Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
415892687
label
[News Summaries-White House, 9/90-3/91]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
415892687
contentType
document
title
[News Summaries-White House, 9/90-3/91]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13897-007
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Tony Snow Subject Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
415892687
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
8239664215dce0c5
ocrText
Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Snow, Tony, Files
Subseries:
Subject File, 1988-1993
OA/ID Number:
13897
Folder ID Number:
13897-007
Folder Title:
[News Summaries-White House, 9/90-3/91]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
18
29
2
5
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990 -- 6 A.M. EDT EDITION
TODAY'S HEADLINES
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
AMERICANS HARDEN STANCE TOWARD IRAQ, ARE CONFIDENT OF U.S. SUCCESS,
POLL SAYS -- Americans are hardening their line toward Iraq and are
increasingly optimistic about eventual U.S. success in the Persian
Gulf but believe that the conflict will be protracted, according
to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.
(Wall Street Journal)
BUSH ACCEPTS IRAQI OFFER OF TV TIME; ASKS TO BE GIVEN 15 UNEDITED
MINUTES -- President Bush Thursday quickly accepted an offer to
appear on Iraq's state-run television network and the White House
called on Iraqi President Saddam to provide up to 15 minutes for
an unedited message from Bush to the Iraqi people.
(Dallas Morning News, Washington Post, Washington Times, AP)
NATIONAL NEWS
BUDGET NEGOTIATORS FACE TOUGH CHOICES -- White House and
congressional budget negotiators have agreed to the size of the
deficit cut they want to achieve next year, but now face hard
choices about specific spending cuts and tax increases needed to
attain their goal.
(Newsday, AP, UPI)
NETWORK NEWS (Thursday evening)
POLL -- An NBC News/Wall Street
Journal poll shows 75 percent
of Americans approve of what
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
the President is doing in the
Middle East.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-13
GULF -- President Bush accepted
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
an offer to talk to the Iraqi
people via television, and he
will make a tape next week to
send to Baghdad.
There are new warnings
this country will be facing
shortages of fuel.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
INTERNA NEWS
AMERICANS HARDEN STANCE TOWARD IRAQ,
ARE CONFIDENT OF U.S. SUCCESS, POLL SAYS
Americans are hardening their line toward Iraq and are
increasingly optimistic about eventual U.S. success in the Persian
Gulf but believe that the conflict will be protracted, according
to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.
The survey, conducted Tuesday and Wednesday, found that 68
percent of the 800 persons polled believe the U.S. has the upper
hand in the conflict, an increase from a Journal/NBC poll 2 1/2
weeks earlier, when 52 percent said the U.S. held the upper hand.
In the earlier poll, those polled were almost evenly divided
over whether the U.S. will be able to obtain its objectives without
a shooting war. They now say by a margin of 52 percent to 36
percent that the U.S. will prevail without a war.
Some 84 percent of those surveyed say the U.S. should response
militarily if Iraq attacks Saudi Arabia, up from 74 percent in the
earlier poll; 56 percent up from 43 percent, support military
action if Iraq fails to withdraw from Kuwait. And 72 percent
believe the U.S. should take military action if hostages are
harmed
Overall, the poll found 76 percent support for the
deployment of troops to Saudi Arabia and 75 percent approval of
President Bush's handling of the crisis, small increases from the
earlier survey.
(Michel McQueen, Wall Street Journal, A16)
BUSH ACCEPTS IRAQI OFFER OF TV TIME;
ASKS TO BE GIVEN 15 UNEDITED MINUTES
TOPEKA -- President Bush Thursday quickly accepted an offer
to appear on Iraq's state-run television network and the White
House called on Iraqi President Saddam to provide up to 15 minutes
for an unedited message from Bush to the Iraqi people.
The White House was responding to an Iraqi offer to send a
film crew from Iraq's state-controlled media to "interview" Bush
and broadcast the message
The maneuvering over television messages came as Bush pledged
that Saddam's "brazen blackmail" in holding Americans hostage will
not alter his policies and the U.S. will not compromise on the
demand for an Iraqi troop withdrawal from Kuwait and for the
restoration of Kuwait's exiled government. "We seek a peaceful
solution," Bush told a Florida audience later Thursday, "but on one
point let me be clear: There can be no compromise when it comes to
sovereignty for Kuwait."
Iraq's withdrawal, he said, "must be complete. It must be
immediate and it must be unconditional." The President added that
Saddam's invasion of Kuwait was an act of "naked aggression" that
"strikes at the very heart of the international order. "
Bush called the Iraqi offer a "real opportunity" as he flew
here from Washington for a fund-raising event in which he warned
that "hard choices remain" for the U.S. in the gulf. He appealed
for continuing American support.
An Administration official said the White House does not
believe that Iraq will broadcast a Bush message but that the White
House wanted to accept the offer with alacrity as part of what he
called the "media-war part of the war."
-970m-
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A27)
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-2
Bush Accepts Saddam's Bid To Appear On Iragi TV
TOPEKA -- President Bush agreed Thursday to appear on Iraqi
television by videotape to explain the embargo and other world
efforts to force Iraq out of Kuwait.
"It's a real opportunity," Mr. Bush said aboard Air Force One
when asked about press reports that the Iraqi government had
challenged him to tell his side of the Middle East crisis.
Mr. Bush will tape a speech of 10 to 15 minutes and send it
to Iraq's minister of information
Mr. Bush later offered a preview of his message in a scathing
attack on President Saddam, who he sid lies to his people about
world opinion.
"Saddam Hussein is trying to make it America against the
Arabs. It couldn't be more untrue. It's the rest of the world,
including most of the Arabs, against Saddam Hussein," Mr. Bush said
at a fund raiser for Republican Gov. Mike Hayden
"America will not be intimidated," he said, vowing to do
"whatever it takes" to remove Iraq's forces from Kuwait.
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A9)
Bush Says He'll Accept Offer To Tape TV Message To Iraqis
TOPEKA -- President Bush will accept Iraq's offer to tape a
message to be broadcast on that nation's state-run television, the
White House said Thursday.
"It's a real opportunity," Bush told reporters
In Washington, Iraqi Ambassador al-Mashat said that Iraqi
television would broadcast the President's message "in its entirety
without editing. Here you edit; in Iraq we do not edit.
Such a broadcast would bring Bush's message into Iraqi homes
for the first time -- a sharp contrast to the domination of the
local airwaves by President Saddam.
(Susan Feeney, Dallas Morning News)
President Appealing Directly To Iragi People To End Crisis
President Bush is appealing directly to the Iraqi people for
support to end the Persian Gulf crisis as he renews a blistering
attack on their president and prepares for a weekend superpower
summit.
"We Americans should make something very clear -- our argument
is not with the people of Iraq," Bush told a Republican rally in
Tallahassee on Thursday night. "Rather it is with Iraq's dictator
who uses innocent travelers as shields, who now, in direct
contravention of international law, holds hostage civilians from
many countries."
He said President Saddam "must know that our policy will not
be altered by this brazen blackmail" and that the U.S. will
maintain its military buildup in the region and enforcement of the
international economic sanctions against Iraq.
However, Bush told reporters traveling with him on a one-day
political trip that he was glad for Saddam's offer of airtime to
televise a message to the Iraqi people.
(Rita Beamish, AP)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-3
BUSH PRAISES HAYDEN, DENOUNCES IRAQI ACTIONS
TOPEKA -- President Bush blended strong praise for Gov. Mike
Hayden with firm resolve to punish Iraqi aggression in the Persian
Gulf during a fund-raising luncheon here Thursday.
Bush also told an audience of 750 people gathered in the
Landon Arena of Topeka's Kansas Expocentre the time has come to
deal with the federal deficit, and improving relations with the
Soviet Union has helped keep the Middle Eastern crisis contained.
During his 23-minute address, the President also complimented
members of the 190th Air Refueling Group of the Kansas Air National
Guard, which has 500 members on voluntary active duty to support
the U.S. buildup in the Persian Gulf.
Hayden pointed out that Bush is the first sitting president
in modern times to come to Kansas to campaign for a candidate. And
the Gov. said the President's agreement to address a $500-a-plate
luncheon would help unify the Kansas Republican Party behind him
as well as raise campaign cash.
Bush noted the late president Eisenhower had said, "Our best
protection against bigger government in Washington is better
government in the states."
"And today we meet to help Mike keep making government better
in the state of Kansas. Abroad, let us raise the flag of peace and
justice. And at home, let's show that Kansas does like Mike."
(Roger Myers, Topeka Capital-Journal, A1)
Bush Says Iraq Sanctions 'Beginning To Bite'
TALLAHASSEE -- One the eve of his departure for meeting with
Mikhail Gorbachev, President Bush on Thursday called for increased
international pressure on Iraq as well as strengthened American
resolve.
"Nothing strikes with greater force at the heart of
international order than the act of naked aggression perpetuated
by Saddam Hussein or Iraq," Bush said, adding that economic
sanctions "are beginning to bite."
The Bush comment, opening the fall campaign season, at a rally
for Northern Florida Republican Congressman Bill Grant, also called
for a quick resolution of the budget impasse with Democrats.
Bush said he'll tell the Soviet leader in Helsinki, "The world
is united against this [Iraq] aggression, and I'm glad the Soviet
Union is on our side."
He went on, "Let me be very clear: We seek a peaceful
solution to this crisis. But let me also be clear on another
point: There can be no compromise when it comes to sovereignty for
Kuwait and the removal of all Iraqi forces."
"And that removal must be complete. It must be immediate,
and it must be unconditional.
He got one of his biggest cheers from the crowd of 2,000 when
he departed from his script to deplore the continued holding of
hostages and added, "I will not change the policy of the United
States in standing up against acts of aggression and refusing to
submit to this international blackmail."
(Paul Anderson and Mark Silva, Miami Herald, A10)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-4
On The Campaign Trail, Bush Invokes Gulf Crisis
TALLAHASSEE -- Evoking homespun images from Dwight D.
Eisenhower to the Wizard of Oz, President Bush brought the Persian
Gulf crisis to the campaign trail Thursday. He defended sending
troops to Saudi Arabia as a mission to "raise the flag of peace and
justice" and appealed for public support as he makes what he called
"hard choices" in the Middle East.
"Our cause may not be easy, but it will always be right, Mr.
Bush said in Topeka at a campaign rally for Gov. Mike Hayden of
Kansas, at the first of two stops on a 2,630-mile swing to the
Middle West and South.
Later, in Tallahassee, he called the gulf crisis a challenge
to the fundamental international order and said his resolve would
not be swayed by what he called Iraq's "brazen blackmail" of using
Americans and other foreigners as hostages.
"Every use of force unchecked is an invitation to further
aggression," Mr. Bush said in Tallahassee, at a barbecue fund
raiser for Rep. Bill Grant, Republican of Florida. "Every act of
aggression unpunished strikes a blow against the rule of law -- and
strengthens the forces of chaos and lawlessness that, ultimately,
threaten us all."
Cart and Dan
Mr. Bush's appearances in Topeka and Tallahassee set a
patriotic tone that Mr. Bush and Republican strategists apparently
want to strike in discussing the Persian Gulf crisis in the fall
election season. Republicans are hoping that the American military
deployment in Saudi Arabia will bolster their efforts to project
the party as the safeguard of a strong defense and a strong
economy.
(Andrew Rosenthal, New York Times, A8)
BUSH HEADING FOR FINLAND TO MEET GORBACHEV
President Bush leaves for Helsinki Friday night for a weekend
summit with President Gorbachev designed to dramatize superpower
solidarity in dealing with the explosive Persian Gulf crisis.
One the eve of his trip to the Finnish capital, Bush said that
at their meeting Sunday he and Gorbachev would talk about a wide
range of issues "including the situation in the gulf -- and the
world's response to Iraq's aggression" against Kuwait.
Alluding to U.N. efforts to choke off trade with Iraq, the
President said in a Florida political speech Thursday: "Never
before have we seen this kind of cooperation between nations --
proof that the world community will not stand aside and watch one
nation swallow up another.
"The world is united against this aggression and I'm glad the
Soviet Union is on our side in this, he said
Bush seemed to preview his message [to the Iraqis] during his
appearance in Florida -- the second stop on a day-long campaign
swing that took him to Kansas earlier in the day.
He was campaigning for state and congressional Republican
candidates in the Nov. 2 U.S. elections.
"Our argument is not with the people of Iraq.
Rather, it is
with Iraq's dictator, who uses innocent travellers as shields, " the
U.S. leader said.
(Gene Gibbons, Reuter)
575-1562
x2255. ....
"more-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-5
Summit Goal: Aid Gorbachev
President Bush's call for the superpower summit in Helsinki
to discuss the gulf crisis was driven in part by the
Administration's strategy of bolstering President Gorbachev's
beleaguered government, according to senior Administration
officials.
But despite the Administration's sympathy for Soviet calls for
Western aid, officials said they fear the one-day summit snag on
Mr. Gorbachev's push to expand the meeting into full-fledged Middle
East peace talks.
While many Bush aides have characterized the summit as a move
to show world unity against Iraq's occupation of Kuwait, a top
official said Thursday that it was called "mostly to show support
for Gorbachev."
The White House this week expressed concern with pictures of
empty bread shelves in the Soviet Union and said it now stands
ready to deliver economic aid once Moscow approves free-emigration
laws
Mr. Bush, campaigning in Kansas and Florida Thursday, said his
summit meeting with Mr. Gorbachev could lead to greater cooperation
on economic matters as well as arms control.
Mr. Bush told an audience in Topeka that "the better we
understand each other, the closer I believe that we can work
The Persian Gulf shows what this cooperation can achieve."
Administration officials said Mr. Bush would use Moscow's
support for U.S. policies in the Persian Gulf as the reason
Washington would now consider aiding the Soviet government.
(Paul Bedard, Washington Times, A1)
Gorbachev At Summit Likely To Offer New Measures Against Iraq
MOSCOW -- With the Persian Gulf crisis posing a threat to his
domestic reforms, President Gorbachev is likely to urge President
Bush to avoid hasty action against Iraq when they meeting Sunday.
But, Soviet analysts say, he could offer to help Washington
in stepping up world pressure on Baghdad to pull its troops out of
Kuwait and signal readiness to take part in an international force
in the region.
After apparently fruitless talks with Foreign Minister Aziz
Wednesday, Gorbachev will clearly be bearing no message of optimism
to his Helsinki meeting with Bush.
However, he will certainly aim to use the impromptu summit as
a new demonstration of commitment to working with the U.S. on the
world stage to contain and solve regional crises that would once
have set the superpowers at odds.
"I have no doubt that he will continue to argue for diplomatic
efforts to achieve a political solution, and for military restraint
at the present stage,' said Igor Belyayev, a prominent Moscow
Middle East specialist.
"But given Iraq's intransigence, he may well tell Bush he is
ready to accept passing on from words to some sort of action to
increase pressure on Baghdad, as long as it comes under the flag
of the United Nations.'
Leonid Koryavin, a commentator for the government newspaper
Izvestia, said the summit could lay the groundwork for a common
approach by Moscow and Washington to achieving an overall
settlement in the Middle East. (Robert Evans, analysis, Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-6
U.S. BARGAINS WITH SADDAM OVER PAYMENTS
TO LET AMERICANS OUT OF KUWAIT
BAGHDAD -- Washington is bargaining with Baghdad for special
charter jets to fly from Kuwait about 1,300 U.S. women and
children, many of whom have been in hiding for a month.
Under the deal, Iraqi Airways flights hopscotching from Kuwait
to Baghdad to a third Middle East country could start as early as
Saturday, Western diplomats said Thursday.
But they will require complicated logistics -- including
beaming instructions over VOA and BBC radio stations -- to persuade
the women to leave their husbands and bring themselves and their
children out of hiding.
"A lot of these people have gone underground and will need to
be assured before they're going to come out," a diplomat said.
At the same time, the women and children will have to manage
for the most part on their own for the first leg of their journeys,
relying on the aid of diplomats other than Americans in Kuwait, the
sources said. Their U.S. representatives are under siege at the
troop-ringed U.S. Embassy there, and Baghdad has banned U.S.
diplomats based in its capital from Kuwait as long as the standoff
continues.
(Carol Rosenberg, Knight-Ridder)
SAUDIS AGREE TO PAY BILLIONS FOR DEFENSE
More Egyptian, Syrian Troops Accepted
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia gave the U.S. an explicit
commitment Thursday night to devote billions of dollars in windfall
oil revenues to underwrite the cost of the American military
deployment here and to ease the economic woes of other Arab nations
joining the international embargo against Iraq, Saudi and Bush
Administration officials said.
In an hour-long meeting with Secretary Baker at the royal
family's sprawling Salaam Palace here, King Fahd said his nation
would make contributions, either in cash or fuel and other
necessities, toward the cost of supporting the largest American
military deployment in a generation, the officials reported. He
pledged additional sums toward aiding the front-line states of
Egypt, Turkey and Jordan who have joined the drive to isolate Iraq
for its invasion of Kuwait, they said.
In a related development, officials said Washington and Saudi
Arabia said the Saudis have agreed to receive about 50,000 more
Egyptian and Syrian troops to join U.S. and other multinational
forces defending the desert kingdom form attack by Iraq.
Though final details and arrival dates have not been set, the
agreements would allow fulfillment of the first large pledges to
send Arab forces to defend Saudi Arabia, the officials said.
(David Hoffman, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-7
$11.3 BILLION COST ESTIMATED IN 1991 FOR GULF OPERATION
New Defense Department estimates circulated in Congress this
week suggest that the bill for Operation Desert Shield in fiscal
1991 will total $11.3 billion, an amount that would more than wipe
out all the various proposed defense cuts now on the legislative
table unless U.S. allies pick up some of the tab.
"The cost of the gulf operation is going to be a real sleeper
in all this," said one congressional source, who noted that the
latest "preliminary" estimates assume that there will be no
shooting war.
The estimates were sent to committees involved in preparing
the congressional position for budget summit talks with the White
House this weekend. However, sources on several key defensive
committees said the panels have not received details necessary to
evaluate whether Pentagon numbers include expenditures that might
have been made even without the Persian Gulf crisis.
Even with allied contributions to the U.S. effort in the gulf,
Administration officials made clear Thursday that they want to use
the crisis to try to roll back some of the cuts contained in
defense bills now moving through Congress.
A senior Administration official traveling with President Bush
said Thursday that Democrats "can't sustain those deep cuts in
defense when our young men and women are defending America in the
sands of Saudi Arabia."
If they continued to press for them, the official said, "We'll
embarrass them politically, I can assure you. They just can't
sustain the political pressure we'd put on, and they know that.'
However, Speaker Foley said the operations in the gulf should
be treated as an "emergency condition [rather] than regular planing
for the future
This isn't something we are ready to assume as
a permanent condition of American commitment."
(Dan Morgan, Washington Post, A25)
IN '87, U.S. BORE BRUNT OF REFLAGGING
The U.S. bore the heaviest financial burden in providing naval
protection for ships in the Persian Gulf in 1987-88, while some
nations most dependent on gulf oil contributed little to the
effort, according to a GAO reported released Thursday.
A similar pattern appears to be developing in the current gulf
crisis, with the U.S. paying most of the military cost for
Operation Desert Shield. With strong encouragement from Congress,
the Bush Administration has urged U.S. allies to play a larger role
in confronting Iraq's aggression toward Kuwait.
"The nations that pulled their weight [in Earnest will] are
the ones doing their part today. Those that shirked the burden
during Operation Earnest Will are the same ones balking today,"
said Rep. Schroeder, who requested the study as chairman of the
House Armed Services subcommittee on military installations and
facilities.
(Rick Atkinson, Washington Post, A25)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-8
LAWMAKERS SEEK MORE INTERNATIONAL HELP IN SAUDI ARABIA
IN THE NORTHWEST SAUDI DESERT -- Members of a congressional
delegation visiting U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia called Thursday on
American allies to boost their commitments to the multinational
defense effort.
"I'm dissatisfied with the lack of burden-sharing generally
so far, Rep. Aucoin said during a visit with the 82nd Airborne
Division's 1st Brigade in the Saudi desert.
"My constituents are looking or good-faith efforts on the pat
of our allies."
Sounding a similar call was Rep. Hefner, who said he expected
more European allies to support the Saudi defense effort because
they "depend far more on energy supplies from this area than we
do." The congressmen, who on Friday were to continue their visit
with a planned meeting with Saudi King Fahd, said they came away
from a briefing with the top American commander here convinced a
formidable deterrent force was in place.
But the leader of the delegation said it was no time to let
down the guard. "Anytime you have a potential enemy as fanatical
as Hussein is, you have to believe there could be a war," said Rep.
Murtha. "But if he has any professional ability at all, he will
see that he will pay a high price."
(John King, AP)
CHENEY: 100,000 NOT ENOUGH
The buildup of U.S. military forces in the Persian Gulf region
has reached 100,000 men and women, but it is "too soon as yet" to
halt the flow of troops and weaponry, Secretary Cheney said
Thursday.
The month-long deployment "has been an enormously successful
one, he told members of the Institute for International Strategic
Studies.
Cheney's statement was his first public enumeration of the
size of the U.S. deployment
Queried by a member of the audience whether enough U.S. force
was in the region that deployment could be halted, Cheney replied,
"It is too soon as yet to do that."
"The worst sin of all is to deploy enough to get into
trouble," but not enough troops to guarantee their safety and to
complete their mission, Cheney said.
(Susanne Schafer, AP)
U.S. CONTENT TO LET SMALL NUMBER OF PLANES EVADE IRAQI BLOCKADE
The blockade of Iraq has been broken by airplanes carrying
food, but U.S. officials are not seriously considering stopping
them because an air blockade would be too difficult and so little
is getting through.
Blockades have been broken from the air before -- most notably
in 1948, when the U.S. flew food and other supplies into West
Berlin to circumvent a Soviet blockade. The effort was so
successful that the blockade crumbled
Although officials have not provided precise numbers, they say
only a few planes have been landing in Iraq, mainly from Libya,
since the U.N. Security Council embargo went into effect last
month
Pentagon spokesman Williams has characterized the leak through
the air as "a trickle."
