riot gear streamed in to
protect Secretary Sullivan, who entered the AIDS conference through
a side door.
(Sullivan: "We are here to show our concern and this
Administration's commitment to doing all that we can.")
But activists were having none of it. Frustrated with a lack of
answers and restrictive immigration policies for people with AIDS,
the nation's chief health officer was a perfect target. With
bullhorns and whistles, they produced ear-splitting chaos in the
hall for 10 minutes before the secretary even took to the podium.
And when he did it only got louder. He was as determined as the
hecklers.
(Sullivan at the podium: "I'm standing right here.
A decision had been made not to stop the demo for fear of violence,
and ended only after an inglorious exit by the secretary, whose
spokesman was sent out to deal with reporters.
(Kay James, Sullivan spokeswoman: "And I think what you've seen
today is an extraordinary commitment from someone who cares a great
deal about this issue. I think he feels as strongly as the
activists who are here today that he would not be silenced."
(Paul Volberding, AIDS conference: "It would have been nice to
have heard what he had to say, and we have to continue the
dialogue.")
Even as the meeting was ending in chaos, San Francisco's huge gay
pride parade was winding through the city streets. For all the
protests this week, and despite the treatment afforded Secretary
Sullivan, this conference did seem to foster a closer understanding
between those with the disease and those on the front lines
fighting it. At closing ceremonies one of the country's leading
AIDS scientists had acknowledged the role activists have played.
(Anthony Fauci, National Institutes of Health: "They do have
something important to say, and they can contribute constructively
to our mission. Some of them are better informed than many
scientists can possibly imagine.")
With the conference over, there is one thing both scientists and
activists can agree on: The International AIDS Conference never
will be held in the U.S. again as long as people with AIDS are kept
out.
(CBS-Lead)
ABC's Forrest Sawyer: The uneasy peace that has held together the
International AIDS Conference in San Francisco came apart today.
The anger and frustration many of the participants feel over the
government's AIDS policy came boiling to the surface when HHS
Secretary Sullivan stood up to give the closing address.
-
(ABC-Lead, NBC-5)
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- B-2
IRAN QUAKE
NBC's Garrick Utley: Four days after the big earthquake we still
cannot report to you an exact number of how many died. The latest
estimate from Iran today is 50,000.
NBC's Andrea Mitchell: And today another strong earthquake rocked
the same region of northwestern Iran. Caught in the aftershocks,
relief workers as well as victims.
(NBC-Lead)
Schlesinger: It hardly seems possible, but today things got even
worse for residents of northern Iran, where an earthquake leveled
entire towns last week. This morning the most powerful aftershock
in three days hit the region, making rescue work that much more
difficult. Casualty figures now run as high as 50,000 dead.
CBS's Bill McLaughlin reports that 50 foreign relief planes landed
in Tehran today, and one of them was American -- the first U.S.
shipment to Iran of its kind since 1979, when the U.S. Embassy was
seized and 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days. The
aircraft carried 40 tons of medical supplies and the first batch
unloaded was bedecked with a huge stars and stripes, bearing this
message in Farsi: "From the people of America to the people of
Iran, with great fondness, we offer you this." That message was
echoed back in the U.S. today, as people donated to the relief
fund.
(CBS-4, ABC-2)
BUDGET DEFICIT
Schlesinger: The Bush Administration and Congress resume talks
tomorrow on cutting next year's projected $160 billion budget
deficit. With mandatory Gramm-Rudman cuts the price of failure,
Treasury Secretary Brady and the House Budget Committee chairman
agreed today there's no time to waste.
(Secretary Brady on ABC's "This Week with David Brinkley": "We
have to get a budget deficit correction at this particular time.
I think we'll get it. We don't have any choice. I have said a
number of times in the meetings we've had these weeks, we're going
to fix the deficit.")
(Rep. Panetta: "We've got to make clear to the American people
that if we don't confront this issue within a period of 30 to 60
days we are going to see drastic cuts that are going to reach
almost 30 to 40 percent of the programs, and that's intolerable.")