(Fred Kaplan, Boston Globe)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-9
CONFIDENT IRAQIS SET FOR A LONG HAUL
Iraq's huge military force occupying Kuwait is well-supplied
and shows good morale, Bush Administration officials said Thursday,
countering press reports from the Middle East that critical
supplies were not getting through from Baghdad.
One senior official with direct intelligence reports from the
Persian Gulf region said Iraqi leader Saddam has managed to keep
his 265, 000-man force in and around Kuwait well-fed and supplied.
The official said the troops appear to be digging in for a long
stay after the Aug. 2 blitzkrieg.
"I don't see any evidence in a broad sense that the forces he
used to invade Kuwait are unhappy or disaffected," said the
official, who requested anonymity.
A U.S. intelligence official agreed, noting that "they're not
being shot at, they're not on the front with Iran, they're at
relative peace and they're in Kuwait."
Other officials said Mr. Hussein has built a resilient
economic and political system that will not crumble in the near
future under the pressure of an almost leakproof economic embargo.
(Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough, Washington Times, A1)
U.S., ALLIES COULD BREAK IRAQ AIR FORCE IN HOURS, OFFICER SAYS
WITH THE U.S. FORCES IN SAUDI ARABIA -- U.S., Saudi and allied
forces could knock out Iraq's radar in less than five minutes and
destroy its air force within 36 hours, sa senior U.S. officer said
Thursday.
Maj. Gen. Royal Moore, commander of the Third Marine Aircraft
Wing and head of its air combat forces in Saudi Arabia, told
reporters that allied forces in the Persian Gulf would soon have
enough ground combat power to push Iraq out of Kuwait if Saudi
Arabia and other Arab states wanted them to do so
Moore said casualties would be light because U.S. Harm and
Shrike air-to-ground missiles would be able to take out Iraqi
weapons systems and radar.
"We want about three to five minutes, and we're going to give
him (Saddam) the most violent three to five minutes they've ever
seen."
(Mariam Isa, Reuter)
IRAQ ACCUSES U.S. OF 'ACT OF PIRACY' FOR SEIZING SHIP
UNITED NATIONS -- Iraq accused the U.S. Thursday of an
"illegal act of piracy" for seizing the Iraqi ship Zanoobia, bound
for Basra with what it said was a cargo of foodstuffs
In a letter to Secretary General Perez de Cuellar, circulated
here, Iraqi U.N. representative Al-Anbari called on the
international community to "take appropriate measure to prevent
such acts of aggression and ensure that food and medicines do reach
the Iraqi people."
(Reuter)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-10
BRITISH GULF ROLE WINS BROAD BACKING
Thatcher Government May Deploy More Units with Defense Force
LONDON -- Britain's Parliament, meeting in emergency session
for the first time since the Falklands War eight years ago, voiced
overwhelming support Thursday for the Western military deployment
in the Persian Gulf, but there were also strong warnings that a
shooting war could break the consensus here and abroad.
Prime Minister Thatcher announced that Britain is considering
sending additional forces to the gulf, and there were published
reports Thursday night that these might include 2,000 ground troops
to supplement the three British aircraft squadrons and half-dozen
war-ships already there or en route. She also announced allocation
of $3.8 million in additional relief funds for refugees in
countries bordering Iraq, bring to $10.3 million Britain's total
commitment of humanitarian aid.
Thatcher and Labor Party leader Neil Kinnock appeared in total
agreement on the steps taken under U.N. Security Council
endorsement to isolate Iraq and force it to retreat from its month-
long occupation of Kuwait. But Thatcher insisted that the U.S. and
Britain could justifiably launch a military strike against Iraq
without needing to return to the Security Council for approval.
(Glenn Frankel, Washington Post, A25)
MITTERRAND, FRENCH AWAIT U.N. ACTION
PARIS -- President Mitterrand pledged Thursday he would not
negotiate with Baghdad for the release of "the victims of an act
of barbarism" but cautioned France equally would not join the U.S.
in an attack on Iraq without a U.N. mandate.
Speaking at a news conference broadcast live on four
television channels, the Socialist leader stressed he hoped
President Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev would promise to confine the
prospect of military action against Iraq to the U.N. framework when
they meet at Helsinki for a summit next weekend.
Mitterrand repeated his view first stated last month that "the
logic of war" continues to prevail even if "we are doing all we can
to get out of it while respecting the rule of law." Only an
"implacable" execution of the U.N. embargo against Iraq offered a
hope for peaceful solution of the stand-off, he said.
(John Phillips, UPI)
KOHL AIDE AGAINST GERMAN FINANCIAL HELP FOR U.S. GULF ACTION
BONN -- A senior aide to Chancellor Kohl has come out against
any financial help from Bonn for the U.S. military buildup in the
Persian Gulf, a leading West German newspaper reported Thursday.
Volker Ruehe, secretary-general of Kohl's Christian Democrats
said Bonn should instead help Jordan, Egypt and Turkey, three
countries hard hit by the Gulf crisis
Ruehe's comments, to be published in the Friday edition of
Munich's Sueddeutsche Zeitung, revealed a split within Kohl's
government over the answer to give him.
On Tuesday, a deputy leader of the CDU, Karl-Heinz Hornhues,
said: "Our American friends can be certain of our solidarity. For
us, friendship does not stop at money."
(Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-11
CRUDE OIL PRICES UP MORE THAN $1 A BARREL
Crude oil prices shot up by more than $1 a barrel and gasoline
by nearly 3 cents a gallon as oil markets reacted to news of Iraqi
troops shooting an American in Kuwait.
The value of U.S. crude has now increased $5.51 a barrel, or
21.2 percent, in the last five trading sessions, and analysts look
for a further rise Friday.
(Walter Andrews, UPI)
U.S. APPROVES EXPORT OF ROCKET PARTS
TO BRAZIL DESPITE FEARS OF LINK TO IRAQ
The State Department has decided to allow the export to Brazil
of rocket components that some experts contend could assist efforts
by Brazilian engineers and Iraq to develop a long-range ballistic
missile, government officials said Thursday.
The components, seven steel casings, are the outer shells of
a three-stage rocket called the VLS which Brazil's air force hopes
to launch in 1993. Brazil has long argued that the rocket is part
of a civilian project to enter the commercial satellite-launching
business.
(Michael Wines, New York Times, A8)
KOREAN TALKS END ON UPBEAT NOTE
Two Sides Take Steps On U.N. Representation, Family Reunification
SEOUL -- The prime ministers of South and North Korea ended
two days of historic talks Thursday amid conciliatory gestures
designed to suggest an easing of the bitter rivalry between the two
nations.
South Korea agreed to weigh a North Korean proposal for the
two countries to share representation in the U.N., and both
delegations said they would take steps to resume negotiations on
reuniting families in the divided peninsula. The talks marked the
highest-level contact between the two nations since World War II.
Afterward, North Korean Prime Minister Yon Hyong Muk met South
Korean President Roh Tae Woo, and the South Korean president was
reported to have proposed a summit of the nations' top leaders.
"If we meet often and discuss issues between the North and
South, there will be no problems we cannot settle," Roh told Yon.
(Peter Maass, Washington Post, A17)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-12
U.S. MISSIONARIES REPORT ATTACK BY GUATEMALAN REBELS
GUATEMALA CITY -- Leftist rebels acting on orders from a top
guerrilla commander attacked a group of U.S. and Guatemalan
missionaries in northern Guatemala in retaliation for taking in
soldiers wounded in an ambush, a U.S. missionary said Thursday.
A group of 10 guerrillas surrounded an outpost run by eight
U.S. and two Guatemalan missionaries last Friday night in Sayaxche,
about 130 miles north of the capital, missionary Elam Stolzfuz said
on the daily television news program Teleprensa
Hours later rebels of the Guatemalan National Revolutionary
Unit pillaged and set fire to three houses and the missionary
clinic in retaliation for helping 10 soldiers wounded in a rebel
attack last month, he said. A U.S. Embassy spokesman said the
Guatemalan army evacuated the missionaries from the remote jungle
region of Peten to the capital early Thursday.
(Reuter)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Saddam Turns To Religion," by Edward Cody,
appears in the Washington Post, A1.
"Last War Remains Fresh In The Minds Of Forces In Gulf," by Steve
Coll, appears in the Washington Post, A25.
"Iran Is Motivated To Offer Iraq Aid," by Elaine sciolino, appears
in the New York Times, A8.
"U.S. To Help Soviets Lift oil Output," by Clyde Farnsworth,
appears in the New York Times, D4.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
TAX CUT ON OIL COMPANIES
The Republicans may propose a tax cut on big oil companies as
an incentive to boost production. The Democrats may propose a tax
hike on oil or gasoline to encourage conservation.
Though united on their goals but far apart on how to reach
them, congressional negotiators resume the painful and prolonged
annual ritual of creating a national budget Friday by traveling to
Andrews AFB for a weekend of intensive meetings at the officer's
club
A conciliatory-sounding President Bush is to preside at the
opening session before flying off to another summit -- in Helsinki
with President Gorbachev, with the Persian Gulf as the meat of the
agenda.
"The time for partisanship is past, the President, reversing
partisan comments he made last month, declared Thursday at a
Republican fund raiser in Topeka. "I pledge to work with the
leaders in Congress on both sides of the aisle to get an
agreement
"
Despite the soaring price of oil resulting from the
confrontation in the gulf, there is still talk among the Democrats
about recommending some sort of gasoline or oil tax increase. And
because of those soaring prices, Sen. Dole suggested Thursday that
the negotiators might consider a tax break for the big oil
companies on the condition that they produce more oil.
(Myron Waldman, Newsday)
Budget Negotiators Face Tough Choices
White House and congressional budget negotiators have agreed
ton the size of the deficit cut they want to achieve next year, but
now face hard choices about specific spending cuts and tax
increases needed to attain their goal.
President Bush, warning that "time is running out, planned
to sit in on the first 90 minutes of the marathon budget summit set
to begin Friday at Andrews AFB outside the nation's capital.
Bush, who travels to Finland Friday night for a summit with
President Gorbachev, pledged Thursday to approach the budget talks
"in good faith" and called for bipartisan cooperation in tackling
the deficit.
Democratic leaders said they welcomed Bush's comments, which
marked a softening of previous statements accusing Democrats of
dragging their feet since first embarking on budget talks with the
Administration in May.
(Steven Gorman, UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-14
Bush, Congressional Leaders Resuming Budget Talks
Democratic and Republican budget negotiators say they agree
on the amount of deficit reductions they need, but as their
bargaining resumes they disagree strongly over how far to cut
military spending.
After a five-week break for Congress' August recess,
Administration officials and congressional leaders resume their
talks Friday at Andrews AFB. President Bush plans to attend the
session.
"It is in the interest of every family here that we get a
budget agreement, " the President said Thursday at a political rally
in Tallahassee, Fla. "I pledge to you and to every American
taxpayer that I will not accept a budget agreement that is not
fiscally sound and fundamentally fair. "
"The hope is to arrive at an agreement," said Rep. Panetta.
(Alan Fram, AP)
GULF COSTS MAY BE ISOLATED
House and Senate budget officials said Thursday there is
growing support for isolating the cost of Operation Desert Shield
from the rest of the 1991 budget and financing it later through a
supplemental appropriations bill.
Sen. Sasser is among those in Congress who is proposing that
the eventual costs be segregated from the rest of the budget so
that they do not affect baseline numbers used to calculate overall
government spending and revenue projections in the fiscal 1991
budget bill.
Meanwhile, there appeared to be growing disagreement over what
the eventual costs of the U.S. military action will be.
(Donald Lambro, Washington Times, A3)
FDIC SAYS REAL ESTATE SLUMP IN AREA,
NORTHEAST IS WEAKENING U.S. BANKS
Deepening real estate problems in the District of Columbia,
Maryland, Virginia and other East Coast states are seriously
weakening the nation's banks, federal regulators reported Thursday.
In its quarterly analysis of the health of the banking system,
the FDIC said New England has already replaced the Southwest as the
region with the most rapidly growing real estate problems and the
troubles are now spreading down the Atlantic Coast.
Banks' real estate loan troubles grew faster in Maryland and
the District than anywhere else in the country, the FDIC said. The
total dollar value of real estate loans that are not being paid on
time in the two jurisdictions doubled in just three months
FDIC Chairman Seidman said it is too soon to tell whether the
growing real estate loan problems and slumping profits will lead
to more bank failures, but it clearly is a sign of economic
weakness.
(Jerry Knight, Washington Post, A1)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- A-15
SAVING OWL MAY COST 20,000 JOBS
White House Said To Accept Proposals By Scientific Panel
Senior Bush Administration officials have reluctantly
concluded that saving the Pacific Northwest's rare northern spotted
owl from extinction will require the sacrifice of up to 20,000
timber industry jobs, informed sources said Thursday.
An Administration task force charged in June with striking a
"balance" between owls and loggers has tentatively embraced the
main recommendations of a scientific panel that called for
preserving large chunks of the ancient, "old-growth" forests where
the owls live, sources said.
The decision to follow the panel's basic strategy, albeit with
modifications aimed at cushioning job losses, reflects a
recognition on the part of Administration officials that to do
anything less would jeopardize the survival of the bird, violate
the federal Endangered Species Act and cause unacceptable political
fallout, sources said.
"What has happened is that people have gotten education about
this," said a senior Administration official.
The Administration's owl strategy, which is not yet final and
could be rejected by President Bush, has become a key test of
Bush's approach to solving environmental problems
The evolving owl-protection plan appears to represent a
retreat from the Administration's position earlier this summer,
when officials indicated that they were not prepared to accept
large job losses and suggested that Congress consider revising the
Endangered Species Act.
(John Lancaster and Rick Atkinson, Washington Post, A1)
AIR FORCE ONE: MORE THAN FIRST-CLASS
On Maiden Trip, Jet Outfitted For Reagan Suits Bush 'Great'
TOPEKA -- President Bush got to have his cake and eat it too
Thursday -- savoring the new luxurious Air Force One while aides
pointed out he had nothing to do with the multimillion-dollar
pricetag that paid for extras such as the 85 telephones, the seven
bathrooms, the built-in movie screens or private office, changing
room and presidential medical suite.
Bush, a World War II naval aviator who seems never to have
heard of a plane trip he didn't want to be on, pronounced the
converted jumbo Boeing 747 "great" before settling in, presidential
slippers parked beneath the new presidential bed, for the jet's
maiden trip from Washington to Topeka Thursday.
He reminded reporters twice that Congress had approved the
purchase of the plane in 1986 and that not he but his predecessor,
Ronald Reagan, had planned its amenities. "Thank heavens somebody
else did okay for me five years ago, Bush said.
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A13)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "U.S. Sets Space Policy To Reassure Rocket
Industry," by John Cushman, appears in the New York Times, A16.
"Expensive Gulf Action Is About To Collide With Domestic Needs,"
by Gerald Seib and Alan Murray, appears in the Wall Street Journal,
A1.
-end of A-section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Thursday Evening, September 6.)
GULF POLICY/POLL
NBC's Jane Pauley: As President Bush politics in Kansas and
Florida, the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll shows
American support for his Gulf policy is growing.
(President Bush: "And our cause may not be easy, but it will
always be right."
NBC News Theme
Pauley: It is clear tonight that American support of the
President's policies in the Persian Gulf remains strong. The NBC
News/Wall Street Journal Poll, conducted earlier this week, shows
75 percent of Americans approve of what the President is doing in
the Middle East. Only 18 percent disapprove.
POLL
President's Gulf Policy:
Approval rating:
75% now; 72% in August
Disapproval rating:
18%
now;
16% in August
Not sure:
7% now; 12 % in August.
(plus or minus 4% error)
Pauley: This is more favorable than in the early days of the
crisis last month. Even though the President's summit meeting with
Mikhail Gorbachev is less than 72 hours away, he spent most of this
day campaigning for fellow Republicans. NBC's John Cochran joins
us now from one of those political stops, Tallahassee, Fla.
Cochran: For a President who hopes to make a big difference in
this fall's congressional campaign, this new poll is a good
political omen.
(TV Coverage: President Bush waving to crowd from Air Force One,
crowd applauding.)
What the President saw with his own eyes was also a good sign.
Welcoming crowds, instead of protesters demanding that he bring
troops home from the desert. True, he was campaigning in the
conservative heartland, but the NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll
shows that in the past month the number of Americans who approve
of sending U.S. forces to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf is up from 70
percent to 76 percent. Twenty percent now disapprove.
(TV Coverage: President Bush at podium of Mike Hayden fundraiser;
crowd giving standing ovation.)
With solid backing like that, Bush changed political tactics today.
No more hard-hitting attacks on the Democrats. Instead, Bush chose
to look more Presidential, less partisan. Calling for a quick
budget agreement, Bush did not even mention the Democrats by name.
(President Bush: "The time for partisanship, in my view, is
past.")
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-2
Cochran continues: Bush may be getting high ratings as Commander-
in-Chief, but his aides wonder for how long. The new poll shows
that in the Mideast conflict, 66% believe the worst is yet to come.
Only 25% think the worst is over for Americans. To pay for the
crisis, 38% think the budget deficit should be increased. Twenty-
seven percent want to cut domestic spending. Eighteen percent
would raise taxes temporarily. And 12%, without even being asked
about other countries, said others should help. George Bush
emphasized they are helping.
(President Bush: "We're doing this with the cooperation of the
United Nations, 22 countries involved in the Persian Gulf effort -
- twenty-two!")
But Japan's promise of medical and transportation help has so far
been more talk than action. West Germany says it may help
transport American troops, but doesn't want to help pay the
billions that the U.S. military effort will cost. Late today, the
Saudi royal family said it will pay most of the cost. And if the
check actually arrives, President Bush may continue to get strong
support from American voters. President Bush will also try to win
over public support in Iraq. Bush has accepted an offer from
Saddam Hussein to send a videotaped message to the Iraqi people.
The Iraqis say they will broadcast the message uncut, uncensored.
Pauley: There were more interesting findings from our poll. We
asked 800 people, registered voters from coast to coast, why they
think American troops have been sent to the Gulf. Fully half say
it's to protect the world's oil supply. Thirty-nine percent say
to force Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. And nine percent say it is
to overthrow Saddam Hussein.
(NBC-Lead)
CBS's Bob Schieffer: President Bush spent most of the day
politicking. Campaigning for Republican candidates in Kansas and
Florida, the President took to the hustings as both Republicans and
Democrats are trying to gauge the impact of the Persian Gulf crisis
on the fall elections.
CBS's Wyatt Andrews: While George Bush as President hopes this
crisis unites all Americans, today he began to exploit it to help
Republicans -- starting with Governor Mike Hayden in Kansas.
(TV Coverage: President Bush stepping up to podium, receiving
Kansas cutout.)
(President Bush: "Abroad, let us raise the flag of peace and
justice, and at home, let's show that Kansas does like Mike.")
Six weeks ago, Democrats saw the Republican Party as vulnerable -
- abortion, the savings and loan scandal, and a sour economy were
set to dominate debate. Today, though, Commander-in-Chief Bush is
ten points up in the polls, and Neil Bush is no longer front-page
news.
(Linda Divall, Republican pollster: "We haven't heard too much
about the abortion issue lately. You haven't heard too much about
S&Ls. But what you have heard is the need for strong military
defense.")
And what voters are seeing is the creative injection of Gulf issues
into politics. In Illinois, Republican challenger Lynn Martin has
pounced on Sen. Simon's call to cut defense spending.
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-3
Andrews' report continues:
(Martin: "Thus far, the only thing we've been able to hear from
him is that he would cut Stealth and SDI. And I wish to remind the
people of Illinois that the Stealth technology is in use in Iraq.")
While the Simon campaign calls that tactic desperate, Democratic
challengers for office have been no less innovative. Kentucky's
hot new issue is gasoline price-gouging. Democrat Harvey Sloane
has forced incumbent Sen. McConnell of the Energy Committee to
defend against the charge he owes too much to big oil.
(Sen. McConnell, in campaign commercial: "We need to fight back.")
Some experts say any crisis helps the incumbent, regardless of
party, especially if incumbents can share the glory of success.
But the risk is that the crisis can backfire.
(Paul Maslin, Democratic pollster: "Two months from now, if our
troops are still stuck in the desert, we have a stalemate in the
Persian Gulf, some hostages still haven't been released, and we are
knee-deep in a recession, at that point I don't think Republican
candidates are going to be all that happy.")
As much as anything, the Gulf crisis will now freeze American
politics in place while voters wait to see how it plays it. Still,
those Democrats who hoped this September would dawn with
Republicans on the defensive will have trouble unwrapping
Republicans from the flag.
(CBS-7)
MESSAGE TO IRAQ
ABC's Peter Jennings: Noting all the exposure that Saddam Hussein
has had on American television, President Bush said earlier this
week he wished he had the same opportunity in Iraq. This morning,
the Iraqis offered him time on television. Bush said that was a
real opportunity, and said he'll make a tape next week and send it
to Baghdad. We'll see if it's played.
(ABC-7)
CBS's Dan Rather: On the campaign trail in the U.S., President
Bush said he's decided to take up an offer from Saddam Hussein.
A White House spokesman said Bush will videotape a message in the
next few days and give it to the Iraqi Information Minister for
broadcast inside Iraq.
CBS's Doug Tunnell reports a senior Iraqi official said Iraq was
willing to broadcast an interview with President Bush nationwide.
(Naji al-Hadithi, Iraqi Information Minister: "We have no
conditions. Since he is asking for a chance to address the Iraqi
public opinion in exchange for the chance given to our president
on American TV, we are ready to do so.")
Some Western diplomats in Baghdad say that a Bush broadcast could
be interpreted in Iraq as a slight softening in the American
position that there will be no discussion or dialogue with the
Iraqis until they withdraw from Kuwait. Meanwhile, the Canadian
Embassy in Baghdad succeeded in organizing the first government
charter flight from Kuwait. American citizens trapped in Kuwait
are being advised to stand by for what diplomats call an air bridge
to get them out to safety. But with so many Americans in hiding,
the evacuation plan poses tremendous risks. One is that if too
many women and children show up at the airport for the first
evacuation flight, anyone without a seat on the plane may be
stranded there, known to Iraqi troops and unable to return to their
hiding places.
(CBS-Lead)
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-4
U.S. TROOPS/POLL
Pauley: There are now 100,000 American troops in the Gulf region,
In our poll, we asked people how long they expect the U.S. military
to remain there. Nineteen percent say they expect them to be there
six months or less. Twenty-five percent say between six months and
one year. Thirty-nine percent say one year or longer. Some say
much longer.
NBC's Arthur Kent reports that on Saudi Arabia's border with
Kuwait, American Marine reconnaissance officers suspect that Iraqi
spies posing as refugees from Kuwait are active here.
(NBC-3)
GULF CRISIS RESOLUTION/POLL
Pauley: In our poll, we found that people back home are optimistic
about how this Persian Gulf crisis will end. More than half say
the U.S. will win, achieving its objectives, without firing a shot.
That's up sharply from the 40% who believed that last month. But
36% still say they think there will be a shooting war in the
desert.
POLL
U.S. will probably win with no war:
52% now; 40% in August.
Probably be a shooting war:
36% now; 42% in August.
(NBC-4)
AMERICAN SHOT
Jennings: We begin tonight with one of those incidents in Iraqi-
occupied Kuwait which, while it turned out to be not as bad as it
could have been, makes it very clear that Americans hiding from the
Iraqis there are truly in danger. An American man was shot as he
tried to evade the Iraqis' dragnet. The Iraqis say it was a
mistake. The State Department says it was outrageous. The man was
not seriously hurt; but as far as we know, it is the first such
incident involving an American civilian.
ABC's David Ensor: The Iraqi Ambassador was called to the State
Department to explain the shooting. The U.S. says the American was
hanging out of a window, trying to avoid being rounded up by Iraqi
soldiers, and was shot in the forearm.
(Mark Dillen, State Dept. spokesman: "This is outrageous behavior.
As we've said all along, we hold the Iraqi government responsible
for the health and welfare of all American citizens.")
Ambassador al-Mashat called the shooting an unfortunate incident,
but said the Iraqi troops were within their rights to fire.
(Ambassador al-Mashat: "The whole incident is just accidental,
because he violated the curfew. And he was not picked up as an
American. This is, I want you to underline this.")
The U.S. says using live ammunition is unacceptable, and wants the
wounded man to be allowed to leave, along with other hostages with
medical problems. U.S. officials say Undersecretary of State
Kimmitt also demanded the Iraqis return the body of an American,
James Worthington, who died of a heart attack while in Iraqi
detention.
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-5
Jennings continues: Kimmitt told the Iraqi ambassador that
incidents like the shooting and the heart attack will continue
until all foreigners are free to leave. His warning came as U.S.
officials said they have more reports of foreign men being rounded
up in Kuwait.
Jennings: It is the U.S. government's estimate that there are more
than 2,000 Americans still hiding from the Iraqis in Kuwait. Today
we talked on a very poor phone connection with an American named
Bob in Kuwait City, who said that 25 other Americans had just been
picked up by the Iraqis.
(Bob: "The Americans were taken from two apartment complexes.
They were taken to the Regency Hotel today. The doors were broken
into and soldiers entered their apartments, as we understand."
Jennings: Tell me what you think your own prospects might be in
the next several days. Bob: "Our morale is near zero. We still
wait for the knock on the door. We're keeping a very low profile."
Jennings: Have the Iraqis been around your building? Bob: "We
are totally surrounded. We cannot move. Jennings: Do you think
they know you're in there? Bob: "We think that we're already
hostages.")
We also talked on the phone with a young Kuwaiti, who, like many,
many Kuwaitis, was educated in the U.S. What was life like for
Kuwaitis now?
Kuwaiti: "It's like, from a scale of ten, we've dropped all the
way to zero. And we've never been prepared for that
And
the
last week it's been hell, and it's getting worse. A lot of bodies
are found in hospitals, being executed with a bullet in the back
of the head. Jennings: Tell us about the resistance to the Iraqi
occupation. Kuwaiti: "It's mainly small arms
And it's mainly
snipers And people are getting panicky. You can't go on like
this. About half of the city is empty."
Jennings: We cannot, he said, resist the Iraqis much longer. The
Iraqi government said today that any foreigner caught trying to
leave the country without an exit permit could be sentenced to life
in prison; for moving to a new location without telling the Iraqi
authorities, up to three years. Some people in Iraq are getting
the necessary papers. But only some.
(ABC-Lead, CBS-2)
HOSTAGES
ABC's Morton Dean reports that the exodus of Westerners from Kuwait
is proceeding at a breathless pace now. Once in Iraq, though, the
bureaucratic process to get them home can be agonizingly slow. In
Kuwait, the Voice of America spread the news that some Americans
would soon begin the trip home.
(Voice of America broadcast: "Iraqi authorities have said that
only women and children will be permitted to leave, but we are
continuing to urge that all American citizens be permitted to leave
Kuwait and Iraq.")
Beginning Friday, Iraqi Airways planes, chartered by the U.S.
government, are expected to begin an airlift which will eventually
bring an estimated 1,300 American women and children from Kuwait
to Baghdad. The big story on Iraqi TV tonight was not the movement
of hostages or the shooting of an American -- it was the visit of
Jordan's King Hussein.
(TV Coverage: President Saddam, King Hussein kissing, shaking
hands.)
(ABC-2)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-6
Pauley reports that the State Department announced an agreement
with Iraq to begin evacuating Americans with a chartered Iraqi
jetliner Friday. In Kuwait City today, an American man was shot
in the hand by Iraqi troops as he tried to escape a roundup of
foreigners. After some confusion and tension, Iraq called it an
accident.
NBC's Mike Boettcher reports that Iraq moved quickly to defuse the
situation. Iraq's Ministry of Information hastily summoned
reporters to a news conference to report that the American was
alive and in good condition. As a further departure from the tough
rhetoric of war, Saddam Hussein donned a business suit for a
meeting with Jordan's King Hussein. Iraqi television played
soothing music while it broadcast pictures of the event.
(TV Coverage: President Saddam, King Hussein kissing, shaking
hands.)
And in Baghdad, there are signs the economic situation is worsening
because of the international embargo.
(NBC-2)
Jennings: A number of countries today have said they want to send
food and other humanitarian supplies to the Iraqis. The Indians
say today they will ask the U.N. for permission to send food a
medicine to Iraq to be used specifically for the Indians who are
still stranded in Kuwait. The Indian government is making eight
flights a day to get is citizens out of Kuwait and Iraq, but there
are still 100,000 Indians stranded there.
(ABC-3)
BURDEN-SHARING
Jennings reports that the Secretary of State and the Secretary of
the Treasury are on the road today to get the financial support of
other nations for the effort to isolate Iraq. The Secretary of
State is in Saudi Arabia. The Saudis, he said today, have been
very forthcoming in the view that they should contribute
substantially to their own defense.
ABC's John McWethy reports that by one estimate, Secretary Baker
is looking for a total of at least one billion dollars a month.
(TV Coverage: Secretary Baker arriving in Saudi Arabia, shaking
hands, speaking with Saudis.)
Baker comes to Saudi Arabia first because this is where he will be
asking for the biggest contribution. Though the Saudis are already
paying for all of the fuel American forces are using, by some
accounts the U.S. wants Saudi Arabia to kick in the equivalent of
$500 million a month more for as long as U.S. forces stay. The
Saudis have made a vast windfall profit from the recent oil price
increases, and American officials say just a fraction of that new
revenue could easily cover what Baker is asking for. Baker's
mission also includes a search for money to help the poorer
nations, such as Egypt, Turkey and Jordan, which have been badly
hurt by the economic embargo against Iraq. For that account, Baker
is said to be asking for another four to five billion dollars from
the Saudis. Friday, Baker visits with the two other major targets
in his search for money: the government of Kuwait, in exile in
Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E.
(ABC-4)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-7
Jennings reports that among the countries outside the Gulf most
able to share the burden, there is both approval of U.S.
leadership, as well as some concern about the costs and the length
of time involved. The most committed ally so far is Great Britain:
2,000 troops, three Air Force squadrons, and four warships. Prime
Minister Thatcher said today she will send more.
(Thatcher, speaking to British Parliament: "The nub of the debate
is to secure the withdrawal of Iraq from Kuwait. Mr. Speaker, such
a man must be stopped, and we shall persevere until he is.")
The largest European contingent represented in the military task
force is French. But politically, the French are concerned about
the future. President Mitterrand said today that France would not
automatically support an American attack against Iraq. The
Germans, constitutionally forbidden from sending troops, are
sending humanitarian aid to the refugees in Jordan, and they say
they will do more. And then there is Japan.
ABC's Mark Litke reports that Japan is beginning to react to
international opinion that as one of the world's richest nations,
and heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil, it must shoulder a
greater share of the burden in the Gulf, or risk the anger of a
U.S. Congress already inclined to impose trade sanctions.
(Taizio Watanabe, Foreign Ministry spokesman: "We feel that heat,
that is true. But at the same time, it is not the heat coming from
the outside only, but coming from inside.")
The internal heat is coming from an unprecedented debate here about
how much Japan can do without violating its constitution, which
forbids Japan from engaging in war. Some Japanese now fear that
sending too much aid or manpower may violate the spirit of the
constitution, or worse. Others say Japan should amend its
constitution, and act like a world power. Meanwhile, Prime
Minister Kaifu is trying to build a national consensus for greater
involvement by Japan, and recent surveys indicate growing support
among the usually apolitical Japanese public.
(ABC-5)
Rather reports that sources tell CBS News Secretary Baker is
seeking a major commitment from the Saudis to finance the U.S.
troop buildup -- as much as $6 billion for the soldiers and
weaponry, and another $4 billion for the Arab nations straining
under the weight of the crisis.
(CBS-3)
Schieffer reports that there is late word from Saudi Arabia that
secretary Baker did succeed in his request for a multi-billion
commitment from the Saudis to help pay the cost of keeping U.S.
forces in the kingdom. No exact figures were given, but a Saudi
official said there was a meeting of the minds during Baker's talks
with King Fahd.
(CBS-6)
GULF CRISIS/CONGRESS
Jennings reports that congressmen paying a visit to U.S. forces in
Saudi Arabia today complained about the pace of the military
buildup, saying it is going too slowly. They've also been hearing
complaints from the troops.
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-8
ABC's Bill Redeker reports that for the fifth time in a month, U.S.
politicians took the tour of our forces in Saudi Arabia. But this
group heard some complaints. Weapons are overheating, for example.
The congressmen were from a defense appropriations subcommittee
which influences military spending, and they were critical of the
slow sealift of tanks here.
(Rep. Dicks: "We've got to have better lift here. It's something
that the services have neglected over the years. I think this
operation clearly demonstrates that that's a high priority.")
(Rep. Murtha: "We'll be going back, and we'll be changing the mix
of the money that was asked for this year.")
The congressmen told commanders not to waste money, but to prepare
for a six-month stay, and plan for enough ammunition and supplies.
(ABC-6)
U.S. AIR FORCES
Rather: From the top Marine aviator in country today, tough talk
and a warning for Saddam Hussein. Marine Maj. Gen. Royal Moore
said U.S. forces could neutralize the Iraqi air force within 36
hours.
(Moore: "I think the Air Force and we think that there will be a
very very short air war.")
At a northern Saudi base today, the Marines flexed their air muscle
for the press and Iraqis to see. Gen. Moore said U.S. aircraft
could destroy enemy air defense batteries in minutes.
(Moore: "We want about three to five minutes. And we're going to
give him the most violent three to five minutes that they've ever
seen.")
(CBS-Intro)
U.S. FORCES/MEDICAL SUPPLIES
CBS's Bob Simon reports on a clash of cultures with U.S. hospital
staff in Saudi Arabia. The Marines unveiled what was hailed as a
medical miracle today -- a 500-bed field hospital assembled over
the last 12 days, capable of providing every service available at
any major facility back home. But a Saudi official complained that
GIs working in the street for a medical resupply depot, which is
across from a Saudi park, provide a spectacle unfit for Saudi
families -- because the GIs were women, wearing T-shirts instead
of wrist-to-ankle coverings. An American general ordered the depot
closed down. And at the new facility, soldiers have been warned
to be very careful of Saudi sensitivities if they don't want to be
closed down too. Meanwhile, officers worry that the medical
response should fighting break out might be inadequate, since 400
tons of medical equipment is now sitting on the docks.
(CBS-4)
JORDANIAN REFUGEES
CBS's Tom Fenton reports that Asian refugees have been kept in
intolerable conditions for 10 days by Jordan, because Jordanian
officials built a camp for them to use over a major water supply.
Since that could contamniate it, the camp had to be torn down and
moved. The Jordanian government is trying to cover up its
mistake.
(CBS-5)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-9
NUCLEAR WEAPONS/IRAQ
NBC's Fred Francis reports on the case of Raymond Roberts, who
almost sold equipment which could be used to make nuclear weapons
to Iraq just days before Iraq invaded Kuwait. Iraq wanted Roberts'
New Jersey company, Comsock [phonetic], to build three furnaces to
make, Iraq said in documents, artificial hip and knee joints out
of titanium. But Roberts was suspicious, and told the Commerce
Department the end use of the equipment could also be nuclear. NBC
News has learned that the furnaces could be used to cast highly
enriched uranium from bomb cores, or for melting titanium for
rocket motors. But after learning that last year, the Commerce
Department gave Roberts permission to sell Iraq the furnaces. It
was an honest businessman's warning ignored, said one U.S.
official. Everyone in this government knew Saddam Hussein was
building nuclear weapons with Western technology. On top of that,
the furnaces were being shipped to the same complex south of
Baghdad where Iraq was planning to send smuggled nuclear triggers
it tried to acquire from a California firm. The Israeli government
heard about the furnace deal, and protested. But the furnaces were
already under construction, and the Israeli concern was ignored.
That is, until U.S. intelligence learned that other equipment Iraq
was buying in other countries, along with the furnaces, could only
mean production of missiles and nuclear warheads. It was almost
too late; Roberts had the first furnace crated and ready for
shipment. By early summer, the Pentagon was in a high-level debate
with the Commerce Department to stop the shipment. Commerce
refused, and then the President was told.
(President Bush, Aug. 28, 1990: "And so we stopped the export of
furnaces that had the potential to contribute to Iraq's nuclear
capabilities.")
Iraq won't get the furnaces, and Ray Roberts is out $10 million.
He says he was misled by Iraq and the U.S. Commerce Department.
The Pentagon says it's not the first time Commerce has sided with
Iraq. Three years ago, over the Pentagon's objections, Congress
approved the sale of a very sophisticated U.S. computer to Iraq -
- one that could be use for nuclear missile development. (NBC-5)
FUEL SHORTAGES
CBS's Ray Brady reports that there are new warnings this country
will be facing shortages of fuel because of the Persian Gulf
crisis.
(Edward Krapels, Energy Security Analysis: "On a global basis, we
see a shortage of around two million barrels per day, lasting
several months.")
That worry sent crude prices up $1.66 a barrel today. Many
analysts say that means gasoline prices could rise another 25 cents
a gallon at the pump. Even though OPEC nations are pumping more
oil, the embargo has shut off huge supplies of gasoline from
refineries in Kuwait. Because of environmental and economic
reasons, more than 100 refineries in the U.S. have closed in the
past ten years, and therefore cannot take up the slack.
(John Easton, Asst. Energy Sect., testifying Wednesday: "It's the
longer-term, the last half of the fourth quarter that does give us
concern, as the demand for winter heating stocks in the Northern
Hemisphere rises.")
The trouble could come around Dec. 1, say experts.
(CBS-10)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, September 7, 1990 -- B-10
CLEAN AIR/GASOLINE
NBC's Don Oliver reports on the competition between oil and gas
companies to come up with reformulated, less-polluting gasoline
blends before the U.S. requires gasoline's replacement with
alternative fuels through clean air laws.
(NBC-7)
WAR ON DRUGS/SMUGGLING
NBC's Brad Willis reports on the Dominican Republican connection
for smugglers of drugs. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of
drugs are now being flown here from Colombia on the way to the
streets of America. Many politicians and policemen take bribes in
the country to look the other way, and the army is short on money
and crime-fighting technology. The temptation to make many times
more than the average Dominican salary of $50 per month is becoming
harder to resist for the average Dominican. Immigration officials
say at least one million Dominicans enter the U.S. every year, many
of whom sell drugs. Their turf spans from New York to New England,
and is spreading west.
(NBC-6)
NATIONAL HEALTH GOALS
Schieffer: Federal health officials set 298 national health goals
today they hope can be met by the year 2000. The goals include
reduction of AIDS cases, cutting tobacco usage, more exercise, and
healthier diets. Many of the health goals are the same ones the
government set for the last decade, but were never met. (CBS-11)
SHUTTLE COLUMBIA
Jennings reports that the engineers at Cape Canaveral said they
will try to replace the fuel pumps on the Columbia Space Shuttle
over the weekend.
(ABC-9, CBS-8)
SUBWAY MURDER
ABC's Gary Sheppard reports on the New York City subway murder of
Utah native Brian Watkins, who was killed trying to defend his
mother from muggers who were allegedly attempting to rob them for
money to go dancing.
(ABC-8, NBC-8)
EDUCATION/COOPERATIVE LEARNING
ABC's Bill Blakemore reports on the educational concept of
cooperative learning, which allows students to band together in the
classroom to help one another learn the subject matter, rather than
just focusing on what the teacher has to say and learning
independently. Teachers say it is producing higher test scores,
trouble-free school integration, and fewer discipline problems --
all without sorting children out into ability groups. (ABC-10)
MAPPLETHORPE
Schieffer reports that a judge in Ohio refused to dismiss obscenity
charges against a Cincinnati art gallery and its director for a
recent exhibit featuring works by controversial photographer Robert
Mapplethorpe. The trial's set to begin later this month. (CBS-9)
-End of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1990 -- 6 A.M. EDT EDITION
TODAY'S HEADLINES
INTERNATIONAL
BUSH VOWS IRAQ 'WILL FAIL,' PUSHES BUDGET PLAN -- President Bush
vowed Tuesday night that President Saddam's invasion of Kuwait
"will fail" and used the Persian Gulf crisis to call on Congress
to approve a budget agreement, tailored to his specifications, that
he said would help America "remain strong and vital." "
(Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, New York Times,
AP, Knight-Ridder)
GERMANYS AND WARTIME FOES SIGN UNIFICATION TREATY -- The Germans
and the World War II allies who defeated them in 1945 signed a
treaty Wednesday to restore sovereignty to a united Germany and
define its new international status.
(Reuter)
NATIONAL NEWS
BUSH CALLS ON CONGRESS TO 'PRODUCE' ON BUDGET AGREEMENT --
President Bush told Congress Tuesday he was pleased with recent
progress on budget negotiations but that it was now time to produce
an agreement.
(Baltimore Sun, Reuter)
NETWORK NEWS (Tuesday evening)
GULF -- Lawmakers erupted in
anger with threats that the
free ride for some U.S. allies
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
is over.
Secretary Cheney warned that
NATIONAL NEWS
A-11
American action has triggered
terrorist threats against the
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
United States.
EDITORIALS
C-1
BUDGET -- Budget summiteers
took a few steps toward an
FOREIGN MEDIA
C-3
agreement, and some say a deal
is possible as early as
Wednesday.
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
GERMANYS AND WARTIME FOES SIGN UNIFICATION TREATY
MOSCOW -- The Germans and the World War II allies who defeated
them in 1945 signed a treaty Wednesday to restore sovereignty to
a united Germany and define its new international status.
Foreign ministers from both Germanys and the wartime allies -
- the U.S., Soviet Union, Britain, and France -- signed the
document in a Moscow hotel reserved for the Communist Party elite
and official guests.
The treaty will end the Allies' remaining occupation rights
when it is ratified by all participants next year.
(Reuter)
BUSH VOWS IRAQ 'WILL FAIL,' PUSHES BUDGET PLAN
President Bush vowed Tuesday night that President Saddam's
invasion of Kuwait "will fail" and used the Persian Gulf crisis to
call on Congress to approve a budget agreement, tailored to his
specifications, that he said would help America "remain strong and
vital.
"
Pointedly noting that adversaries like the Soviet Union and
the tens of thousands of American military personnel serving in the
gulf have been able to "work in common cause, Bush called on the
warring factions in Washington's budget struggle to "come together
to fulfill our responsibilities here.'
"We will not let this aggression stand,' Bush said of Iraq's
invasion of Kuwait. Outlining the international efforts of "a new
partnership of nations" against Saddam, he declared, "It is Iraq
against the world.'
The President's prime-time report to the American people on
the gulf situation, delivered to a joint session of Congress,
offered little new detail on the major unanswered questions in the
confrontation: How long the Administration expects the massive U.S.
military deployment in Saudi Arabia and surrounding waters to
remain in place; how much it will cost American taxpayers, how long
the embargo against Iraq might take to work, and how likely
military hostilities may be.
But Bush made clear that his commitment is longterm, noting,
"Let no one doubt our staying power. We will stand by our
friends.
On the federal budget deficit, Bush spoke as if the recent
progress made in negotiations between congressional leaders and his
budget director, Richard Darman, had not taken place.
For instance, he warned against "higher income tax rates" even
though the most recent Democratic proposal made Tuesday afternoon
omitted earlier calls for higher marginal income tax rates on the
wealthiest Americans.