(CBS-3)
ISRAEL
Schlesinger: In a surprise move today, Israel's housing minister
announced Soviet Jews immigrating to Israel will not be settled in
the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Ariel Sharon, hawkish
former general, acknowledged that domestic and international
protests over resettlements in the area led to his announcement.
Meanwhile, Israel's police commissioner announced the formation of
civil guard units in the occupied territories, and that decision
was immediately denounced by left-wing Israeli leaders.
(CBS-7, ABC-4, NBC-2)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- B-3
MANDELA
Schlesinger: Third stop on Nelson Mandela's U.S. tour, Washington,
D.C. At the airport the South African black nationalist leader
left no doubt about the purpose of his visit.
(Mandela: "And I come here to [bring] the message that sanctions
must be intensified.")
Mandela meets tomorrow with President Bush and on Tuesday he'll
address a joint session of Congress.
(CBS-10, ABC-6)
Utley talks with NBC's Robin Lloyd:
Utley:
How are sanctions affecting South Africa? How do you
really feel it there?
Lloyd: Sanctions have affected this country quite a bit. I think
de Klerk's main goal in going to Europe recently was to get
sanctions lifted, and I think he will also try to do the same thing
in Washington. He's got some strong arguments to lift sanctions.
He's already carried out some reforms here and he's lifted the
state of emergency as well. And I think when he meets with
President Bush he will privately point out to him that he needs
international support to fend off a growing challenge from right-
wing extremists here.
(NBC-7)
HUD/DRUGS
Schlesinger: The federal government begins a major drive tomorrow
against drug dealers in the nation's public housing. Federal
marshals will raid apartments in some 20 cities where the lease-
holders are known drug dealers and may evict them even if they
haven't been convicted of a crime. The plan is already under legal
challenge in one city.
(CBS-12, NBC-4)
GLOBAL WARNING
Schlesinger reports:
(Rafael Pomerance, World Health Institute: "Most of the
industrialized powers see that they have a responsibility for the
operations of the planet now. I don't think that that's the view
of the White House at this point.")
The Bush Administration has delayed action on global warming and
called for more research. The White House refused to talk to us
about the problem but has seemed concerned about the cost of a
cleanup program -- by some estimates $40 billion a year.
(Richard Lindzen, MIT: "What Bush has been saying is what has to
be done if we took it seriously is Draconian and the chances of
economic catastrophe are probably greater than environmental
catastrophe.")
And some business leaders are already predicting an economic
catastrophe if a global warming bill now working its way through
Congress passes. Environmentalists know that the global warming
tax is harsh medicine, but they say it's the only way to clean the
air.
(CBS-8)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- B-4
COLOMBIA
Schlesinger: It's been a particularly bloody weekend in the
Colombian cocaine capital of Medellin. Police say 55 people have
been shot to death, 19 of them execution-style outside one bar.
Police said there was no apparent motive, but the bar is popular
with children of wealthy businessmen.
(CBS-9, NBC-3)
POLAND
Schlesinger: The ground beneath Poland's Solidarity movement
became less firm today. Dozens of longtime supporters abandoned
Lech Walesa in a battle over the pace of reform and Walesa's own
political ambitions.
CBS's Bert Quint reports that the dispute between the Solidarity
team that runs the government and Walesa who runs the union has
been simmering for weeks. Now it's on the boil.
(Walesa: "I'm afraid our beautiful revolution will come to
nothing, that others will come along and destroy it all. That's
why I gave battle even to my friends.")
Walesa says Poland needs a president with an ax to get reforms
working, and he says he's the man to swing it. His target is the
man he made prime minister, Tadeuz Mazowiecki, who came in as a
moderator to keep the communists content during the transition to
democracy. Walesa says reform has been too slow. It's been six
months since Poland started moving toward private enterprise in a
big way. But nothing, from telephones to state television, seems
to be working better under the new system. Private entrepreneurs
are still bogged down by the old bureaucracy. Walesa got help
today from two important groups from Solidarity. Coal miners and
textile workers said they were living on the threshold of poverty
and warn there could be a social explosion. Despite his growing
conflict with the government, Walesa has helped prevent that
explosion by urging workers to be patient so as to ensure the
survival of Poland's brand new democracy.
(CBS-5, ABC-5)
CHILD CARE
Schlesinger: In Washington, hundreds gathered today to protest
against the slow progress in curing a social ailment -- inadequate
child care.
CBS's Deborah Potter reports that the rally in Washington today was
really an expression of frustration. Even the littlest of
lobbyists turned out to demand action on a child care bill that's
been pending in Congress for more than two years. For millions of
American parents it's an almost daily headache -- finding someone
to mind the kids, then figuring out how to afford it. Now that
school is out for the summer, the need for child care is even more
critical for many working parents. But Congress is still debating.
So families are still waiting.
(CBS-2)
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- B-5
NORTH CAROLINA SENATE RACE
Mitchell reports that this year Sen. Helms is building another
record-breaking warchest -- $1 million just from George Bush's
visit to a campaign dinner this week.
(President Bush: "You know where Jesse stands -- for a safe,
strong and moral America. And I need him in the United States
Senate. ")
Surprisingly, despite all these advantages, Helms was behind in
recent state polls against Democratic nominee Harvey Gantt -- the
only incumbent senator now trailing a challenger. Why is a
conservative veteran finding it such a tough race? Some people
think that's because North Carolina is changing. Many voters say
they worry more about the economy, the environment, things that
affect their daily lives instead of fighting homosexuality or
communism. This contest is a real showdown over how important race
and money are to politics in the '90s.
(NBC-6)
-end of B-section-
ABC -- THIS WEEK WITH DAVID BRINKLEY
Moderator: David Brinkley. Panel: Sam Donaldson and George will.
Guests: Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire, followed by Sen. Domenici
and Rep. Panetta, and Treasury Secretary Brady.
Subject:
Spending, borrowing and debt.
Brinkley: Here in Washington the government gets an awful lot of
advice on what it should do with its money.
Whitmire: Our advice is that we've got to put some focus in this
country on developing our most important resources, and that is our
people. We're not going to be able to maintain competitiveness in
the 1990s unless we put a stronger focus on the needs of the people
who live in American cities; and that is, specifically, the need
to step up our efforts to improve the opportunities for our
children through better day care programs, through an increase in
the Head Start program -- through better education -- through more
literacy programs, job-training programs. Those are the kinds of
things that we're going to have to do because we simply can't
afford to put all of our priorities somewhere else and then to see
the children in American cities growing up without hope and without
quality health care, without a decent place to live, and most of
all, without an opportunity to get the kind of education and job
training that will allow them to have a decent job
Guests: Sen. Domenici and Rep. Panetta.
Brinkley: You heard the mayor of Houston give us an absolute
laundry list of needs as she sees them in her local community. We
heard this week from the chairman of the House Ways and Means
Committee that the so-called peace dividend
is already gone to
pay for the S&Ls' losses. So is mayor Whitmire likely to get
anything at all?
Domenici: Frankly, I don't think we would have had money for fast
new spending programs with or without the S&L crisis. Those who
thought the peace dividend was going to come from defense cuts -
- as I see it the defense cuts are going to go to deficit
reduction
The important thing is that we have to fix the
deficit so that we can fix the economy
Panetta:
There's a lack of sense of crisis about this whole
issue. We have not delivered the message to the American people
or to our colleagues that this is a serious enough problem that
demands these kinds of choices [to fix the budget deficit].
Domenici:
For those who think we have to make Draconian cuts,
we just don't have to. Defense is going to take its share. That's
the big difference. It's going to supply over five years somewhere
between $100 to $170 billion of the needed deficit reduction.