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-2
World Has Embarked On 'New Partnership of Nations,' Bush Says
President Bush declared to Congress and the American people
Tuesday night that the world is embarked on a "new partnership of
nations" and appealed for national support to fulfill his pledge
that "Saddam Hussein will fail."
The President also used the occasion to call on Congress to
reach a budget deficit agreement, declaring, "Our ability to
function effectively as a great power abroad depends on how we
conduct ourselves here at home."
Speaking solemnly to a joint session of Congress, Bush
attempted to define in the Persian Gulf as not just America's oil
supply but the first test of a dramatic "new world order" where
former adversaries work together in a "shared responsibility for
freedom and justice. A world where the strong respect the rights
of the weak.'
(Ellen Warren, Knight-Ridder)
Bush Vows Saddam Hussein Will Fail; Hails New U.S.-Soviet
Cooperation
President Bush, reporting to Congress and the nation on the
Persian Gulf crisis, said Tuesday night that Iraq could not prevail
against the "new partnership of nations" allied against it, and
vowed that "Saddam will fail" in his takeover of Kuwait.
"America must stand up to aggression, and we will,' Bush said.
He proposed steps to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil,
in part by accelerating the development of environmentally
sensitive Alaskan energy reserves.
In the audience at the Capitol were the ambassador from Iraq,
Mohamed Sadiq Al-Mashat, sitting just five seats away from the
ambassador from occupied Kuwait, Sheik Saud Nasir Al-Sabah. Al-
Mashat had no visible reaction to Bush's harsh words.
In a nationally broadcast address, Bush said, "I cannot
predict just how long it will take to convince Iraq to withdraw
from Kuwait," or how long American troops would be deployed in the
Saudi Arabian desert
Bush Asked Americans to stand behind him. "If ever there was
a time to put country before self and patriotism before party, that
time is now," Bush said. Democrats offered their support and
reiterated Bush's tough warnings to Saddam
The President devoted a considerable portion of his remarks
to prodding Congress to finish work on a budget agreement. At the
same time, the speech did not contain the sharp attack on
Democrats, as had previous pronouncements.
(Terence Hunt, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-3
Bush Appeals To U.S. For Support Of His Handling of Gulf Crisis
President Bush, warning that the Persian Gulf crisis had
exposed American economic vulnerability, declared Tuesday night
that Saddam Hussein had to be forced to withdraw Iraqi troops from
Kuwait to preserve U.S. economic interests and cement a new world
order.
In an address to a joint session of Congress, Bush appealed
to the American people to support his handling of the crisis.
While he could not predict how long it might take to force Iraq to
withdraw from Kuwait, he vowed: "Saddam Hussein will fail."
In the speech, he said the action of the international
community, particularly the Soviet Union, in condemning Saddam
Hussein's aggression pointed to a new order among nations.
"The crisis in the Persian Gulf, as grave as it is, also
offers a rare opportunity to move toward an historic period of
cooperation," Bush said. "Out of these troubled times a new
world order can emerge: a new era, freer from the threat of terror,
stronger in the pursuit of justice and more secure in the quest for
peace, an era in which the nations of the world can prosper and
live in harmony."
(Stephen Kurkjian, Boston Globe)
Bush Warns Saddam He Stands Alone Against 'New Partnership of
Nations'
Declaring that "a new partnership of nations" has been forged
with the Soviet Union, President Bush warned President Saddam
Tuesday night that he stood alone against an emerging world order
that would not tolerate his aggression or bow to blackmail.
"How we manage this crisis today could shape the future for
generations to come,' Bush told members of Congress in a nationally
televised 30-minute speech from the House. "The test we face is
great, and so are the stakes. This is the first assault on the new
world we seek, the first test of our mettle. "
Certain key questions remained unanswered Tuesday night: how
long the troops would stay in the gulf, how many soldiers would
eventually be deployed there and what the ultimate price tag would
be.
Instead, Bush painted a broad picture of defending principles,
punishing wrongdoing and standing in concert with other nations.
And the President, who normally seems uncomfortable referring to
himself in the first person, laced the speech with "I's" and
"me's," making it clear he was in charge of the U.S. response.
At one point he said, "Iraq will not be permitted to annex
Kuwait. That's not a threat. Not a boast. That's just the way
it's going to be."
(Janet Cawley, Chicago Tribune)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-4
Bush Vows To Thwart Iraq Despite Fear For Hostages; U.S. won't Be
'Blackmailed"
President Bush reaffirmed his determination to drive Iraq from
Kuwait Tuesday, coming closer than ever to saying military force
might be used if economic sanctions fail.
"Iraq will not be permitted to annex Kuwait," Mr. Bush
declared in a. speech prepared for delivery to a joint session of
Congress and a national television audience. "That's not a threat,
or a boast, he said. "That's just the way it's going to be."
He stated with a new emphasis that his decisions cannot be
ruled by his compassion for the American hostages trapped in Iraq
and Kuwait after Iraq invaded its neighbor Aug. 2.
"Of course, our hearts go out to the hostages and their
families," Mr. Bush said. "But our policy cannot change, and it
will not change. America and the world will not be blackmailed."
President Saddam, Mr. Bush said, "is literally trying to wipe
a country off the face of the earth."
The speech seemed intended to leave no doubt in the mind of
President Saddam that the U.S. would use force if necessary to push
Iraqi forces out of Kuwait, and to prepare the American people for
the possible loss of the lives of American soldiers and hostages
if war broke out.
(Andrew Rosenthal, New York Times, A1)
BUSH USES GULF CRISIS TO PAINT HIS VISION OF NEW WORLD ORDER
George Bush, who has struggled throughout his presidency to
articulate the "vision thing," used the crisis in the Persian Gulf
Tuesday night to paint a big picture of a new world order of
nations working in concert to thwart aggression.
It is a vision that could have its political and economic
price for the U.S.
Bush sought to justify the largest U.S. military operation
since the Vietnam War by portraying the international campaign
against Iraq as "an extraordinary moment" and "opportunity to move
toward an historic period of cooperation."
In his speech to a joint session of Congress and a national
television audience, Bush laid out a vision of the U.S., Soviet
Union and all other leading nations working side-by-side for the
first time in history through a revitalized U.N. to create a new
era
Bush did not provide much detail to his outline of the new
world order "struggling to be born." He hinted at a broader role
for the U.N., which was spurned by his predecessor, Ronald Reagan,
and now has been the focus of U.S.-led efforts to isolate Iraq
Bush was more successful in articulating a world vision to
explain a U.S. commitment in a distant part of the world than he
was in confronting two other serious threats right here at home:
excessive U.S. dependence on foreign oil and a worsening federal
budget deficit.
(Owen Ullmann, news analysis, Knight-Ridder)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-5
FOR BUSH, NEXT PHASE OF CONFRONTATION LIKELY TO BE MORE DIFFICULT
President Bush showed Tuesday night that the first phase of
his Persian Gulf policy may have been easier than the next.
In his nationally televised speech to a joint session of
Congress, Bush warned the American people to prepare for a long
stay in the Persian Gulf, offering the potential payoff of a new
world order in which the strong protect the weak
Tuesday night's speech marked the beginning of the next phase,
in which persuasion becomes as important as action. Administration
officials know that the longer the crisis drags on, the greater the
danger for erosion of support, both at home and abroad.
The potential for that erosion was clear in Helsinki, where
Bush and Gorbachev differed over the use of force to bring the
crisis to an end. Those kinds of cracks in the international
consensus could grow larger over time, making the U.S.-led effort
against Iraq less effective
The next phase of the crisis requires Bush to perform a
balancing act, which was evident in the speech Tuesday night.
While calling on the country to perform noble tasks, he was
cautious in asking them to pay very high a price
Bush's policy continues to enjoy widespread backing and there
is no evidence that he faces an immediate crisis of domestic
confidence. But the potential for problems is great, which is why
some of his advisers believe he must state and restate his case
often in the weeks and possibly the months ahead.
(Dan Balz, news analysis, Washington Post, A35)
BUSH TRIES PULPIT APPROACH IN UNCHARACTERISTIC ADDRESS
A year and a half into his presidency, George Bush tried for
the first time Tuesday to reach over the media and Congress and use
the pulpit of his office to affect the course of the nation.
The prime-time address he gave to a joint session of Congress,
only his seventh speech to the nation, was uncharacteristic of a
President whose tenure has relied largely on private negotiation
with insiders. Unlike predecessors, particularly Ronald Reagan,
Bush has scrupulously avoided the presidential tactic of trying to
deliver powerful speeches that would sway the American public and
thus Congress.
His advisers privately admit that soaring rhetoric and making
a direct connection to the public is not Bush's skill.
Yet on Tuesday night, Bush strove beyond even what was
considered his finest political address to date -- his soothing but
evocative speech to the Republican National Convention in 1988, the
"kinder and gentler" speech.
(Thomas Rosenstiel, Los Angeles Times)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-6
DEMOCRATS PLEDGE STRONG SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT'S POLICY
Rep. Gephardt Tuesday night extended the Democratic Party's
strong support to President Bush for his Persian Gulf policy, but
he pushed the Administration to seek more financial help from U.S.
allies and to develop a comprehensive national energy policy.
Responding for his party to Bush's televised address to
Congress and the nation, Gephardt said in remarks prepared for
delivery Tuesday night that "in this crisis, we are not Republicans
or Democrats. We are only and proudly Americans."
"We are now in the Persian Gulf not simply for oil, or to save
emirs and kings, but to defend the most fundamental values of a
more stable and decent world," Gephardt added. "This is a cause
worth standing and fighting for."
In offering nearly unequivocal backing to Bush's deployment
of 100,000 troops in Saudi Arabia to deter Iraqi aggression,
Gephardt -- who has consistently been one of the President's
sharpest critics in Congress -- reflected the broad popular support
the President's gulf policy appears to enjoy with the public. Yet
the Missouri Democrat's appeal for greater financial participation
by such nations as Japan and Germany also reflected a growing mood
among voters that U.S. taxpayers should not shoulder the brunt of
what appears to be a long and costly commitment of forces
As conciliatory as Gephardt's response was, it also sought to
appeal to the possibility that Bush will soon face greater public
restiveness as the gulf crisis drags on, highlighting not only the
question of allied support but also the issue of energy
independence.
"For a decade America has been left with no real energy policy
at all," he said. "This nation must not be permanently faced with
a choice between standing up against aggression or standing still
in gas lines.
(Tom Kenworthy and Helen Dewar, Washington Post, A35)
Gephardt To Saddam: "Let Our People Go'
Rep. Gephardt put the Persian Gulf ahead of politics Tuesday
night, praising President Bush's handling of the crisis and saving
his harshest words for President Saddam.
"Firmly, clearly, and unequivocally, we must say to Saddam
Hussein: Let out people go," Gephardt said in comments prepared
for delivery after President Bush's address to Congress and the
nation. "Let Kuwait go. And if you start a war,, know that we
will finish it.'
In remarks that were a supplement to Bush's address rather
than a traditional Democratic response to it, Gephardt said,
"Tonight, in the crisis, we are not Republicans or Democrats. We
are only and proudly Americans.
He praised the united front against Saddam presented by Bush
and President Gorbachev in Helsinki on Sunday as "precisely
Franklin Roosevelt's and Winston Churchill's vision of peace for
the post-war period."
(Susan Feeney, Dallas Morning News)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-7
PENTAGON SAYS IT WOULD ATTACK IRAQ
WITHOUT REGARD TO SOVIET ADVISERS
Secretary Cheney said Tuesday that the Pentagon has prepared
contingency plans to attack strategic targets inside Iraq if the
President so orders, regardless of whether Soviet military or
civilian advisers still in Iraq might be present at the sites.
Asked whether U.S. forces might be deterred from attack by the
presence of Soviet advisers in Iraq, Cheney said, "Should there be
a provocation
it would be appropriate
to hold at-risk targets -
- assets if you will -- that Saddam Hussein holds dear, and
specifically, asserts inside Iraq regardless of what the status
might be of various advisers who may or may not be present."
As the Pentagon plans were discussed before the Senate Armed
Services Committee, the House began debate of a 1991 defense
authorization bill that would cut U.S. military forces by 130,000
and slash major new weapons programs. The Pentagon, calling
elements of the House bill "isolationist in the extreme" said such
a measure could hobble U.S. efforts in the Persian Gulf and warned
that if the House bill prevails, the President's national security
advisers would recommend a veto.
(Patrick Tyler and Dan Morgan, Washington Post, A29)
CHENEY RAISES DESERT SHIELD'S BILL TO $15 BILLION
Secretary Cheney Tuesday upped the cost estimated for
Operation Desert Shield from $11 billion to $15 billion next year,
but told a Senate panel half the bill would be paid by U.S. allies.
His testimony, however, did not placate two members of the
Armed Services Committee angry over a lack of financial support
from two major allies -- West Germany and Japan -- who are
dependent on Persian Gulf oil
Mr. Cheney said the contributions to date "may well be
inadequate" to help the U.S. pay for troops deployed to the Persian
Gulf region after Iraq's Aug. 2 invasion of Kuwait. But he
emphasized the sizable financial pledges from Arab states, which
he said soon would announce the deployment of more troops to Saudi
Arabia
Gen. Powell said there are now "well in excess of over
100,000" personnel on the ground in Saudi Arabia and on U.S. Navy
warships enforcing a near-airtight economic embargo.
(Rowan Scarborough, Washington Times, A8)
SENATE BACKS SADDAM TRIAL IF U.S.-IRAQ WAR BREAKS OUT
The Senate Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a resolution [97
to 2] urging prosecution of President Saddam as a war criminal if
warfare breaks out between Iraq and the U.
The resolution said that, in the event of war, the U.S. should
pursue Saddam and other "perpetrators" in order to "bring them to
justice as war criminals" before an appropriate international
tribunal. It did not say how this should be done.
(Washington Post, A35)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-8
LONG-TERM GULF SECURITY ARRANGEMENT SOUGHT
Baker, Shevardnadze Discuss Major Realignment
MOSCOW -- The U.S. and the Soviet Union have begun building
the framework for a now long-term security arrangement for the
Persian Gulf that could be put in place if the international
community succeeds in forcing Iraq to retreat from Kuwait.
Secretary Baker and Foreign Minister Shevardnadze, in talks
following up the superpower summit last week in Helsinki, discussed
the prospect for a fundamental realignment of interests and
political forces in the region as a result of the Iraqi invasion
of Kuwait, according to U.S. and Soviet officials.
At the same time the superpowers discussed the new security
structure in the gulf, they acknowledged that the old military
force structure in Europe has become irrelevant. Sources here said
the U.S. and Soviet Union are considering the elimination of all
troop limits in the prospective treaty on conventional or non-
nuclear weapons in Europe.
A senior U.S. official said the two foreign ministers focused
on what appears to be "a realignment in the [gulf] area -- an Arab
coalition arrayed against Iraq."
(David Hoffman, Washington Post, A29)
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE TALKS OK WITH BAKER
The Bush Administration is considering a, new push for Israeli-
Palestinian peace talks to undermine support for President Saddam
among Palestinians and other Arabs, according to Administration
officials and Middle East analysts.
Several officials quoted Secretary Baker as saying recently
that the Palestinian problem remained important and that he would
not oppose attempts to resolve it while dealing with the gulf
crisis.
But any such move, the officials said, must not appear to meet
Mr. Hussein's demand that Iraqi withdraw from Kuwait be linked to
a withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied West Bank and Gaza
Strip.
(James Dorsey, Washington Times, A9)
IRAN, IRAQ AGREE TO EXCHANGE FOOD FOR OIL, SOURCE SAYS
NICOSIA -- Iran has agreed to give food and medicine in
exchange for oil and cash, according to a well-informed source in
Tehran. Such a deal could puncture the U.N. embargo that aims to
force Iraq out of Kuwait.
Speaking in a telephone interview late Tuesday, the Iranian
source said Iran's leaders had agreed to Iraq's request for the
trade deal, which he said would involve shipments of 200,000
barrels of refined oil a day.
There was no official comment from Tehran or Baghdad on the
reported agreement. But the source, who spoke on condition of
anonymity, said it was struck during a visit Sunday by Iraq's
Foreign Minister Aziz.
(Anwar Farugi, AP)
TOTOM-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-9
IRAN CALLED UNREADY TO MAKE UP
Despite Iran's support of U.N. sanctions against Iraq, Tehran
is not ready for a reconciliation with the U.S., a senior White
House official said Tuesday.
"Circumstances are not right for Iran to want to have a real
reconciliation with the United States at this point, " said the
official, who discussed the situation on the condition that he not
be identified.
The official said the U.S. and Iran were having what he called
"indirect and periodic" contacts. Without being more specific, he
said they were no more often than every two weeks.
Asked if the Administration expects Iran to break the
sanctions after resuming diplomatic relations with Iraq, the
official said, "Based on what has been said, that would not appear
to be the case."
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A10)
GORBACHEV BACKS FREE-MARKET PLAN
Soviet Leader Disavows Prime Minister's Less Drastic Program
MOSCOW -- President Gorbachev told the Supreme Soviet in a
dramatic session Tuesday that he endorsed a radical plan of free-
market economic reform and decentralization, a direct rebuke of his
prime minister, Nikolai Ryzhkov.
Gorbachev said that some of Ryzhkov's proposals, which rely
heavily on traditional systems of centralized planning and state-
owned property, could be incorporated into a "unified program."
But the author of the radical "500 Days" program, economist
Stanislav Shatalin, said in an interview that the "unified" program
is "99 percent mine" and includes only "five or six figures" from
Ryzhkov's version
The plan calls for a massive sell-off of state properties,
decentralized of economic power from Moscow to the republics, the
rise of private property and the creation of a stock market and
other institutions found in Western market economies.
(David Remnick, Washington Post, A1)
CANADA TO SEEK VOICE IN U.S.-MEXICO TRADE
Impact On Canadian Economy still Debated
TORONTO -- Canada has decided to seek a seat in free-trade
negotiations between the U.S. and Mexico, providing that acceptable
ground rules for the talks are worked out, federal officials said
Tuesday
Trade Minister John Crosbie is expected to make an
announcement on Canada's role in the talks as soon as President
Bush asks for congressional approval to launch "fast track"
negotiations with Mexico early next year.
(William Claiborne, Washington Post, C1)
-
White House News Summary Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-10
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Bush's Two Audiences," a news analysis by R.W.
Apple, appears in the New York Times, A1.
"Senators Question Control of Gulf Aid," by Susan Rasky, appears
in the New York Times, A19.
"Deskbound In U.S., The Envoy To Iraq Is Called Scapegoat For A
Failed Policy," by Elaine Sciolino, appears in the New York Times,
A19.
"Time Could Be Saddam's Most Reliable Weapon," a news analysis by
Edward Cody, appears in the Washington Post, A29.
Excerpts of remarks by Rep. Gephardt for delivery after the
President's speech Tuesday night appear in the Washington Post,
A35.
"Bush To Tape Message In Case Iraq TV Airs It," by Paul Bedard,
appears in the Washington Times, A9.
"Big Guns Join Fight Against Textile Bill," by Karen Riley, appears
in the Washington Times, C1.
"Iraq Duped Everyone, Except CIA," by Sam Meddis, appears in USA
Today, 1A.
"Bush Knew of Invasion, Did The Right Thing," a Q&A with Sen.
Boren, appears in USA Today, 11A.
"Chile May Sue U.S. Over Grape Ban," by Shirley Christian, appears
in the New York Times, A13.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
BUSH CALLS ON CONGRESS TO 'PRODUCE' ON BUDGET AGREEMENT
President Bush told Congress Tuesday he was pleased with
recent progress on budget negotiations but that it was now time to
produce an agreement.
"I have been pleased with recent progress (on the budget),
although it has not always seemed so smooth," Bush said in his
speech Tuesday night to both houses
"But now it is time to
produce.
"
"I ask both houses of the Congress to allow a straight up-
or-down vote on a complete $500 billion deficit reduction package
not later than Sept. 28," he said
During his speech, the President reiterated his support for
items including allowing the use of funds in Individual Retirement
Accounts for new homeowners without a penalty, creating tax
incentives for new domestic oil drilling and reducing the rate for
capital gains
But while Bush reiterated his support for
certain measures, he did not insist on them.
Bush said that in order for him to give a nationally televised
speech in support of a proposal it must be fair and avoid any
"excessive" burden on a group of programs or people. In the past
that has been code for avoiding income tax increases on wealthier
Americans.
(David Lawsky, Reuter)
Bush Calls Accord On Budget Crucial To U.S. Power
President Bush made an urgent appeal to Congress and the
American people Tuesday night to help him cut the budget deficit
and U.S. dependence on foreign oil in order to maintain the
nation's ability to respond to threats such as the Iraqi invasion
of Kuwait.
While vowing that the U.S. will prevail in its confrontation
with President Saddam, Mr. Bush warned in a televised address
before a joint session of Congress, "Our ability to function
effectively as a great power abroad depends on how we conduct
ourselves here at home "
Grinning broadly, the President received an extended ovation
upon his arrival in the House chamber Tuesday night, and his speech
was interrupted many times by applause.
But this warm reaction soured among many Democrats when it
became clear that the President intends to blame Congress if budget
talks fail and automatic spending cuts take effect.
"If the Congress cannot get me a budget, then Americans will
have to face a tough, mandated sequester, " Mr. Bush said, using
the technical term for what could be $100 billion worth of cuts in
government services.
The President said he was "pleased with recent progress" in
the talks between White House and congressional negotiators aimed
at reaching a five-year accord on a deficit-reduction package,
apparently reflecting concessions made by both sides Tuesday.
(Karen Hosler, Baltimore Sun, A1)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-12
BUDGET NEGOTIATORS SEE AGREEMENT WITHIN DAYS
Divisions Narrow On Defense, Domestic Cuts
White House and congressional budget negotiators buoyantly
predicted Tuesday that an agreement on a five-year, $500 billion
deficit-reduction package can be reached in the next few days.
In an exchange of proposals that began late Monday night and
continued Tuesday, the Democratic and Republican bargainers began
moving toward each other and away from the positions they have
maintained virtually unchanged since the beginning of the budget
process in January, participants in the talks said.
Rep. Gephardt vowed that, except for a brief gap Wednesday
afternoon so lawmakers may go to the Capitol to cast votes, the
negotiators will not leave the base without an agreement
"I'm on the positive side of the mood swing,' said Chief of
Staff Sununu
In the past days, Administration officials have begun
discussing a larger military spending cut than they had previously
proposed and Democratic negotiators have nearly doubled the cuts
they said they would be willing to accept in such benefit programs
as Medicare
In their latest proposal Tuesday
the Democrats dropped
their plan to raise the marginal tax rate for the wealthiest
Americans, an element they said was important to restore fairness
to the tax system. The concession was made to accommodate the
Administration's demand that income tax rates not be raised,
Democratic negotiators said.
(John Yang and Steven Mufson, Washington Post, A8)
Budget Negotiators Said To Be Progressing On Deficit Package
After five days of sometimes quarrelsome debate, congressional
and Administration budget negotiators appeared on Tuesday to be
making progress on a tax and spending package that would reduce the
deficit by $50 billion next year.
Although sources familiar with the talks emphasized that no
concrete deals had been cut, negotiators have agreed to raise taxes
and fees by $25 billion next year and $130 billion during the next
five years. Democrats and Republicans also have substantially
narrowed their differences over cutting defense spending.
"We are now hearing some serious negotiating and not just
ideology,' said a Democratic aide close to the negotiations. "We
stopped dickering and started negotiating. "
One Democratic aide, who asked not to be identified, suggested
that a deal was possible as early as Wednesday. "But it always
seems close and then just skitters away, " he said.
Chief of Staff Sununu, who sources said locked horns with
Democrats late Monday night over domestic spending, also reflected
the more optimistic outlook.
"I'm on the positive side of the mood swing," he told
reporters.
(Robert Dodge, Dallas Morning News)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-13
MEDICARE PREMIUMS/BUDGET
A proposal that would hike the Medicare premiums paid by well-
to-do retirees has been tentatively approved by congressional and
White House budget negotiators, a well-placed Republican source
said Tuesday.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the
increase would save the government $40 billion over the next five
years and represented a breakthrough in the tough negotiations
taking place at Andrews AFB.
Other Republican sources said they could not confirm the
savings figure. But they said the negotiators were working on a
package that would boost Medicare premiums. Democratic sources
declined comment.
According to the Republican source, the increase in Medicare
premiums would be limited to retirees with incomes of more than
$75,000 a year. A number of plans have been proposed to do this
and the amount of the proposed increase was unclear Tuesday.
(Myron Waldman, Newsday)
BIDEN TO SEEK 'RATHER SPECIFIC ANSWERS' ON ABORTION FROM SOUTER
Sen. Biden said Tuesday that Supreme Court nominee David
Souter should provide "some rather specific answers" to questions
about abortion and other controversial issues at confirmation
hearings scheduled to begin Thursday.
But Sen. Specter urged colleagues to use restraint in
attempting to pin down Souter on specific issues and said no single
issue such as abortion should dominate the selection of a Supreme
Court justice
Meanwhile, opposition to Souter's nomination from women's
rights groups mounted Tuesday as the National Organization for
Women said it "strongly opposes" Souter's nomination and the
Women's Legal Defense Fund said it will oppose his nomination if
he does not "articulate his support for women's constitutional and
legal rights.
"
But the conservative Concerned Women for America endorsed
Souter, and Beverly LaHaye, its founder and president, charged that
Biden's "intent to grill Judge Souter on his political and personal
opinions is an attempt to politicize and pervert America's judicial
system.'
Planned Parenthood released a poll showing that Americans by
a margin of 76 to 20 percent want the Senate to ask Souter about
his personal views on issues such as privacy, abortion, church-
state relations and civil liberties.
(Helen Dewar, Washington Post, A5)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-14
FDIC FUND IN 'PRECARIOUS CONDITION,' GAO WARNS
The insurance fund that protects depositors when banks fail
is dwindling so rapidly that it could be wiped out by a recession
or a single big bank failure, forcing taxpayers to cover the costs,
the GAO said Tuesday.
The congressional auditing agency said the FDIC is "in
precarious condition."
Record levels of bank failures, caused primarily by plummeting
real estate prices, have eaten up much of the money that was set
aside to insure deposits, the GAO said in its annual report to
Congress on the health of the big federal bank insurance fund
The GAO's report, however, is the first official government
acknowledgement that taxpayers may be facing a new banking-related
burden. Banking committee members suggested prompt action may be
necessary to replenish the FDIC fund, either by raising the deposit
insurance premiums paid by banks or by appropriating tax money.
(Jerry Knight, Washington Post, A1)
DEMOCRAT PERPICH WINS PRIMARY, FACES CONSERVATIVE GOP BUSINESSMAN
MINNEAPOLIS -- Democrat Gov. Perpich defeated a former Cabinet
member [Mike Hatch] in his fourth bid for governor and Jon
Grunseth, a conservative businessman, won the Republican nomination
in a three-way primary election.
(Gerald Kopplin, UPI)
FORMER ARIZONA GOV. MECHAM LOSES GOP NOMINATION
PHOENIX -- Former Gov. Mecham was soundly defeated by a two
to one margin in Arizona's Republican primary election Tuesday,
ending one of the stormiest chapters in the state's political
history. With nearly all major precincts reporting, Mecham trailed
hopelessly with 40,859 votes to 76,359 for political newcomer Fife
Symington, an Arizona commercial real estate developer
Terry
Goddard, 43, former Phoenix mayor and son of former Arizona Gov.
Sam Goddard, won the Democratic nomination by a wide margin.
(Reuter)
DIXON SCORES UPSET AS BARRY SUCCEEDS NOMINEE
Political novice Sharon Pratt-Dixon scored an upset victory
Tuesday in the Democratic primary to nominate a successor to Mayor
Barry, while Jesse Jackson gained the party's backing to become a
"shadow senator" for the nation's capital
In the race for the city's non-voting House seat, former
Carter Administration official Eleanor Holmes Norton defeated
veteran city councilwoman Betty Ann Kane.
(Richard Keil, AP)
U.S. REP. DYSON WINS IN MARYLAND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
BALTIMORE -- U.S. Rep. Dyson, who was considered one of the
most vulnerable congressmen, won the Democratic primary Tuesday and
Gov. Schaefer easily won the party's nomination for another term.
Teacher and part-time house-painter Wayne Gilchrest emerged
from a crowded field as Dyson's Republican challenger
(Tom Stuckey, AP)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- A-15
U.S. TO DENY CONTRACTS, GRANTS TO DRUG VIOLATORS
The Bush Administration said Tuesday it will begin efforts to
deny federal contracts and more than 300 federal benefits and
grants -- including student financial aid, small business loans,
pilots licenses and artistic grants -- to anybody convicted of
possessing or trafficking in drugs.
In announcing the program, which was mandated under the 1988
Anti-Drug Abuse Act, national drug policy Director Bennett called
the denial of federal benefits "an additional and potentially
powerful deterrent to drug crime" that would pose its greatest
threat to middle-class or white-collar professionals caught using
drugs.
But Rep. Rangel denounced it as "more slogans and catch-
phrases." He also charged that the Administration had provided
virtually no aid to state governments to implement similar programs
where they could have real impact by denying such benefits as
driver's licenses.
(Michael Isikoff, Washington Post, A17)
CUSTOMS CHIEF IS SCOLDED FOR REALLOCATING FUNDS
$28 Million shifted From Drug Interdiction
Into Other Agency Operations, Officials Say
Senior Bush Administration officials have rebuked Customs
Commissioner Carol Hallett for shifting $28 million out of her
agency's drug interdiction activities and moving the funds into
commercial and other agency operations, according to Administration
officials.
After learning about the action, national drug policy Director
Bennett and OMB Associate Director Janet Hale last month accused
the Customs Service of flouting the President's anti-drug plan and
circumventing federal law by unilaterally reallocating the funds
without seeking necessary approvals from their agencies. By the
time Customs notified them, they said, it was too late to reverse
the action because the money had been spent
Deputy Customs Commissioner Michael Lane defended the agency's
decision to reallocate the drug money, saying that with the vastly
increased help Customs has been receiving from the Defense
Department and the National Guard, the agency no longer needed to
spend as much on drug interdiction.
(Michael Isikoff, Washington Post, A17)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Taxing Social Security -- Deficit May Cut Into
Breaks For Elderly," by Spencer Rich, appears in the Washington
Post, A17.
"Minority Businesses Growing -- Black-Owned Firms Form At Faster
Pace," by Lori Silver, appears in the Washington Post, C1.
"10 Liberal Groups Gang Up On Souter," by Dawn Weyrich, appears in
the Washington Times, A1.
"Ex-Bush Aide Tells of New U.S. Inquiry," by Jeff Gerth, appears
in the New York Times, D1.
-end of A-section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Tuesday Evening, September 11)
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
ABC's Peter Jennings: We begin tonight with the President's view
of how the crisis in the Persian Gulf has changed the world. It
was five weeks ago, August 8th, that President Bush told the nation
a line has been drawn in the sand and announced he would send
American forces to stop Saddam Hussein from going any further.
Now that at least 130,000 U.S. troops are in the area, Bush will
report to the nation by going to Congress again.
ABC's Brit Hume: The President was still going over speech drafts
in the Oval Office today for what is expected to be a half-hour
address devoted largely to the Persian Gulf crisis and the Helsinki
summit.
(TV Coverage: still photo of President Bush at desk, looking over
draft.)
It will be Bush's third speech to a joint session of Congress, the
other two having been the obligatory annual State of the Union
addresses. Bush can expect a reception as least as warm as for
those. But even though Congress strongly backs his handling of the
Gulf crisis, members do have a lot of questions. That was in
evidence today during Senate testimony by Secretary Cheney and
Joint Chiefs Chairman Powell. Senators wanted to know how many
U.S. soldiers will be involved, and for how long. Cheney said the
troops will be there as long as needed or until they're asked to
leave by the countries they're protecting. As for how many forces,
he did not provide a number.
(Secretary Cheney: "The worst possible sin we could commit would
be to send enough forces to get into trouble but not enough forces
to be able to deal with it.")
Powell said there are now about 100,000 U.S. forces in Saudi
Arabia, approaching the number needed.
(Adm. Powell: "But we are not there yet. And as the Secretary has
mentioned, we need to continue our buildup for some time to come.")
The President, who personally dropped in to give the budget
negotiations at Andrews Air Base a push last Friday, had hoped to
use tonight's speech to call for passage of a completed agreement.
But four days later, negotiators are still far apart.
(Question: "Do you see any movement at all?" Rep. Conte: "Not
at all. Not at all.")
The President will say something tonight about the budget, but the
emphasis will be on foreign policy. Bush is expected to look past
the Gulf crisis to a new era in which the U.S. and Soviet Union
cooperate to make the U.N., at last, an effective force for peace.
Perhaps it can then help with the budget talks.
(ABC-Lead)
NBC's Tom Brokaw: President Bush prepares to address Congress and
the nation, as the Administration warns of possible terrorist
attacks.
(TV Coverage: Still photo of President working on his address.)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-2
Brokaw continues: The U.S. tonight is facing major challenges on
two fronts: one is facing down Saddam Hussein in the Persian Gulf,
the other is facing up to money problems of historic proportions.
President Bush takes them both on tonight in a speech to Congress
and the country, and there are indications tonight that a budget
deal may be closer now than it has been in the past.
NBC's John Cochran: The President decided to address Congress and
the nation after congressional leaders told him he had to do a
better job of explaining his goals in the Gulf crisis, so he'll
try again tonight. But he'll also do a lot more than that.
(TV Coverage: Still photo of President working on his address.)
As the President worked on final drafts of his speech, aides said
he would focus on a new world order, much of it based on the kind
of cooperation he found during his weekend talks with Mikhail
Gorbachev.
(File TV coverage of Presidents Bush and Gorbachev at Helsinki.)
Despite some differences over using military force, Bush and
Gorbachev were united against Iraqi aggression.
(President Bush, at Helsinki press conference: "Then when we see
us on a question of this nature, standing shoulder to shoulder with
many other countries at the United Nations, I think it is obvious
manifestation of this developing mutual understanding.")
An understanding that Bush's aides say may lead to cooperation in
many trouble spots such as Pakistan, India, Cambodia, Afghanistan
and the Mideast -- a big change from the Cold War years.
(National Security Adviser Scowcroft: "It was a hallmark of
American policy for many years to say that the Soviet Union had no
role in the Middle East and worked to keep them out of the Middle
East.
White House aides tell NBC News Bush is still not ready to accept
Gorbachev's proposal for the superpowers to convene a peace
conference with Arabs and Israelis. Bush is concentrating now on
the other Mideast crisis. Spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said the
President will tape a message tomorrow to the Iraqi people. But
despite Iraq's promises, Fitzwater said: "There is a good deal of
skepticism that they will show it." The President feels he has
already made it clear that the Kuwaiti royal family must be
restored to power, but he will say it again to Congress tonight.
Democrats have marched to Bush's drums on Gulf policy. But unity
ends where domestic policy begins.
(Rep. Sander Levin: "The Mideast required presidential leadership.
So does our budget deficit. The President could not duck the
crisis abroad. He cannot duck the crisis at home.")
The President will make his own pitch for a budget agreement
tonight, but he will avoid taking potshots at Democrats. Tonight
the President wants unity, not a fight. The fighting will come
later on the campaign trail this fall.
NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports budget summiteers took a few steps
toward an agreement.
(Rep. Gingrich: "In all fairness, there's been some movement.
It's just very hard.")
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-3
Mitchell continues: Sources tell NBC News these new proposals were
made today: Democrats proposed a 20% surcharge on people who earn
more than $500,000 a year. But they've given up on their long-
standing demand to raise the overall top tax rate to 33%. And
Democrats proposed that wealthier people pay more in Medicare taxes
for hospital coverage. They also agreed in principle with a
Republican proposal for wealthier Medicare recipients to pay higher
premiums for their doctors bills, although everyone fears another
senior citizen rebellion like that last year over catastrophic
health insurance. Here's the way the numbers add up tonight for
a five-year budget plan: On defense, Democrats want cuts of $200
billion; Republicans $170 billion. On taxes, both sides are
talking about $130 billion in new taxes, but they're far apart on
which taxes. On domestic spending cuts, Democrats say they have
matched Republican demands for $120 billion, but Republicans say
that's padded and the Democrats are still $30 billion short.
(Sen. Domenici: "But we're narrowing the gap, is the way I would
say it. And while I'm not predicting anything, I remain hopeful.
There are very big policy differences, but they do remain hopeful
and they will be back at it first thing in the morning. In
particular, Democrats don't want to go against a popular president,
especially in the middle of a foreign policy crisis.
Brokaw: What is the thinking at the White House if the President
succeeds on the Persian Gulf but fails on the budget? Do they
expect him to be held politically responsible for that?
Cochran: Oh, sure, but I will say that among the President's aides
there is almost arrogance now. They see these popularity polls;
he's riding high. But these are foreign policy polls. The
American people still do not know if he is competent to deal with
economic problems. I think that's one thing the President is doing
by going to the Hill tonight. He is not arrogant himself. He knows
that these polls could go at any time, so he's up there performing
preventive maintenance tonight.
Brokaw asks Mitchell and Cochran about the prospects for a budget
deal by week's end:
Mitchell: I would say there will be. I've been optimistic all
along because the alternative is so drastic.
Cochran: Better than 50-50.
(NBC-Lead)
CBS'S Dan Rather: At long last, possibly, maybe, the outlines of
a deal on the deficit mess. Bob Schieffer has been told tonight
that negotiators for the Congress and President Bush may be close
to agreement on how to knock back the growing national debt. This
involves whose taxes will go up, and how much, and whose benefits
will be cut, including Social Security and other programs for the
poor and old.
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-4
CBS's Bob Schieffer: After a stormy session last night, when the
talks all but fell apart, they got back on track today and now some
of the participants are saying privately that it may really be
possible after all to get a deal, perhaps as early as tomorrow or
the next day. Here is where the progress was made today: Both
sides have agreed on a new tax on liquor, but Republicans are
holding out for a bigger one than the Democrats want. So far,
Social Security would not be touched but the two sides have agreed
to cut at least $103 billion over five years from many of the other
so-called entitlement programs -- such things as Medicare,
agricultural subsidies and cost of living adjustments for
government employees. Here is where the differences still exist:
Democrats want new taxes on gasoline, crude oil and natural gas.
Republicans haven't said yes to that yet, but they have not
rejected the idea outright. Democrats still want $200 billion cut
from defense over the next five years; Republicans want cuts of no
more than $170 billion. And there is still a hangup on the
President's plan to cut the capital gains tax rate; Republicans
want it, Democrats don't. And while the Republicans want to
eliminate the deduction for state and local taxes, Democrats
instead are pressing for higher taxes for the wealthy. I suppose
what should be stressed in all of this is that even if the
negotiators do agree, it will still be difficult in these months
before the fall elections to pass any legislation in the House and
Senate that does include a tax increase.
(CBS-Lead)
GULF/BURDEN-SHARING
CBS's Lesley Stahl reports from the White House on the President's
coming address. There is one disappointing element of the
President's policy: the limp response of the U.S. allies to his
call for burden sharing. Democrats and Republicans both erupted
in anger today with threats that the free ride is over.
(Rep. Craig James, R-Fl: "It's time that our allies who are not
paying their fair share ante up and pull their own weight. The
people of the United States are tired of being soaked by the rest
of the world and they're not going to take it anymore."
(Rep. Carroll Hubbard, D-Ky: "The ongoing contemptible tokenism of
the Japanese government merits the world's contempt and American
hostility. The United States awaits Japan's commitment to
equitably share the international responsibilities of a world
power. ")
The President has rejected an invitation for an interview on Iraqi
TV but instead he'll tape a message to the Iraqi people tomorrow
morning 8-10 minutes long explaining why most of the world is lined
up against Iraq's aggression. The speculation here is that Saddam
will not run the tape, in which case the White House will
disseminate it around the world.
Jennings: Also in that Senate hearing that Brit Hume reported on,
some irritation that Arab nations are not doing more for the
international effort in the Persian Gulf. Sen. Nunn said he
remains concerned that Arab nations have not sent more troops and
heavy equipment.
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-5
ABC's Bill Redeker reports that Saudis claim about 50,000 Arab
troops are now deployed in Saudi Arabia. But Western military
analysts question their value as a fighting force. Some of their
equipment is old, and some of the troops arrived with only the
uniforms on their backs and a few weapons. Saudi officers are
trying to coordinate the Arab force. But privately, many Saudis
admit this military operation depends most on Americans, who are
better trained and equipped. The all-Arab force, they concede, is
more of a political force, designed to stop Saddam Hussein from
diverting the crisis into an anti-Western crusade.
(ABC-2)
Rather reports Defense Department officials gave their own update
on U.S. operations in and around the Gulf. This included an update
on the cost, which is a lot higher than the previously officially-
estimated $1 billion a month. The effect on the economy is a story
here, but money isn't their biggest worry right now.
CBS's David Martin reports American commanders are increasingly
confident of their ability to defend Saudi Arabia and increasingly
worried about the threat of a terrorist attack. At a Senate Armed
Services hearing, both Democrats and Republicans continued to
support the operation. There are signs of discontent, particularly
over the failure of Arab nations to deliver on their promises of
support.
(Sen. Nunn: "Something missing here about why we can't seem to get
Arab forces on the ground in Saudi Arabia with heavy equipment.")
Secretary Cheney said part of the problem is that most other
countries cannot deploy troops as rapidly as the U.S.
(Secretary Cheney: "There are in fact forces from other Arab
nations en route, or will shortly be en route.")
The Saudis and the other Persian Gulf states have pledged $12
billion to Desert Shield, but that didn't impress one member of the
committee.
(Sen. Cohen: "Virtually every cent of that money is being generated
by the substantial increase in the price of oil.")
The Pentagon now estimates Desert Shield will cost about $15
billion a year, half of which will be covered by contributions from
other countries. But Cheney warned the cost will be many times
that if fighting breaks out.
GULF/HOSTAGES
Jennings: There were questions today about what the Pentagon knows
and how it knows what is going on inside Iraq and Kuwait.
Information on troop movements usually comes from spy planes and
satellites. But as ABC's Bob Zelnick reports, a budget decision
may be limiting what the military knows today.
Zelnick reports that two weeks ago, when eight divisions of Iraq's
elite Republican Guards began to pull back from Kuwait, Pentagon
sources say U.S. intelligence completely lost track of their
whereabouts -- lost track of 800,000 men. Some officials blame the
failure on an Air Force decision to deactivate the SR-71 this year,
the high-altitude spy plane called the Blackbird.
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-6
Zelnick continues: The Air Force says the planes cost too much to
operate and that much of their work could be done by satellites.
But critics say that satellite orbits cannot be adjusted quickly
enough to match the battlefield flexibility of the SR-71.
(Sen. Glenn: "You can target it where you want it and when you
want it. And the time periods when the satellites are not giving
information and you still need information, the SR-71 can fill in
those blank periods. And that's very valuable.")
Critics say the Air Force decision to kill the Blackbird was less
for budget reasons and more because of bureaucratic rivalries.
Also, critics say the Air Force tends to be more interested in
fighters and bombers than in reconnaissance aircraft. According
to Pentagon and congressional sources, there's widespread support
among commanders in the field to reactivate the SR-71 to follow
Iraqi troop movements. But with the planes, pilots and spare parts
now widely scattered, one official says it would be easier to put
Humpty-Dumpty back together again.
(ABC-3)
Rather reports a U.S. diplomat in Baghdad said up to 800 Americans
and Britons will fly out of Kuwait this week.