That's a brand new part of the equation. It's the middle piece -
- entitlements and domestic non-entitlements.
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- C-2
will:
Is the Senate, is the House, prepared to take Social
Security off budget?
Panetta: We are. We did that in the House budget resolution
Domenici: Here's where you have to come out. You have to have a
budget that will save between 50 and 60 in the first year, between
450 and 550 over five years. We'll take Social Security off
budget, re-define the Gramm-Rudman targets
and it will be for
five or six years, it will go on, and you will have solved the
deficit. So to talk about other issues --
Resolution Trust
Corporation, Social Security -- it doesn't make any difference.
This is the size of the problem and it can be done
If you
continue to leave that Social Security tax in and buy Treasury
bills down, you have essentially provided for a dramatic reduction
in the federal deficit, which inures to the benefit of the senior
citizens of the future
---
Guest: Secretary Brady.
Brinkley: In the forthcoming political campaign there's going to
be, I would guess, 275,000 words said about the S&L crisis, the
cost of it, scandal, who's responsible for it. Do you have a
nominee for this honor?
Brady: Not really. I'm not in the blame game. I think what the
American people want is an organized, dedicated, calm, quiet
approach to cleaning up this problem, and that's what we're trying
to do
I think there's going to be political back and forth,
there has to be. But the program that the Bush Administration has
put out, which is very simply to make sure that those who have put
their money in the banking system, the S&Ls that are guaranteed by
federal deposits, get their money back
Two, to make sure that
we prosecute and pursue the criminals involved, and three, do it
at the least cost to shareholders, and four, make sure that it
doesn't happen again -- make these S&L operators put money up.
We're asking them to put only three cents out of every dollar up,
and that's new
I don't think that the dirty work of
partisanship is what we ought to be doing. We have a problem
before us. It's unprecedented. It's going to take some time. We
should continue to work the problem. That's what the American
people want
Donaldson: The President this last week re-dedicated his
Administration to ferreting out those who have misused their
positions of trust in the S&L business. Does that include his own
son, Neil?
Brady: People have, of course, brought Neil Bush up. I have no
idea where the facts will lead us. I happen to know Neil Bush.
I can't imagine that he broke the law. But the facts will have to
come out.
Donaldson: Will he be investigated just as strongly as anyone
else, however, against whom allegations have been brought?
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- C-3
Brady: I would think so. When they pulled him, one individual up
before the House Banking Committee, there are a lot of people who
were directors. This man wasn't even in the savings and loan
business. He was a director. If every director of a savings and
loan and bank was brought before Congress for something that bank
did we wouldn't have time to do anything else
I just don't see
this as anything more than an issue that's saying it's the
President's son.
will: Let me go to a larger issue, the consequences of Republican
government. Is it not the case that if the Darman plan for cutting
the budget, complying with Gramm-Rudman were bought, every decimal
point of it by the Democrats in Congress and enacted today, Gramm-
Rudman still would not be complied with?
Brady: That's correct. But I think you have to view the Darman
plan in the light of the negotiations that go on
I'm an
optimist. I think it's going to happen. So we have three weeks
of talking about particulars of the problem, it comes time for
somebody to put an offer down. Now it's not hardly possible that
the first offer on the table is going to be either the last or the
best. But somebody has to start. Dick Darman started on behalf
of the Administration. I'm glad he did.
will: We're now coming to the end of 10 years of Republican
administration in this country during which this federal budget
deficit simply grew exponentially. As a result of Republican
governance after 10 years, one-seventh of the federal budget goes
to pay interest on the federal debt. It would take a sum equal to
all the income taxes collected west of the Mississippi just to pay
the interest on the federal borrowing, and that goes, of course,
disproportionately to Republicans, the holders of Treasury bills,
rich individuals and institutions. Shouldn't the American people
say this is not an equitable kind of government we're getting from
Republicans?