CBS's Doug Tunnell reports Western sources in Kuwait describe a
crescendo of violent incidents targeting Iraqis in apparent
reprisals. Iraqis in Kuwait are trying to force Kuwaitis back to
work. Iraqi troops have targeted citizens of five nations --
Britain, France, West Germany, Japan and the U.S. -- for arrest and
detention. But diplomats say 141 Japanese are also being held.
At least 80 Americans are known to have been detained and are now
believed to be held at sensitive installations in Iraq.
Eyewitnesses describe a much more systematic operation to round up
foreigners in Kuwait now than had previously been known.
Rather reports three of the 13 Americans captured last week have
now been taken from a Baghdad hotel, presumably to become human
shields.
(CBS-2)
GULF/DIPLOMATS
Jennings reports that five more countries -- Austria, Bangladesh,
Czechoslovakia, and Greece, and Switzerland -- have pulled their
diplomats out of Kuwait. They cite deteriorating living conditions
at the embassies and growing looting by Asian workers searching for
food.
(ABC-4)
GULF/OIL, TERRORISM
Jennings says ABC's Pierre Salinger reports that Iraq is apparently
prepared to give Iran all the oil it wants to make up for the
damage Iraq inflicted on Iran during their war.
(ABC-5)
Brokaw reports that the State Department is now reporting that Cuba
and Romania have signed oil delivery deals with Baghdad, and some
Eastern European countries are trying to maintain their military
contracts with Iraq.
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-7
NBC's Fred Francis reports Secretary Cheney, in congressional
testimony, warned that American action in the Gulf has now
triggered terrorist threats against the U.S. Iraq has been warned
that any terrorist attack against the U.S. military in the Persian
Gulf or Americans anywhere could mean war with the U.S. Pentagon
officials say Iraq has taken the warning seriously. One possible
ally in the terrorism watch is Syria, because of its connections
with terrorism. One specialist speculated that Syria may be able
to finger some of the terrorists it once supported, but another
official said this was not likely.
(NBC-2)
GULF/HARDSHIPS
NBC's Brad Willis reports many families of soldiers now posted in
the desert of Saudi Arabia are facing financial hardships as a
result of no longer receiving food allowances. Sen. Glenn thinks
this is an outrage and today began fighting to have ration money
restored to thousands of families with soldiers in Saudi Arabia.
(Sen. Glenn: "Do we really care about them? We know where they
are, we know they're representing us. And these are the things
that are the least we can do to make sure their families and those
people are taken care of properly.")
(NBC-8)
BANKS/FDIC
Jennings reports that government auditors said 1,100 banks with $3
trillion in federally insured deposits are in trouble.
ABC's Stephen Aug reports that for the first time since the FDIC
was founded during the Great depression, it is in big trouble. The
General Accounting Office says the FDIC that protects commercial
bank deposits is so week it would not take much to bankrupt it.
(Charles Bowsher, GAO controller: "And over the next few weeks,
low levels of reserves, coupled with a recession, could lead to a
level of bank failures that would exhaust the fund and require
taxpayer insistence.")
Bowsher said a single bank failure might wipe out the fund.
(Bowsher: "You have a lot of individual banks in this country that
if they were to go under could take the whole fund.
Bowsher said 35 big banks are in danger of failing within the next
year. A rash of bank failures has set the insurance fund down from
more than $18 billion three years ago to about $12 billion now, and
the fund is expected to lose money this year as well. A major
reason is the growing number of loans which have gone sour,
especially commercial real estate loans in the Northeast. The
controller general told Congress the government needs better
financial reporting by banks to detect failures before they occur.
But members of the Senate Banking Committee were more worried about
if taxpayers already burdened by the S&L crisis would have to bail
out the banks next.
(ABC-6)
NBC's Irving R. Levine reports that from Senators, there was hand-
wringing but no solutions.
(Sen. Garn: "Benign neglect will not work. If the conditions
warrant action, we must take that action.")
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-8
Levine continues: The FDIC has been drained by mounting bank
failures. Thirty-five of the nation's 200 largest banks are likely
to fail or need assistance within the next year.
(Bowsher: "The thing that comes across very clearly is if you've
got a few large ones there, if they go into trouble, why, you could
wipe out the fund.")
Still, for every bank in trouble twelve are in sound condition.
But even if the fund goes broke, Congress has promised to protect
insured depositors but at taxpayers' expense.
(NBC-9)
CBS's Terence Smith reports that Charles Bowsher's report said the
FDIC fund had declined from $18 billion to just over $13 billion
over the last two years and would probably shrink another $2
billion this year. Nor does the future look any brighter. The
report says real estate and other losses could cause 35 major banks
to fail within the next year, costing the fund an additional $4-
6 billion.
(Sen. Heinz: "You paint a very serious, alarming and potentially
depressing picture of the bank insurance fund.")
Some senators drew an immediate parallel to the S&L crisis.
(Sen. Kerry: "There's a kind of ominous feeling here. You know
Yogi Berra is very much alive today; deja vu all over again.")
The FDIC Chairman says he has no quarrel with the numbers in the
GAO report but points to steps being taken to protect the fund
against collapse. Most important: Congress has authorized a
doubling of the insurance premiums paid by the banks, charges that
no doubt will be passed along to the depositors.
(CBS-4)
SOVIET ECONOMIC REFORM
Rather reports the Parliament of the Russian Federation voted to
adopt a radical economic plan. It called for junking the communist
bureaucracy and switching to a free market economy over the next
500 days.
(CBS-3)
ABC's Barrie Dunsmore reports that in the Soviet parliament today,
several speakers demanded the prime minister's resignation.
Mikhail Gorbachev weighed in and abandoned the cautious approach
of Prime Minister Ryhzkov and publicly endorsed the most radical
economic reform program on the table, the one endorsed by economist
Stanislav Shatalin and supported by Boris Yeltsin. Today,
Yeltsin's Russian parliament officially adopted the plan, which is
to be implemented over the next 500 days. The plan would turn over
virtually all economic power to the 15 Soviet republics and
drastically reduce the power of the Kremlin.
(Alexei Aziemov: "This plan is very different because no other
plan calls for privatization of the Soviet economy. This plan
does.")
(ABC-10)
NBC's Bob Abernethy reports Gorbachev had wanted a compromise
between the radical and a more conservative plan, but Soviet
politicians don't have much experience with compromise and Boris
Yeltsin ridiculed the idea by saying it was like trying to mate a
hedgehog and a snake. So Gorbachev was forced to choose. Now the
question is, what will the people do?
(NBC-3)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- B-9
SOUTH AFRICAN VIOLENCE
Brokaw: In South Africa there was more violence today between rival
black factions, with at least 24 people killed around Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela said the government's failure to stop the fighting
threatened peace talks between blacks and whites.
(NBC-6)
AID CORRUPTION
CBS's Rita Braver reports that in a federal courthouse in
Washington today, a businessman was sentenced to 8 months in jail
after bribing officials of the Agency for International Development
in order to get multimillion dollar government contracts. With AID
sending billions of dollars in humanitarian aid to 70 countries,
the AID Inspector General's office has seen a marked increase in
corruption. AID investigators hope videotape of their sting
operations will serve as a deterrent. AID inspectors say they have
a number of corruption cases going, some involving millions of
dollars in government ripoffs.
(CBS-6)
MEDICAL INSURANCE
ABC's Tim Johnson reports that a study in the Journal of the
American Medical Association says that compared to uninsured
patients, patients who could afford insurance or whose employers
provided it had a much greater chance of having medical studies and
procedures done. Medicaid patients were similar to uninsured
patients in having fewer procedures done.
(ABC-7)
WELFARE
Jennings reports the House of Representatives has approved a
measure to simplify the federal welfare application process.
ABC's Carole Simpson reports that the application process for
welfare benefits can be extremely dehumanizing and frustrating.
To try and save money and eliminate error, the federal and state
governments over the years have created so many regulations that
case workers have trouble processing the paperwork. Most states
have complicated application forms, overworked caseworkers, and
bewildered and hassled recipients.
(ABC-11)
MENTALLY ILL
CBS's Susan Spencer reports a new report finds 250,000 of the two
million seriously mentally ill in the U.S. are wandering the
streets, living in shelters or jails but not getting treatment.
A state-by-state survey says many of the public programs that
should serve them are falling apart. The study's authors blamed
bureaucracy, budget cuts and a reluctance of psychiatrists to take
public sector jobs. The American Psychiatric Association denounced
that as unfair and untrue, but some mental health professionals
agreed. The report calls on psychiatrists to do more work for
free, on states to concentrate on the more seriously mentally ill.
But it concedes that without a big public outcry little is likely
to change.
(CBS-5)
-End of B-Section-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
HELSINKI SUMMIT
At The Summit, Solidarity -- "Shoulder to shoulder at the summit,
the superpowers have issued a stirring defense of international law
by insisting that Iraq unconditionally withdraw its army from
Kuwait. President Bush and President Gorbachev skillfully used
their weekend meeting in Helsinki to dispel any notion that they
lacked the resolve to defy Iraq's aggression in the Persian
Gulf
Symbolism may have outweighed substance at Helsinki, as
both presidents tried to downplay some enduring policy
differences
Bush and Gorbachev added few new initiatives
beyond the earlier U.N. resolutions against Baghdad.
[But] the
Helsinki declaration can be seen as a warning that Saddam's
intransigence may invite military retaliation."
(Cleveland Plain-Dealer, 9/11)
From Helsinki With Clarity --
"
Saddam Hussein learned in the
first paragraph [of the Helsinki statement] that the superpowers
concur in the aims and rationale of their coordinated policy
The message, which Hussein could get without reading between the
lines, was that both leaders are determined to make him disgorge
Kuwait. The text offered no ifs, ands or buts
Even more
chilling to Hussein must have been the little white lie Bush and
Gorbachev told at their Helsinki news conference. In answer to a
question from Izvestia, both statesmen pretended they did not
discuss military options. Hussein, who is himself a confirmed
practitioner of the tactical lie, knows they were not talking about
the weather."
(Boston Globe, 9/11)
A Media Event In Helsinki -- "The Helsinki summit
seemed long on
symbolism and short on substance
A summit that consumed seven
hours of talks between the two leaders should have produced more
than a restatement of the demand that Iraq withdraw from Kuwait
Neither the joint statement issued after the meeting nor the post-
summit press conference contained anything especially
noteworthy
For the first time, though, President Bush declared
that the U.S. would withdraw its forces as soon as the crisis was
resolved. That seemed to reassure Gorbachev and should be welcome
news in the U.S., though the President's pledge does not seem to
square with Secretary Baker's testimony last week before Congress.
Baker said he envisioned some kind of Middle East security
structure that included a long-term U.S. military presence in the
region.
"
(st. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/11)
Two Superpowers, But One Message -- " The sight of a Soviet
president and a U.S. president joining in common cause remains
startling enough to pack an emotional and political wallop. There
can be no doubt that the intended target of said wallop, one Saddam
Hussein, got the message. In that regard and perhaps in every
other as well, last weekend's summit in Helsinki must be regarded
as a success
However, a note of caution is appropriate. By
seeking and getting an ally's embrace from the Soviets, we've also
allowed them an ally's influence over our actions."
(Atlanta Constitution, 9/11)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- C-2
The Helsinki Summit --
If
The joint statement issued by President
Bush and Soviet leader Gorbachev could well be a paradigm for post-
Cold War cooperation, which is to say cooperation with some
significant limitations. As far as it goes, the joint declaration
mostly says all the right things
But we find troubling the
gaping loophole left by the two leaders for 'humanitarian' aid to
be sent to Iraq. If the blockade is to work, it must deny Iraq the
necessities of day-to-day life
It is not clear if the Soviet
government is truly joining the effort against Saddam
The
Helsinki meeting only seems to have muddied the situation.
(Richmond Times-Dispatch, 9/11)
Together At Last --
"
The most obvious short-term advantage of
U.S. -Soviet togetherness is that it allows Washington a freedom of
action, in cases like the Gulf crisis, that was unimaginable
before
The Soviets [could not] join seriously in military
action against Iraq, even if America wanted their involvement
As for the Soviet public, it is fed up with Soviet involvement in
the Third World and wants more food, not more body bags
What
all this means is that despite the critical importance of a joint
U.S. -Soviet stance on Iraq, there are limits on what Moscow can
actually do."
(Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/11)
Helsinki Heralds New Era of Superpower Cooperation -- "With a few
upbeat hours of talk in Finland, George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev
gave the world an encouraging new lesson in how to handle trouble.
On the critical issue of dealing with Saddam Hussein, the U.S. and
Soviet presidents showed a level of agreement that is nothing short
of remarkable
If the Iraqis still harbored hopes of a softer
Soviet stand, they could wave them goodbye after this meeting. The
uncompromising Soviet stand should encourage any wavering European
nations to stand firm. The trade embargo now seems likely to hold
tight, and this represents the best hope for forcing Saddam to
disgorge what he has swallowed."
(Providence Journal, 9/12)
Bush Smiles, Gorby Winks -- "George Bush was glowing with optimism
after Sunday's stick-it-to-Saddam summit. On the surface, his good
cheer made sense. After all, he got Mikhail Gorbachev to agree
that the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait is a bad thing and must stop.
But that's exactly as far as it went -- the surface. In fact, the
U.S. and the Soviet Union are still very far apart on the Persian
Gulf crisis. Bush isn't doing anybody any favors by trying to
paper over major differences with a smile and a handshake
Saddam Hussein has a TV, too. He saw Bush trying to put the best
possible face on the Helsinki summit -- while Gorbachev crossed his
fingers in the background. That's the bottom line."
(New York Daily News, 9/10)
Let George Do It -- "The Iraq crisis is no mere sport, but to
understand the politics of this crisis a football metaphor helps.
George Bush has become the quarterback everyone expects to lead his
team to a final touchdown drive and victory. Meanwhile, all of his
teammates and fans claim to 'support' the President, but at just
enough distance that they don't have to handle the ball themselves,
or take any blame if he falls short
They'd all rather let
George do it."
(Wall Street Journal, 9/11)
###
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION
HELSINKI SUMMIT
"Bush Failed"
"The Helsinki summit did not fulfill Bush's hopes. The U.S.
President failed to induce the Soviets to join his country in
tightening the noose around Saddam's neck."
(Hatzofe, Israel)
"No Clear Warning For Saddam"
"Saddam Hussein cannot be unhappy about the Helsinki summit.
The meeting of the U.S. and Soviet heads of state did not produce
a clear warning to the Iraqi dictator." (Jerusalem Post, Israel)
"Commendable Bush Move Not To Link Palestinian Problem And Kuwait"
"President Bush's determination not to link an Iraqi pullout
from Kuwait with a solution to the Palestinian problem is
commendable. Israel should show readiness to search for a solution
to the Palestinian problem, but it must not agree to have the issue
linked to another conflict in which it is not involved."
(Haaretz, Israel)
"Bush Made Himself More Dependent On Gorbachev"
"President Bush has not given up the military option but has
made himself more dependent on Gorbachev in this respect. Bush
also rewarded the Soviet leader by returning Moscow to the Middle
East scene
Bush has already started paying his supporters in
the confrontation with Iraq. He is paying Gorbachev -- and might
also pay Egypt and Syria -- in what may turn out to be an Israeli
coin."
(Maariv, Israel)
"Saddam Thought He Could Incite Gorbachev"
"Saddam Hussein thought he could incite the Soviet leader to
oppose the U.S. President by playing the refrain of 'non-submission
to American pressure.
Perhaps he was under the illusion that
Gorbachev, who has effected the most major change ever in his
country and in Eastern Europe, would listen to the advice of a
Third World president afflicted with megalomania."
(al-Akhbar, Egypt)
"Shortest Path To Solution: Implementation of Cairo Summit Moves"
"The joint statement has expressed to a great extent the world
community's aspirations
We believe it is high time for the
Iraqi regime to admit that its adventure brought nothing to the
(Arab) nation except disaster
Once again, the shortest path
to the solution of this acute crisis lies in implementation of the
Cairo summit's resolutions."
(al-Ba'th, Syria)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, September 12, 1990 -- C-4
"Bush, Gorbachev Blocked Way For Thief of Baghdad"
Bush and Gorbachev have blocked the way for the thief of
Baghdad by expressing determination to return the situation in the
Gulf region to what it was before August 2."
(al-Yawm, Saudi Arabia)
"Jordanian Position Has Been Vindicated"
"The agreement on the 'political settlement' clause between
the two superpowers is naturally the highlight of the summit. For
us here in Jordan, at least, this is what Jordanian diplomacy has
been trying to achieve from the outset and we cannot be but
relieved that the Jordanian position has again been vindicated
The fact that the summit has started a process of pulling people
back from the brink, and toward dialogue, remains the most
important and promising."
(Jordan Times, Jordan)
"A Defeat For Those Who Have Been Beating Drums of War"
"The summit ended with an agreement to give the political
solution a chance, and to resort to the U.N. before taking any
further step on the situation in the Gulf. This outcome is
tantamount to a defeat for those who have been beating the drums
of war in London, Tel Aviv and some Arab capitals."
(al-Dustur, Jordan)
"Communique Does Not Inspire Confidence"
"The joint communique issued following the meeting is very
mild and does not inspire any confidence. There is no discussion
concerning the use of military options. Rather, the emphasis is
on
full implementation of the U.N. resolutions, and whether more
resolutions or measures are to be taken. In other words, the U.N.
is to execute U.S.-Soviet instructions."
(Tunis Hebdo, Tunisia)
"Summit Passed Test with Distinction"
"The summit passed the test with distinction. The success
means that new international policies are now based on joint
interests rather than conflict between the U.S. and the USSR
The two countries are determined to adhere to a policy of
reconciliation on joint interests and the strengthening of
international law."
(al-Bayan, U.A.E.)
"Presidents Call For Implementation of UNSC Resolutions"
"The summit has laid down the foundation for international
economic reconciliation based on the balance of interests rather
than the balance of power. "
(al-Thawra, Yemen)
-End of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1990 -- 6 A.M. EDT EDITION
TODAY'S HEADLINE
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
BUSH: S. AFRICAN REFORMS 'IRREVERSIBLE" -- President Bush Monday
effusively praised the "efforts and courage" of South African
President de Klerk and declared that the process of dismantling
apartheid in that nation is now "irreversible."
(Newsday, Washington Post)
PRICE OF OIL SURGES NEARLY $3 A BARREL -- The price of oil shot up
nearly $3 a barrel Monday amid fears in the oil market that Iraqi
leader Saddam might make good on his weekend threat to attack the
rich Saudi Arabian oil fields and cause a catastrophic worldwide
energy shortage.
(Washington Post)
if
40 x
NATIONAL NEWS
WHITE HOUSE MUM ON TAX INCREASE ON RICHEST AMERICANS -- The White
House, possibly clearing the way for a budget deal by Friday's
deadline, declined Monday to criticize a proposal to raise the
income tax rate on the wealthiest Americans in exchange for a cut
in the capital gains tax.
(Boston Globe)
NETWORK NEWS (Monday evening)
DE KLERK -- Lavish with praise,
President Bush said President
de Klerk is courageously trying
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
to establish a democracy.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-10
IRAQ -- President Bush made it
clear that it is Saddam Hussein
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
who must agree to all American
conditions before they can talk.
EDITORIALS
C-1
SOVIET REFORM -- The Soviet
FOREIGN MEDIA
C-2
parliament gave President
Gorbachev a free hand if he
chooses to transform the Soviet
economy by decree.
This Summary is prepared Monday through Friday by the White House News Summary Staff.
For complete stories or information, please call 456-2950.
INTERNATION NEWS
BUSH: S. AFRICAN REFORMS 'IRREVERSIBLE"
De Klerk Visits White House, Vows 'We Will Not Turn Back'
President Bush Monday effusively praised the "efforts and
courage" of South African President de Klerk and declared that the
process of dismantling apartheid in that nation is now
"irreversible."
Speaking in a South Lawn ceremony at the conclusion of the
first White House visit by a South African head of state, Bush also
pledged that he would not alter the conditions for lifting economic
sanctions.
"We believe the process of change in South Africa is
irreversible, a fact that we will bear squarely in mind as we
consider issues in the future," the President said. He added that
the conditions that must be met before congressional legislation
imposing sanctions can be lifted "are clear-cut and are not open
to reinterpretation, and I do not believe in moving the goal
posts."
After the White House meeting, South African officials
expressed broad pleasure at what they described as Bush's vote of
confidence. South African Foreign Minister R.F. "Pic" Botha noted,
"We feel that (whatever) has separated the U.S. and South Africa,
that separation has been crossed."
Bush's reference to the irreversibility of reforms, he said,
"is the element the European governments have been looking for" in
beginning the process of reestablishing economic ties with South
Africa
De Klerk said that Bush's meeting with him and the President's
assertion of the irreversibility of apartheid's demise was "very
important" for his efforts to bring his nation back into "the
international community."
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A1)
De Klerk Meeting
President Bush, declaring that the "change in South Africa is
irreversible," promised President de Klerk Monday that he'll move
to relax economic sanctions against Pretoria when it meets the
minimum conditions under anti-apartheid laws.
Herman Cohen, assistant secretary of state for African
affairs, said Bush told de Klerk that as soon as South Africa
fulfills the letter of the requirements of the legislation, the
President "would move to consult with Congress with a view towards
modifying" the sanctions.
In the White House departure ceremonies following more than
two hours of talks and lunch, Bush praised de Klerk as "bold and
courageous" and told him: "The time has come to encourage and
assist the emerging new South Africa
We believe the process
of change in South Africa is irreversible."
The South African leader, the first to have an official visit
with an American president, was obviously delighted as he promised
Bush, "The international community can rely on us. We will not
turn back. The fact that you have today given recognition to this
fact will serve as inspiration to us." (Saul Friedman, Newsday)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-2
BUSH, ADDRESSING ARAB-AMERICANS, REPEATS OPPOSITION
TO LINKING GULF ISSUE WITH OTHER MIDEAST PROBLEMS
Speaking to a group of Arab-Americans, President Bush on
Monday reiterated his opposition to attempts by Iraq's Saddam
Hussein to link the Persian Gulf crisis with the Israeli-
Palestinian dispute.
"First we've got to take care of the situation that exists
right now, naked aggression of one country against the other. That
cannot be permitted to stand," Bush told the Arab-American
businessmen in a meeting at the White House.
The President said the U.S. was committed to overall peace in
the region, but did not want "to permit Saddam Hussein to link
these two questions. I simply cannot do that. "
Bush said he did not see any hope of immediate negotiations
in the gulf crisis. "I think it's going to take a little time
before there can be any fruitful and serious negotiations,' Bush
said, adding that Saddam has spurned attempts by regional leaders
to defuse the 7-week-old crisis.
"You've seen people calling for an 'Arab solution' and that's
fine. But they have struck out because of his insistence on
remaining in Kuwait," Bush said of the Iraqi leader.
(Stephen Kurkjian, Boston Globe)
Bush Decries Hatred Aimed At U.S. Arabs
President Bush said Monday that Arab-Americans are being
subjected to "appalling acts of hatred" by American bigots angry
over Iraqi aggression.
"Death threats, physical attacks, vandalism, religious
violence and discrimination against Arab-Americans must end, " Mr.
Bush told about 160 Arab-Americans who applauded that pronouncement
but went separate ways on other issues at an unusually contentious
White House meeting.
During a question session that bordered on debate, Mr. Bush
insisted he will not negotiate the principles that led him to send
more than 150, 000 U.S. troops to the Persian Gulf.
"We're not gong to yield one inch,' he said.
After decrying the new ethnic violence as he has in speeches
assailing attacks on women and racial bigotry, Mr. Bush said,
"America is home to millions of Muslims who are free to live, to
work and to worship in accord with the traditions and teachings of
Islam. "
Despite saying at first he would not answer questions, Mr.
Bush saw many hands raised and said, "I'll take a few questions to
get a feel, a random feel, of what's on y'all's mind."
He quickly found himself accused of starving Iraqi children,
challenged on fairness to the Palestinians and Lebanon, and accused
of advocating negotiation by the Soviets while refusing to talk to
President Saddam.
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A8)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-3
Bush Acknowledges Flaws of Ousted Kuwaiti Regime
President Bush acknowledged Monday that Kuwait's ousted
government wasn't a model of democracy but refused even to address
political reforms there until Iraq withdrew, saying to do so would
reward Saddam Hussein's aggression.
"The objective is to see that naked aggression does not pay
off, sir," the President told a questioner during a lively and at
times argumentative exchange with Arab-Americans at the White
House. He also said he was "not going to yield one inch" on the
U.N.-sanctioned demands that Iraq withdraw from Kuwait and allow
restoration of the government now in exile.
"Iraq
is
no
model of democracy, nor was Kuwait," Mr. Bush
said.
"That isn't the question here. The question is
international law and respect for one's neighbor."
(Mark Matthews, Baltimore Sun, 2A)
PRICE OF OIL SURGES NEARLY $3 A BARREL
Rise To $38.25 Rocks Global Markets
The price of oil shot up nearly $3 a barrel Monday amid fears
in the oil market that Iraqi leader Saddam might make good on his
weekend threat to attack the rich Saudi Arabian oil fields and
cause a catastrophic worldwide energy shortage.
The huge jump in the crude oil price, to $38.25 a barrel --
a $2.82 rise -- was accompanied by increases of nearly 7 cents a
gallon in wholesale gasoline and heating oil prices. Some of those
increases will be passed on to consumers at the gas pump and in
heating bills in weeks to come, although a number of oil companies
have limited their retail price increase to avoid charges of price
gouging.
Monday's oil price surge sent shock waves through other
financial markets in the U.S. and abroad.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell nearly 60 points to its
lowest level in more than a year, as worries about the effects of
higher oil prices on corporate profits and the economy in general
piled onto investors' concerns about financial problems at some of
the nation's big banks.
(Mark Potts, Washington Post, A1)
STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS 'NO' TO PRIVATE IRAQI AIRCRAFT
The U.S. on Monday banned an official Iraqi government
aircraft carrying the foreign minister to a U.N. session, and Iraq
said it would boycott the General Assembly session as a result.
The decision by both governments appeared to dash hopes that
there could be any encounter, planned or by chance, that could lead
to a diplomatic resolution of the Persian Gulf crisis.
State Department spokesman Boucher said the U.S., after
reviewing the situation, decided it would not permit Tariq Aziz,
Iraq's foreign minister, to arrive in the U.S. aboard a special
government aircraft. He would be given a visa to come aboard a
commercial airliner
Asked why an Iraqi government airliner would be denied
permission to land when an Iraqair plane would also be owned by the
Iraqi government, State Department spokeswoman Tutwiler said it is
because Iraq continues to hold 93 Americans in detention, has
refused to allow American diplomats to leave Iraq, and refuses to
allow consular access to those detained.
(Jim Anderson, UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-4
AILING AMERICANS HELD AS SHIELDS, U.S. SAYS
Concern Rises For Citizens still Stranded
As 55 Americans were welcomed home from what could be the last
of the "freedom flights" from Iraq and Kuwait, the State Department
expressed concern Monday for the safety of 900 U.S. citizens still
stranded in those countries.
Most of the unspecified number of American men still trapped
have gone into hiding, and the Iraqis have begun detaining
Americans with health problems to use as human shields against any
possible U.S. attack, said spokeswoman Tutwiler.
Describing the Iraqi action as "deplorable," Tutwiler said
Iraqi President Saddam was denying repeated U.S. demands for
"immediate evacuation" of 29 Americans who needed medical
attention.
She said the Iraqis are also continuing the "barbaric
practice" of detaining Americans at military bases to ward off a
U.S. air strike and now hold 93 in that way.
One of the detainees has "serious medical problems," Tutwiler
said. His detention is a "very disturbing development," she said.
"We find it particularly deplorable that the Iraqis have not
only ignored our request to evacuate Americans with serious medical
problems, but are now beginning to detain them," she said.
(Keith Kendrick, Washington Post, A18)
U.S. INTELLIGENCE REPORTS SIGNS IRAN IS GETTING FOOD TO IRAQ
U.S. intelligence has picked up evidence that Iran is allowing
some food shipments into Iraq, and Administration officials said
they expect Iran to help President Saddam just enough to prolong
the gulf crisis without strengthening Saddam's hand.
The officials said it could be months and perhaps years before
Iraq feels the full force of the international trade embargo
imposed on it after Iraq's Aug. 2 invasion of Kuwait. If Iran
agrees to an Iraqi request for a hookup of oil pipelines, one
official said, it would allow the Iraqis "to survive the sanctions
almost indefinitely."
Iran has not yet responded to that request, according to
intelligence reports, but Administration officials said an Iraq-
Iran pipeline carrying 200,000 to 500,000 barrels a day could be
completed within 30 days.
A likely route, they said, would be from an Iraqi pipeline
east of Az Zubayr in southeast Iraq to a large Iranian refinery at
Abadan, a distance of about 25 miles across the Shatt al Arab
waterway.
Such a step, for which Iran would probably charge a hefty
premium, would provide Iraq with credits for the purchase, through
Iran, of fresh supplies of food and medicine, the officials
said
Other high-ranking Administration officials said they do not
believe Iran is seeking to break the U.N. embargo in a. major way,
but rather than Tehran, with a devastated economy, is trying to
make money from its old enemy, Iraq.
(George Lardner, Washington Post, A18)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-5
IRAQI TANKERS
Three fully loaded Iraqi oil tankers that left Iraqi waters
last week in what Bush Administration officials said could be a
blockade-evading effort docked over the weekend in occupied Kuwait,
U.S. officials said Monday.
The U.S. military and intelligence agencies are keeping a
close watch on the vessels, which several weeks ago took on more
than 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil worth an estimated $80 million,
to see if they will try to elude warships blockading the Persian
Gulf.
Some Administration and congressional officials said they
believe the oil may be destined for Iran.
U.S. officials said they did not know why the tankers went to
Kuwait or what they are doing there. "They're just sitting there
(at the Kuwait dock) said an Administration official who spoke
on condition of anonymity. "It's not real clear what they're
doing."
Asked if there was official speculation about what the vessels
are doing in Kuwait, he said, "There are a lot of dumb guesses. "
Another official who receives a daily intelligence briefing
said that there were a number of "wild speculations" about why the
Iraqis had parked the vessels in Kuwait. Among them: The Iraqis
would "spread oil in the water that would be burned if there is an
amphibious attack or the tankers would be set afire in the face
of landing U.S. marines."
(Knut Royce, Newsday)
MITTERRAND PROPOSES PEACE PLAN
U.N. -- President Mitterrand outlined a four-stage plan for
MIddle East peace Monday that appeared to differ in key respects
from U.S. views on how to respond to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and
its use of thousands of foreigners as human shields against attack.
Mitterrand, who spoke at the opening session of the U.N.
General Assembly's annual meeting, said: "If Iraq were to affirm
its intention to withdraw its troops and free the hostages,
everything would be possible.
"At a later stage, the international community could be called
on to guarantee the withdrawal of Iraqi forces and the restoration
of the sovereignty of Kuwait and the democratic will of the Kuwaiti
people.'
Mitterrand, whose country was once a major arms supplier to
Iraq, did not give specifics about how this would be done, but his
language left the impression that a promise by President Saddam to
pull his forces out of Kuwait might be sufficient to end the tight
economic embargo that the U.N. has imposed on Iraq
In Washington Monday, President Bush held a raucous meeting
with some 200 Arab American leaders and declared that he was "not
going to yield one inch" on his conditions for a negotiated
settlement of the Persian Gulf crisis.
"We want a peaceful solution, but we don't want to do it and
undermine -- and I'm not going to do it and undermine -- the solid
consensus that exists in the world," Bush said when pressed by the
Arab-Americans to seek a dialogue with Iraq.
"We're not going to yield one inch on those provisions, " Bush
said, referring to the publicly stated aims of his gulf policy.
(John Goshko, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-6
U.N. BLASTS SADDAM, OIL PRICES SOAR
World leaders opened a U.N. General Assembly session Monday
by condemning Iraq as a warlike state for its invasion of Kuwait,
but President Saddam vowed to fight for "a thousand years" to keep
the emirate
President Mitterrand delivered the first of a series of
condemnations of Iraq, warning that Iraq's aggression could lead
to global anarchy. Soviet Foreign Minister Shevardnadze speaks
Tuesday, and President Bush is to address the 160-member assembly
on Monday.
(Laura King, Washington Times, A1)
SADDAM'S THREAT TO DESTROY OIL FIELDS
LARGELY UNFOUNDED, OIL EXPERTS SAY
Saddam Hussein's threat to destroy Middle Eastern oil fields
is mostly bluster, although Iraqi saboteurs or a lucky missile
strike could cause some disruption of oil production in Saudi
Arabia, oil experts and security consultants said Monday.
Saudi Arabia's refineries, pumping stations and loading
terminals are highly visible, stationary targets, but they are
heavily guarded and mostly well beyond the range of Iraqi
artillery, the experts said.
Detonation of explosive charges Iraq has reportedly attached
to wellheads in occupied Kuwait could put those fields out of
commission for months or even years, they said, but the vast pools
of oil below would remain intact
Experts were unanimous in saying there is no possibility of
a subterranean inferno that would destroy the region's vast
reserves.
(Thomas Lippman, Washington Post, A13)
MULRONEY: CANADA MUST OPPOSE IRAQ
OTTAWA -- Amid mounting criticism that Canada is being drawn
into an escalating role in the Persian Gulf conflict at the bidding
of the U.S., Prime Minister Mulroney Monday said he would never
choose neutrality in the face of Iraq's aggression.
Mulroney suggested that more Canadian forces would be sent to
the region if needed, and he disclosed that in addition to three
warships and a squadron of F/A-18 fighter-bombers that have already
been sent to the gulf, Canada was providing aircraft to ferry
troops of other nations there.
Mulroney, in an impassioned speech at the reopening of
Parliament, invoked the memory of Canadian soldiers who died "on
the beaches of Normandy and the hills of Korea." He said that
while today's Canadian army is best known for its peacekeeping
activity around the world, "Canadians have never looked for a free
ride and we are not going to start today."
(William Claiborne, Washington Post, A20)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-7
HOUSE PANEL VOTES 70,000-PERSON CUT IN MILITARY PERSONNEL
A House panel approved a cut of 77,000 people from the armed
forces, conceding that a more significant reduction would be unwise
while President Bush continues to send troops to the Persian Gulf.
Meeting behind closed doors Monday, the House Appropriations
subcommittee on defense adopted the troop cut as part of its
defense spending plan for fiscal 1991, said a panel member who
requested anonymity. The lawmaker did not specify how many people
each service would lose.
(Donna Cassata, AP)
PENTAGON PRESSES 'SOVIET MILITARY POWER' DESPITE REFORMS
The Defense Department warned Tuesday in its annual report on
Soviet military power that Moscow can still threaten the West with
a vast high-tech arsenal despite political reforms and defense
budget cuts.
The cover of the ninth annual edition of "Soviet Military
Power" features a blown-up photograph of a Soviet Delta-4 Class
nuclear missile submarine, plowing over the surface of the sea
somewhere in the world.
But the back of the softcover book has smaller color photos
of Soviet troops leaving Hungary and of a World War II Soviet
veteran freely demonstrating against the Communist Party in Moscow,
according to the caption
Secretary Cheney said in a three-page signed preface that
there is "vigorous internal debate and uncertainty" in the Soviet
military.
(Reuter)
GORBACHEV IS GRANTED NEW POWERS
No Accord Reached On Scope of New Economic Program
MOSCOW -- The Soviet legislature, after failing Monday to
reach agreement on an emergency economic reform program, granted
President Gorbachev sweeping new powers allowing him virtually to
rule by decree during the disruptive transition period to a market
economy.
The Supreme Soviet's decision to delegate much of its day-
to-day authority to Gorbachev masked its failure to agree on the
content of the so-called 500-day program and a continuing disarray
in the Kremlin over the pace and scope of economic charge
Powers voted to the president Monday include the right to
issue decrees covering such diverse subjects as property, economic
management, the financial and budget system, wage policy, price
setting, and public order. (Michael Dobbs, Washington Post, A1)
E. GERMANY DROPS OUT OF SOVIET-LED ALLIANCE
Ceremony Ends 35-Year Military Link
BONN -- The Warsaw Pact, the once monolithic Soviet-led East
European military alliance, began the final stage of its collapse
Monday as East Germany formally renounced its membership.
East Germany's Disarmament and Defense Minister, pacifist
clergyman Rainer Eppelmann, performed one of his last official acts
in presenting his country's resignation to Gen. Pyotr Lushev, the
Soviet supreme commander to pact forces.
(Marc Fisher, Washington Post, A14)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-8
U.S., ANGOLA AGREE ON FAMINE RELIEF
JOHANNESBURG -- The U.S. and Angola announced Monday that they
have agreed to create "relief corridors" into isolated areas of
war-torn southern Angola where 250,000 people are said to be in
danger of immediate starvation.
The agreement, disclosed in Luanda and Washington, will allow
U.N. relief agencies, private volunteer groups and the Geneva-
based International Committee of the Red Cross to transport
emergency relief supplies across Namibia into territory controlled
by the Angolan government and that held by UNITA, a U.S.-backed
rebel group led by Jonas Savimbi.
"The two sides agreed on the need for prompt and efficient
delivery of relief supplies to all affected populations in Angola,"
a joint statement said.
(David Ottaway, Washington Post, A14)
U.S. WANTS ACCESS TO PHILIPPINE BASES AFTER LEASE ENDS
MANILA -- The U.S. wants access to its largest overseas
facilities in the Philippines at the expiration of its basing
rights, U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Pratt said Tuesday.
In an interview with radio station DZRH, Platt said "quite a
lot" was accomplished in the four days of talks last week on the
1947 treaty on six U.S. facilities expiring on Sept. 16, 1991.
Platt said the discussions, which were adjourned until next
month, "came to a general consensus on the direction" the two
panels wanted to go
Elaborating on the U.S. position, Platt said Washington wanted
continued access after the phase-down period.
"I think that some of the specific functions that we're
interested in maintaining access to at the end of the phase-down
process are training in a place like Crow Valley and some training
areas at Subic, the military air command flight line at Clark,
which is essentially a big airlift capability and ship repair
facilities at Subic, Platt said.
(UPI)
PHILIPPINE GUERRILLAS END TRUCE WITH AQUINO
Philippine communist guerrillas Monday scrapped a cease-fire
with President Aquino's government, and right-wing army rebels
warned again that they would overthrow her administration.
The guerrillas accused Mrs. Aquino of secretly forging a deal
with Washington to ensure the continued presence of U.S. military
bases in the country and announced they would resume their
insurgency on a bigger scale.
(Reuter, Washington Post, A7)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-9
SALVADORAN PRESIDENT SEEKS CONTINUED MILITARY AID
Salvadoran President Cristiani, struggling to persuade a
doubtful Congress that his government deserves continued U.S.
military support, said Monday that he is prepared to accept a major
reduction in military aid as long as it is tied to a cease-fire
agreement by anti-government rebels.
In addition, Cristiani said he would name a "blue ribbon
panel" of three prominent U.S. judges to advise his government on
how to prosecute Salvadoran military personnel allegedly involved
in the killing last November of six Jesuit priests.
(Al Kamen, Washington Post, A4)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Saddam Grows 'More Dangerous,' U.S. Experts say,"
a news analysis by Martin Sieff, appears in the Washington Times,
A8.
"U.S. Views Threat BY Iraq As Strategy To Split Critics," by Eric
Schmitt, appears in the New York Times, A12.
"Hills Warns Global Trade Negotiations Could Collapse Over Farm
Subsidy Issue," by Eduardo Lachica, appears in the Wall Street
Journal, A18.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
WHITE HOUSE MUM ON TAX INCREASE ON RICHEST AMERICANS
The White House, possibly clearing the way for a budget deal
by Friday's deadline, declined Monday to criticize a proposal to
raise the income tax rate on the wealthiest Americans in exchange
for a cut in the capital gains tax.
President Bush has said that if a deficit reduction deal is
to be reached by Friday, he would allow automatic budget cutbacks
of up to 40 percent to go into effect the following Monday
The White House refusal to criticize the Dole proposal, which
would raise the income tax rate on the richest Americans to 31
percent from 28 percent, was hardly an endorsement, and the idea
was blasted by some Republicans on Capitol Hill.
But with less than a week left in which to strike a budget
deal, even the lack of a White House comment about a proposed
income tax rate increase is being treated as a significant step
forward.
Democratic congressional aides privately expressed pleasure
with both Dole's proposal and the White House's lack of criticism.
These aides said Dole's suggestion amounted to an endorsement of
the Democratic view that income tax rates should be raised on the
wealthy in exchange for a capital gains tax reduction.
Many Republicans have adamantly refused to consider any tax
rate increase. Even the White House budget chief, Richard Darman,
declined to endorse the Dole idea outright, although some
congressional aides said it was his idea to begin with.
"We're not shifting our position on anything," Darman said.
"Why should we?"
(Michael Kranish, Boston Globe)
STILL NO DEAL AT BUDGET TALKS
Top congressional and White House budget negotiators reported
some progress early Tuesday toward an agreement on a five-year,
$500 billion deficit reduction package.
"We're making progress on savings cutting spending, but
we're not quite there yet, Chief of Staff Sununu said as he and
other Republican negotiators left the Capitol about 12:30 a.m. EDT
after nearly four hours of talks with Democrats.
Sen. Dole said the group had made "some" progress but he
declined to elaborate.
There was no indication from negotiators as the meeting broke
up that any significant progress had been made on what Democrats
have said is the biggest obstacle blocking an agreement --
President Bush's insistence on cutting the capital gains tax.
Negotiators planned to resume talks Tuesday afternoon.
(Bud Newman, UPI)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-11
ADMINISTRATION PREPARES FOR LAYOFFS
AS BUDGET TALKS REMAIN UNRESOLVED
The Bush Administration is preparing to furlough thousands of
federal workers -- from air traffic controllers to White House
spokesmen -- beginning next week unless budget negotiators reach
a last-minute accord.
The five congressional and three Administration negotiators
met again Monday night. Before the meeting, Democratic leaders
suggested there might be an accord, at least in principle, by
midweek. Administration officials, however, emphasized that
substantial difference remain, though they acknowledged that
negotiators are making progress.
In what amounts to a high-stakes game of chicken, the White
House Monday renewed its VOW to veto any congressional attempt to
delay the automatic spending cuts slated to begin Monday, the first
day of the new fiscal year.
If President Bush does not flinch, the impact will be
immediate -- and not just on the paychecks of federal employees who
will be told to stay home a day or two each week. "It's seven days
to Armageddon," Rep. Gunderson warned on the House floor.
(David Wessel and Jackie Calmes, Wall Street Journal, A3)
DEMOCRATS READY TO BEGIN EFFORT TO POSTPONE GRAMM-RUDMAN CUTS
Democratic congressional leaders are beginning their effort
to delay $85 billion in imminent cuts in federal spending, despite
a veto threat from the Bush Administration.
The House Appropriations Committee planned to vote on the
measure Tuesday
Negotiators from the two sides met in a back room of the
Capitol until nearly 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, emerging to say they were
still searching for a deal.
"We're making progress in cutting spending, but we're not
quite there," Chief of Staff Sununu told reporters.
The major sticking point to a five-year, $500 billion deficit-
reduction deal has been over whether to slash the tax rate on
capital gains
The seemingly endless negotiations have left the government
staring at the start of the new fiscal year next Monday with no
budget, spending bills or other fiscal legislation in place.
"It's a game of chicken, that's all it is," said Rep. Conte.