Brady: I'm not sure your statistics are right
I think you've
got your point on the right place, simply that we have to get a
budget deficit correction at this particular time. I think we'll
get it. We don't have a choice. I've said a number of times in
the meetings we've had these weeks, we're going to fix the deficit.
It's going to be done at the time of the debt limit, at the time
of sequester, because markets tell us we're behaving foolishly.
We're going to have a budget deal and it will happen sooner rather
than later
Donaldson: What is your latest estimate
of the S&L problem in
terms of money?
Brady: I revised the estimate about two weeks ago and said that
the problem in present value terms will be between $90 and $130
billion. That's greater than we said in the fall of 1989
The
best deal for the taxpayer, in my opinion, is to get these assets
back into the public's hands through the RTC. We ought to go ahead
and push the process like Bill Seidman said
Get it in the
public hands. The U.S. government shouldn't be in the real estate
business.
-erom-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- C-4
Discussion segment: Cokie Roberts joins panel.
Brinkley: Has Nelson Mandela hurt himself during this U.S. trip
by saying such nice things about Castro, Gadhafi and Arafat?
Roberts: I think he has hurt himself with certain Americans, no
question about it
Donaldson:
Mandela is quite correct in saying 'they supported
me. I'm not going to renounce my friends.' I think it would have
hurt him had he taken the other tact
Brinkley: Why does George Bush want Puerto Rico to be a state?
Roberts: The Republicans of Puerto Rico have wanted it to be a
state for a long time
Brinkley: Do you want to tell us what you think about the flag
vote in the House?
Roberts:
Here you have all of this politics around the flag,
and all the question of the 30-second spot that would be made
against the politician who voted against the flag
I think that
what it really shows is that when you get into issues like this -
- patriotism, pornography, the arts, the kind of thing -- that it's
going to be very difficult to run against individual House members
on those issues
It could be very effective in a Senate race.
And when the Senate is supposed the be the more removed body from
the passions of the people, the truth is they're closer to it on
issues like this because of the politics.
Donaldson: I think the House did the right thing in turning down
that amendment
CBS -- FACE THE NATION
Moderator: Lesley Stahl. Guests: Attorney General Thornburgh,
followed by CBS's Rita Braver and Roger Wilkins, national director
of Nelson Mandela's tour. Subjects: S&L and race relations.
Stahl: The Democrats are making a big issue out of what they say
is the slow pace of prosecutions in the S&L scandal. How many
indictments have there been in S&L cases since President Bush has
been President?
Thornburgh: There have been 187 indictments and 159 convictions
of S&L officials since this effort was started
We don't keep
score by who's the president at the time. The commitment that he
stated when he went to Capitol Hill within two weeks after his
inauguration to seek additional funding, that funding was delayed
until late last year, and the Congress turned down flat his request
for $36.8 million to jumpstart our operation.
Stahl:
Why can't we get an answer to the simple question which
I know I've been trying to get for five days now: How many
indictments since he's been president? Somebody says there's only
been one. Now is that true?
Thornburgh: That's totally false
We've had an ongoing
operation in the Dallas area, the Dallas bank fraud task force,
which has secured 77 indictments and 52 convictions over the time
that it's been in operation. Last month a 30-year jail sentence
was handed down.
Stahl: Let me tell you about a letter that I got my hands on which
was sent to Congress from a bunch of lawyers in Houston that
complain that there's only been one major bank official indicted
in Houston. One hundred banks have gone under. The indictments
and the people who have been gone after, this letter claims, have
been bank tellers, and the charge there is that you're not going
after the guys at the top.
Thornburgh: I think the record clearly indicates the contrary.
You've seen executive after executive convicted, sentenced to jail
the whole executive suite of the Vernon Savings and Loan,
which is one of the major savings and loan failures in the United
States, costing the taxpayers $1.3 billion. But let me just
address something a little more important than the numbers, and
that's the commitment. This President, in his first budget request
within two weeks after he took office, asked for $50 million
addition dollars to beef up our FBI efforts and our prosecutive
efforts across the country
Stahl: Why is it so political? Why did the President have a rally
with U.S. attorneys and turn it into a political event?
Thornburgh: We don't pay any attention to the political battle
that's going on between the parties and the interested individuals.
We're in the law enforcement business
-erom-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- C-6
Thornburgh continues: It wasn't a rally. We had our U.S.
attorneys in from across the country to give them their marching
orders to spend the money that was finally appropriated last year,
and the President came to talk to his chief law enforcement
officers around the country and give them a message. And it's very
effective. And I think any time that we have a chance to hear from
the President we're going to take it
We're going after savings
and loans crooks whether they're Republicans or Democrats, north,
south, east and west, and we've compiled, I think, through our
dedicated U.S. attorneys out there in the field, a very impressive
record on that score
We have been denied full funding of what
we requested, and now we're looking for it.
Stahl:
Is there an investigation of [Neil Bush] under way?
Thornburgh: I can't discuss any pending investigations.
Stahl: Could the Justice Department effectively investigate a
president's son, or is that something you'd have to turn over to
an
Thornburgh: We're proud of our record in this respect. We go
where the evidence leads. And I don't mean to suggest that any
particular individual is a subject of investigation, but wherever
there's evidence of wrongdoing we'll pursue it. You can be sure
of that.
Stahl:
Is it time to admit [the drug war] is not working and
to completely change the strategy and go toward treatment and
prevention?
Thornburgh: I don't think it is time for a change in strategy.
This President a little over a year ago announced his drug
strategy. That strategy encompasses a balanced approach on using
law enforcement, rehabilitation and treatment, prevention and
education programs. It's not going to be cured overnight. And I
think we're beginning to see progress. We're beginning to see a
realization on the part of the American people that it's all of our
problem
We can't do it through law enforcement alone, and I
think the President recognizes that, and I think the American
people are coming to recognize that we've got to win this war on
the battlefield of values
Stahl: Most law-enforcement officials want [semi-automatic
firearms] bans. Why don't you?
Thornburgh: There is a school of thought that says the only way
you can keep certain weapons out of certain hands is to keep all
weapons out of everyone's hands. The President doesn't buy that.
The President wants to concentrate on the criminal. I think we've
got to concentrate much more than we have on the criminal use of
firearms
Guest: Rita Braver discusses the Mayor Barry trial.
Guest: Roger Wilkins discusses Mandela's tour.
###
NBC -- MEET THE PRESS
Moderator: Garrick Utley. Panel: Juan Williams and Elizabeth
Drew. Guests: Jesse Jackson and Arthur Fletcher, chairman of the
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. Subject: Civil rights.
Utley:
Do you think the President would veto that [civil
rights] bill as it stands right now?
Fletcher: I hope not
We have arrived at a point in which
civil rights is more an issue of national security than mere civil
rights. Why? Because the workforce we're going to be depending
on to keep us competitive worldwide as well as domestically is a
workforce that's going to be dominated by minorities and women to
the tune of 80 percent. We've lost the option of arguing about
discrimination in reverse, we've lost the option of arguing about
preferential treatment, and we've lost the argument with reference
to quotas. It's a national security issue
[The other day] the
commission voted 7 to 1 to support the Kennedy-Hawkins bill. The
reason for that is we felt that the Administration's bill as
drafted by the Justice Department was a pretty fair bill as far as
it went. But our feelings were, based on the crisis that we're
seeing every day on college campuses,
we didn't think it went far
enough
And in our recommendation we asked clearly that when
the bill is passed that a statement be made that it in no way is
it intended to be a quota bill
In an expanding economy, and
that's what this one is, the chances of shortage of human capital,
shortage of human resources that is popping up all over the
country, it's rather remote that a qualified white is going to be
denied a job opportunity in this market because of some company
wanting to practice affirmative action. It's just isn't going to
happen
Drew: Rev. Jackson
are you going to run for the presidency in
1992?
Jackson: I have not yet made that decision. It's a bit premature.
At this point our real focus is on organizing unorganized
workers
Utley: [Nelson Mandela said] that this country is being torn apart
by racism. Did he exaggerate or did he touch the basic truth here?
Fletcher: No he didn't exaggerate one bit
This could be one
of the most dangerous hours in the nation's history with reference
to our racial problems
Jackson:
The lack of moral leadership from the White House has
hurt our nation, and it has crushed the hopes of many people.
Drew:
Do you think maybe there should be a new organization
with a new definition to give real national focus [to the social
and economic problems facing blacks]?
-more-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- C-8
Fletcher: No. I think the commission that's in place should be
given the resources to do the job
We have a budget now that
at best we could call it a life support system
Williams: You would say that you are comfortable with these
people: Arafat, Gadhafi, Castro?
Jackson: I relate to Mr. Bush, even though he sends arms to
Angola, which has helped kill 600,000 people
I am convinced
that it is better that we talk talk talk than fight fight fight,
and so I look forward to Israelis and Palestinians sitting on a
table, coming out of the battlefield, just as I did looking forward
to Mr. Bush and Gorbachev meeting
Fletcher: The mistake is being made to mix civil rights and
welfare legislation together. The civil rights movement was never
a welfare movement
One thing, George Bush is very fair. I've
known him for 20 years. He's very fair. He's gone out of the way
to make sure that we are welcome at the White House. He's
indicated to me when we begin to put programs together and
directors we will start a civil rights movement
The reason I
implemented affirmative action the way I did is because well-
educated, well-qualified blacks and other minorities were not
getting jobs. And to the degree that it was a welfare-relief
program, it was a relief program because they had the skills to go
to work and because of the success of affirmative action they were
able to go to work.
###
THE McLAUGHLIN GROUP
Moderator: John McLaughlin. Panel: Clarence Page, Fred Barnes,
Morton Kondracke and Jack Germond.
On whether Congress should permit Nelson Mandela to address a joint
session of Congress:
Page: I think it would be a big mistake right now if Congress was
to turn around and spoil all the good feeling that's been generated
around Nelson Mandela
Barnes:
What Mandela has said so far was very discouraging from
the standpoint of a peaceful, democratic, bi-racial, pluralistic
future for South Africa
Germond: I think the idea of not letting him speak to a joint
session of Congress because of his views is nonsense. Of course
he ought to be allowed to speak
Kondracke:
I think he is a great leader for his country, but
he is not a world moral leader. Here's why. He wants us to make
severe moral judgments about the barbarism of South Africa, but
he's not willing to make severe moral judgments or any moral
judgments about the barbarianism of Castro or Gadhafi
On who voters will blame for the S&L scandal:
Germond: I don't think they're going to blame one party or the
other
I think the Republicans are risking an awful lot in
terms of Neil Bush if they fight back on that issue. The fact is,
the Neil Bush deal, legal or not legal, conflict of interest or
not, technically, whether or not it was, if that had been most
people they would have been in a lot more water.
Kondracke:
I think that because the President has the bully
pulpit he may be able to evade responsibility himself. I think
that finally the press ought to get its act together and figure out
who really was to blame in lifting the insurance limits from
$40,000 to $100,000 and making all of this possible
Barnes:
Bush now is trying to characterize himself as the
solution to the problem, while the Democrats caused it.
McLaughlin: Which party stands to lose the most from the
appointment of an independent counsel? Page: I think the
Republicans stand to lose the most because it was their watch, but
it's hard to pin the blame on one or two people here. Germond:
What is equally salient right now is how vigorous the
Administration is in prosecuting people, not just in selling off
these assets and taking a loss, but in getting a few people to go
to the slammer. And that's what they haven't done yet. Kondracke:
What the Democrats could go after Bush about is the escalation in
the cost of this whole thing from the original estimate to the
final estimate and pin it on him
###
INSIDE WASHINGTON
Moderator: Gordon Peterson. Panel: Elizabeth Drew, Carl Rowan,
James Kilpatrick and Juan Williams.
On Republicans using the flag as a campaign issue:
Rowan: I think at election time the American people will
understand that 177 House members stood up with courage and the
guys who try to make [a campaign issue] out of it are the
scoundrels of America.
Drew: I doubt that this will be a big election issue. There are
many more important issues. But this was a moment of historic
importance. We mustn't overlook that. And it sure told us a lot
about character.
Williams: I think they're going to tweak some noses, no doubt
about it, but I don't think it will have any real repercussions
because it doesn't affect anybody in their bread-and-butter places.
Kilpatrick: It depends on the close races, and it depends on
demographics. It won't have much effect
Drew:
You have the President who wanted it both ways -- he
wanted to have this issue out there, but even the White House
learned, or his campaign learned in 1988 that he went too far. He
was seen as going too far finally when he went to the flag factory.
So they kind of kept him low, hoping that his party would
benefit
Because [Speaker Foley] went on the line, a lot of
other people felt that they were not going to duck this thing,
which could have been politically volatile, because they're not so
confident it won't be
On Nelson Mandela:
Williams:
When it comes to sitting in the Oval Office with
George Bush, when it comes to dealing with people at the State
Department who want to know what he's doing, how we're going to
support de Klerk in these negotiations, I think Mandela's going to
be in for a little bit of a surprise
Drew: Mandela's crucial and irreplaceable role is as the
negotiator with the South African government
His main reason
to be here is to be sure that the U.S. government doesn't lift
sanctions on the South African government any sooner than it
should, and there's no reason for it to do so yet. It has not, by
any means, met the test of the legislation
Kilpatrick:
I think at some point, given the delicate political
situation in South Africa, we should be encouraging de Klerk. He's
gone about as far politically as I think he can go, and now it's
time to throw him a bone if you don't mind
-
White House News Summary
Monday, June 25, 1990 -- C-11
On the U.S. halting dialogue with the PLO:
Williams:
I think we've got here taking place something that
I don't think many people are picking up on. I think that Jim
Baker is saying there's an opportunity here -- an opportunity now
to put more pressure on the Israeli government which has recently
been formed, and to say to them we are once again standing with you
and we want to see some peace initiative right now.
Drew: I think they're putting pressure on both sides
But I
also think that they made this move because time ran out on them.
They were talking about making it for some time and they were
delaying and delaying, but there was a big movement building in
Congress to vote for a cutoff because the PLO did not specifically
denounce this act [in Tel Aviv]
I think they're trying to kick
both sides and get them going again. But I don't know if they'll
be able to
Rowan: Whatever we come down to, the simple fact is you can't stop
talking to the PLO or anybody else
On the budget summit:
Drew:
Dick Darman, the clever budget director, last week
offered a new proposal. And he didn't even pretend it was serious.
He kind of joked about it. And it's just a little variation of
what they did in January -- [$3.2 billion in defense cuts, $20
billion in domestic, and no new taxes] -- that's not serious, and
he didn't' pretend it was serious
Kilpatrick:
All the figures are phony.
All
the
essential
figures are fake, they're sham, they're lies
Williams:
The fact is there are Republican fingerprints all
over this and the Republicans are going to get targeted.
Drew: There are bipartisan fingerprints on it. I think we need
to correct the record that somehow this poor, beleaguered White
House was fighting back. Some weeks ago it was quite obvious that
they were putting out the word, look
finger Jim Wright and
finger Tony Coelho, none of whom are with us today, at least in
Washington. So that makes them pretty easy targets. But this time
I think they're feeling the heat, which is why they have been so
heated about it. I believe that the Democrats would be very good
at making the issue that they want to make, which is that the Bush
Administration messed up the cleanup. I think that that's very
confusing. But they also went after Bob Kerrey
in a kind of
sleazy statement about look into his accounts. Bob Kerrey is a
national hero. I don't think you take him on with impunity
-end of News Summary-