(Alan Fram, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-12
HOUSE GOP CONSERVATIVES DRAW LINE ON DEFICIT DEAL
Tax Rise Opposed; Capital Gains Cut Demanded
Conservative House Republicans, stung this spring by President
Bush's abandonment of his "no-new-taxes" campaign pledge, said
Monday they could not support a deficit-reduction package that does
not include a cut in the capital gains tax rate or that raises
personal income tax rates.
"Clearly, the majority of House Republicans would vote against
such a package,' said Rep. Armey.
It is largely the question of taxes that has stalled the
budget talks between congressional leaders and the Bush
Administration. The bargainers met into Monday night seeking a way
to get the talks moving again
"We're not only trying to put together something that makes
public policy sense, but could be passed, Budget Director Darman
said. "It's a very delicate process of coalition-building."
Conservative House Republicans, who felt abandoned by Bush
when he said new taxes were necessary to reduce the deficit, now
cling to the President' VOW that the budget agreement must
encourage economic growth.
"We can't find anything in the talks that has anything to do
with growth except capital gains," said Rep. Frenzel. "That will
be the key to a number of votes in the House."
House Republicans are also intent on holding the line on tax
rates. "Any change in income tax rates becomes difficult to sell
among House Republicans," said Rep. Gunderson. "I don't think
[Sen.] Dole's comments were helpful to bringing the budget summit
to a conclusion."
(John Yang, Washington Post, A5)
QUAYLE CALLS FOR QUICK ACTION ON BUDGET
SEATTLE -- Vice President Quayle said Monday if the world can
unite against President Saddam, Congress should be able to rally
behind President Bush to break the current budget impasse.
"The time is running out to get this budget agreement," Quayle
told a media round table as part of his Western states' swing on
behalf of Republican congressional candidates. "It is not going
to be helpful to anyone to have the Gramm-Rudman meat ax fall."
"The President has gone the extra mile. He has put everything
on the table that the Democratic leadership insisted upon. What
have we gotten in return? Nothing -- not one thing except a lot
of talk. It's time to deal
wrap this up. The American people
demand it. "
Quayle sid efforts by Democrats to pass a continuation
resolution delaying Gramm-Rudman cuts and "somehow kick this down
the road till after the election" will further stir an "anti-
incumbency feeling that has been developing for a number of months
now."
(Stewart Slavin, UPI)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-13
ABSENCE OF BUDGET PACT WOULD HALT NIGHT FLIGHTS
Airlines To Lose Weather Data As of Monday
The government told the airline industry Monday that 250
weather stations will be closed at night beginning Monday if there
is no budget agreement between Congress and the Administration.
That would shut down all commercial airline service after 6 p.m.
each day.
The National Weather Service, at a meeting with industry
representatives and the FAA, said budget cuts required under Gramm-
Rudman will force it to close all but its major national weather
centers from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This includes the offices that
provide local weather information to pilots.
"It will be devastating," said Jack Ryan, an official with the
Air Transport Association, who attended the meeting. "It will be
worse than the FAA plan. You can't dispatch aircraft without a
weather report.'
(Don Phillips, Washington Post, A5)
U.S. POSTS $52.75 BILLION AUGUST BUDGET DEFICIT
The U.S. posted a budget deficit of $52.75 billion in August,
a huge gain over the August 1989 shortfall of $22.15 billion, the
Treasury Department said.
But "$25 billion of the August deficit reflects a shift of
payments normally made in September into August to avoid Labor Day
delays" of military pay, Social Security checks and other payments,
the department said.
"This will affect September's results by $25 billion as
compared to last year, the department said Monday.
August's $52.75 billion shortfall is the worst showing since
a staggering $53.35 billion in March and follows a shortfall of
$25.93 billion in July and a deficit of $11.13 billion in June.
(Vincent Del Giudice, UPI)
FED'S STINGINESS AGGRAVATES THE THREAT
OF A LONG RECESSION, ECONOMISTS SAY
The Fed's steady grip on credit is reducing any chance of
skirting a recession and could prolong one if it occurs, according
to Bush Administration and private economists.
The Fed's interest-rate policies haven't changed since
midsummer. But economic statistics released since then suggest the
economy is grinding to a halt. Employment growth is the slowest
it has been since the 1982 recession. The housing and construction
industries are in a deepening slump. Consumers, after borrowing
and spending heavily throughout most of the 1980s, seem to have run
out of steam.
Concerns about the economy, and the Fed's reluctance to ease
rates, is also causing the stock market to plummet
"Recession seems very likely unless something changes very
promptly," says Robert Dederick, chief economist at Northern Trust
Co. in Chicago. An easing of short-term interest rates by the Fed
might prevent or cushion a recession, he said.
(Alan Murray, Wall Street Journal, A2)
-more-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-14
BUSH FOCUSES ON HISPANIC EDUCATION
Hispanic leaders are overjoyed with President Bush's pledge
to improve federal efforts to promote quality education for
Hispanic Americans.
Bush, flanked by Secretary Cavazos and Secretary Lujan, used
a ceremony Monday marking National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept.
15-Oct. 15, to issue an executive order on educational excellence
for one of the fastest growing minorities in America.
Stressing "too many Hispanic Americans are not getting the
first-rate education they need and deserve," Bush said the
executive order sets up an advisory committee to keep the education
secretary abreast of ways to improve federal educational efforts.
The order, an outgrowth of an Hispanic task force report, also
directs Cabinet agencies to work along with individuals and
educational, business and community groups serving Hispanic
Americans to increase participation rates of Hispanics in federal
education programs.
Cavazos called the order "a demonstration of (Bush's) thorough
commitment to bringing Hispanics into the mainstream of American
life through education.
Lisa Navarre, spokeswoman for the National Council of La Raza,
said officials are encouraged by the order because the research and
advocacy group, along with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and
Universities, had been working for nearly two years to win a
commitment from the Administration.
"On a political and general level, this is a very significant
and symbolic act, said Navarre. "It shows an interest in the
federal government to do something about the crisis in Hispanic
education."
(Tamara Henry, AP)
BUSH SEEKS TO BOOST TURNER'S 'UNDERDOG' BID
President Bush, in his only major appearance for a municipal
candidate this fall, helped raise more than $200,000 Monday for
Republican mayoral nominee Maurice Turner, hailing him as the
candidate best equipped to end "the crisis of confidence that grips
the District Building."
Bush, speaking to a breakfast audience of several hundred
Turner supporters at the Mayflower Hotel, described Turner as an
underdog in the mayor's race, but said there was "no one more dead
set on getting the deadwood out of city government and providing
leadership to help heal Washington" than the former D.C. police
chief.
Those who know Turner "call him tough, honest, concerned,
committed, competent," Bush said. "Well, come November 6th, that's
just one thing more I'd like to call him, and that is 'Mayor. "
Turner, who at various stages of the mayoral campaign has
sought to play down his affiliation with the Republican Party,
issued a strongly partisan attack on the District's ruling
political establishment, saying, "The Democratic leadership in the
District has let us down."
(R.H. Melton and Mary Ann French, Washington Post, B1)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-15
WHITE HOUSE OBJECTS TO BILLS ON CLEANER FUEL
The White House has decided to oppose both the House and
Senate versions of plans to make oil companies provide cleaner-
burning gasoline. Those requirements are a centerpiece of proposed
revisions to the Clean Air Act.
In a letter dated Friday, the White House, which had not
expressed a public position beyond saying that any new requirements
should be worth the cost, said, "Both the House and Senate
reformulated gas provisions are needlessly inflexible and present
enormous implementation problems."
Both houses had approved unusually specific legislation about
what steps would be required, reflecting frustration that past laws
had failed to achieve the anticipated progress.
The letter, addressed to Rep. Dingell, continued, "Unless
these provisions are changed, they will result in unnecessary
increases in the price of gasoline to consumers and in potential
supply disruptions, without producing commensurate environmental
benefits."
(Matthew Wald, New York Times, A24)
TWO DEMOCRATS SAY 'AYE' ON NOMINATION OF SOUTER
Judge David Souter's confirmation for the Supreme Court looked
even more certain Monday after two key swing votes on the Senate
Judiciary Committee tilted his way.
Sens. DeConcini and Heflin -- moderates whose votes often
dictate the outcome of judicial nominations -- became the panel's
first Democrats to reveal their position. A committee vote is
likely Thursday.
"Judge Souter will not bring a scorched-earth philosophy to
the court, but he will bring a sense of historic perspective and
a clear-headed approach to the analysis of legal issues," Mr.
Heflin said during a speech on the Senate floor.
(Dawn Weyrich, Washington Times, A3)
CIVIL RIGHTS GROUPS URGE REJECTION OF JUDGE SOUTER
A major coalition of civil rights organizations urged the
Senate to reject the nomination of Judge David Souter to the
Supreme Court.
The 180-member Leadership Conference on Civil Rights said in
a two-page statement that Judge Souter hadn't shown "that he has
a commitment to constitutional guarantees of individual rights and
liberties."
(Wall Street Journal, A24)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- A-16
DRUG WAR IN DISTRICT CRITICIZED
Reports Calls Effect 'Pitifully Inadequate'
At least 13 percent of the District's residents -- about
76,000 people -- have a drug problem, and city financing of
programs to treat drug abusers has been "pitifully inadequate,"
according to a report released Monday by researchers at the
University of the District of Columbia.
D.C. government drug-treatment programs have slots for 1,160
patients, far too few to serve the city's drug users, according to
the report. There also are about 76,000 alcoholics in the city,
but it is not known to what degree the two groups overlap,
according to the researchers.
The report is the result of an 18-month evaluation of city-
funded programs for drug treatment, education and referral. It
said the programs have numerous problems, including laggard record-
keeping, which prompted the authors to estimate some of the
statistical findings in their report.
Emanuel "Dave" Chatman, chairman of the research group, which
calls itself the Safe Streets Project, said its findings present
"a sad, sad picture of the problem we're facing in the District
"We just have to spend more money (on treatment) to fight this.
(Keith Harriston, Washington Post, B1)
SENATE PASSES AGE DISCRIMINATION BILL
The Senate voted overwhelmingly Monday to extend additional
rights to millions of older workers, passing a compromise bill to
bar age discrimination in employee benefit plans.
The bill passed 94-1 -- with Sen. McClure the only "no" vote -
- after Sens. Metzenbaum and Hatch announced a technical compromise
intended to allay GOP fears that the measure would threaten
voluntary early retirement plans and unfairly burden employers.
In addition, the compromise gave in to a Republican demand to
exempt federal workers from the legislation.
(UPI)
HOUSE LEADERS TO SEEK TEMPORARY FUNDING FOR NEA
House Democratic leaders will seek temporary extension Tuesday
of the NEA -- the first clear signal they intend to wait until
after the elections to vote on permanent funding for the
beleaguered agency, according to Capitol Hill sources
Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee will extend the
NEA until Oct. 20 at its present $141 million funding level as part
of an omnibus continuing appropriations bill, committee aides said.
Another stopgap extension is anticipated to continue endowment
funding beyond Election Day, aides said.
(George Archibald, Washington Times, A3)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Democrats Hold Slight Edge In Governor Races,"
by Thomas Edsall, appears in the Washington Post, A8.
"Slow Start' To Probe of Delay On Silverado," by Kathleen Day,
appears in the Washington Post, D1.
-end of A-section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Monday evening, September 24)
DE KLERK VISIT
NBC's Tom Brokaw: With so much of our coverage focused on the
Persian Gulf, the dramatic and too often bloody developments in
South Africa have not received the attention that they might have
in quieter times. Monday, South Africa moved back to the
forefront when F.W. de Klerk became the first of that country's
government in more than 45 years to be received at the White House.
De Klerk's presence did not go unnoticed.
ABC's John Cochran: It did not. President Bush knew that
President de Klerk's visit would be controversial, but instead of
distancing himself from the South Africa, Bush gave him a political
embrace.
(TV coverage: President and de Klerk in Oval Office.)
Lavish with his praise, President Bush said de Klerk is
courageously trying to establish a constitutional democracy. Bush
gave the white South African equal footing with black leader Nelson
Mandela, even though Mandela has recently attacked de Klerk.
(President: "And I'm here to tell you that I have enormous respect
for what President de Klerk and Nelson Mandela are trying to
achieve together in pursuit of this principle, and it is not simply
this president -- I believe, sir, it's the entire American people
that feel that way.")
Well, maybe not the entire American people. One hundred and fifty
protestors accused de Klerk of condoning violence against blacks.
(TV coverage: Protesters in front of White House chanting: de
Klerk's hands are red, 800 dead!)
President Bush is taking a political gamble with his warm reception
of de Klerk; Bush hopes to convert millions of American blacks to
the Republican Party. Monday, Bush campaigned for the Republican
candidate for mayor of Washington, Maurice Turner.
(TV coverage: President shaking hands with Turner.)
Bush hopes more black politicians all over the country will choose
to run as Republicans.
(President: "I urge every citizen in the District of Columbia to
get out and vote. Do not take democracy for granted.")
But many blacks believe Bush Monday welcomed a man who is not
really willing to accept democracy, despite his promise of a new
constitution.
(de Klerk: "There will be a vote of equal value to all South
Africans."
But de Klerk has not yet convinced members of the Congressional
Black Caucus.
(Rep. Gray: "One vote, one value could mean a variety of things,
not necessarily what we consider true democracy where it would be
one person, one vote.
But White House officials are satisfied with de Klerk's promises
on voting, and they say if he makes good on other promises then
President Bush may ask Congress early next year to lift at least
some economic sanctions.
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-2
Brokaw: If the President appears to be too eager to withdraw these
sanctions won't that just hurt him in the black community more than
help him?
Cochran: Not necessarily. I don't think he wants to get too far
out ahead of Congress on this. He has to consult with Congress by
law on these sanctions; he'll try to get congressional leaders to
approve this. It's like taxes: If the Democrats sign off on it,
then President Bush figures he probably won't get hurt.
NBC's Robin Lloyd reports Winnie Mandela was formally charged in
court Monday with kidnapping and assault; there was a strong show
of support for the Mandelas at the courthouse. De Klerk has shown
a reluctance to criticize his own security forces for alleged
complicity on fueling factional fighting. He has discounted
Mandela's charge that rogue elements in the police and the army are
involved in the killings and he has thrown his full support behind
the latest government crackdown. Relations between de Klerk and
Mandela are at an all-time low.
(Mandela: "Mr. de Klerk must stop lecturing to us. He must put
his own house in order.")
De Klerk may have no choice but to proceed cautiously; conservative
whites are already voicing strong opposition to de Klerk's reforms.
Even as de Klerk speaks of a new South Africa, many in his own
government are busy enforcing the old South Africa.
Brokaw reports Nelson Mandela, in a BBC interview, strongly hinted
that his organization would reignite an armed struggle against the
government unless conditions. improve soon.
(NBC-Lead)
ABC's Ann Compton: President de Klerk was invited to the White
House because he is the first South African president to begin
dismantling the official policy of apartheid.
(TV coverage: President and de Klerk in Oval Office.)
He declared there is no going back now.
(de Klerk: "The process in South Africa is indeed an irreversible
one.")
While some in the U.S. want economic sanctions to remain against
South Africa until apartheid is eliminated, President Bush promised
he will start lifting sanctions as soon as de Klerk completes four
of the five reforms demanded by American law.
(President: "These conditions are clear-cut and are not open to
re-interpretation, and I do not believe in moving the goalpost.
The Bush administration says South Africa will soon meet the
conditions on release of the last political prisoners and even
repeal of the laws separating black and white living areas. The
problem is the state of emergency that remains in place. New
violence has cost nearly 800 lives in recent weeks. Outside the
White House gates, some black groups said that is why pressure must
be kept on South Africa.
(Rep. Dellums, Chairman, Congressional Black Caucus: "Not only are
we prepared to say that sanctions should not be lifted, we're
prepared to go forward to challenge for even greater sanctions.")
The Congressional Black Caucus even cancelled its meeting with de
Klerk, saying it would send the wrong signal. President Bush is
sending a signal of another kind: Recognizing progress, even when
it is slow.
(ABC-2)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-3
Rather: President Bush welcomed the president of South Africa
Monday, and praised him for what Mr. Bush called "dramatic progress
toward ending racial discrimination. Mr. Bush's welcome for F.W.
de Klerk matched the reception for Nelson Mandela last June, and
it was a long-awaited breakthrough for the white minority
government of South Africa.
CBS's Wyatt Andrews: After 45 years of being shunned in America,
white South Africa returned Monday to an official Washington state
of grace. President F.W. de Klerk, the man who released Mandela
and who began talks to dismantle apartheid, came to collect the
seal of approval President Bush had promised.
(President: "Who among us only a year ago would have anticipated
these remarkable developments? Clearly the time has come to
encourage and assist the emerging new South Africa.")
The high praise represents a White House decision to reward de
Klerk for the reforms he's begun rather than punish him for the
injustices which remain. Anti-apartheid activists, however, argued
Mr. Bush -- just by meeting de Klerk -- gave too much of a gift
too soon.
(Rep. Dellums: South Africa is no less of an apartheid regime, no
less racist and repressive, no less violent and no more humane.")
(Randall Robinson, TransAfrica: "We would not have invited Adolf
Hitler to visit the United States nor should we, before apartheid
is abolished, invite F.W. de Klerk.")
De Klerk himself came here to shake off those visions of Hitler.
The South African strategy is to admit there's too much violence,
to admit the process is slow, and then to sell America his promises
of a new South Africa.
(De Klerk: "A new constitution which will offer full political
rights within the framework of internationally acceptable
definitions of what democracy really is.")
Monday's symbolic pat on the back was everything for President de
Klerk; he wanted and got almost nothing else. Even President
Bush's goal of easing the economic sanctions against South Africa
came up only sparingly, mostly because both leaders know Congress
is in no mood to relax them anyway.
CBS's Richard Wagner reports from South Africa de Klerk's moves
have won him a measure of important black support here.
(Archbishop Tutu: "I would give him full marks for courage and for
taking initiatives that have surprised even us. I mean, we didn't
think he would have gone as far as he has.")
(Nelson Mandela: "I regard him as serious in demanding a new South
Africa and in announcing his intention of bringing about
fundamental changes. But he clearly has got problems, serious
problems.")
Despite all the obstacles, de Klerk and his major opposition are
committed to change.
(John Barratt, political analyst: "There's no going back for him,
and there's no going back for the ANC. If they do go back they
will walk backwards into chaos.")
Monday, black and white officials met to take the first steps aimed
at forming a common government to unite Johannesburg and Soweto;
bringing together the country's largest black and white communities
would be a major step in the creation of a new South Africa.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-4
Rather: While President de Klerk was being honored at the White
House, Nelson and Winnie Mandela were in court. A judge freed Mrs.
Mandela without bail and agreed to delay her trial until next
February.
(CBS-Lead)
IRAQ
ABC's Peter Jennings: Another day of resounding, and to some,
confusing rhetoric from Saddam Hussein in Baghdad. After a weekend
statement which fell on many ears as the most militant one he's
given, threatening to attack Saudi Arabia and Israel even if it is
the economic embargo that hurts his people. He said Monday that
Iraqis would fight for a thousand years to keep Kuwait. It was
another day of equally determined, although certainly less colorful
language, in Washington. And not an iota of compromise in either
capital.
ABC's John McWethy reports the first question President Bush was
asked by a group of Arab Americans was why he does not at least try
direct talks with Saddam Hussein -- what does the U.S. have to
lose?
(President: "Others have tried. You've seen people calling for
-- quote -- and Arab solution -- unquote, and that's fine, but they
have failed because each time they've tried to do that they have
struck out because of this man's insistence on remaining in
Kuwait."
The President again made it clear that it is Saddam Hussein who
must agree to all American conditions before there is anything for
the U.S. to talk to him about.
(President: "We're not going to yield one inch on those provisions
that I spelled out.")
The President's sentiments were echoed by President Mitterrand, who
told the U.N. General Assembly Monday that there seemed little hope
of a negotiated settlement.
(Mitterrand: "Not one gesture, not one word, in fact, from the
president of Iraq has given us even a glimmer of hope for
conciliation.")
As for Saddam Hussein's latest threats, State Department
spokeswoman Tutwiler said the remarks are just more of the same -
- outlandish and outrageous commentary by the Iraqi leader.
(Tutwiler: "This is just another series, in our opinion, of seven
weeks' worth of irresponsible statements.")
Late Monday, the U.S. found a way to take a diplomatic swipe at
Iraq by prohibiting the Iraqi foreign minister from flying on a
government plane to New York so he can go to the U.N. General
Assembly. He's welcome to come, U.S. officials say, but he'll have
to fly commercial and be treated just like any other commercial
passenger.
Anthony Cordesman, national security advisor to Sen. McCain, says
Saddam's speech Sunday was a threat that he could never implement.
He simply doesn't have the military means; he doesn't have the kind
of attack aircraft and munitions to attack the oil fields in the
Gulf. He might be able to hit a few key facilities, but he has no
way of making good on that broad and sweeping a threat. Saddam's
Scud missiles only have an accuracy of two to three kilometers.
He'd have to throw virtually all of his modern air assets in to
attacking even one or two major oil loading or pumping facilities,
and in the process he might lose his air force.
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-5
Jennings: When Saddam Hussein makes headlines with the kind of
rhetoric we heard over the weekend, you tend to say, perhaps he
wants to negotiate.
Cordesman: I think that is more likely than he's ever going to
make good on those threats.
Jennings asks Judith Kipper of the Brookings Institute if she
detects a change in Saddam's rhetoric.
Kipper believes Saddam's speech over the weekend was qualitatively
different. I think he's losing his nerve, he feels cornered, he's
very fearful and he's lashing out. In the past, when he has made
threats we haven't taken him seriously, as in the threat he made
at the Baghdad summit when he said something would happen. I think
we should listen very carefully, even if he can't make good on what
he actually does threaten.
Jennings asks if we lose anything by not talking with Saddam
directly.
Kipper believes we do. In this clash of cultures, the only way to
know for sure if there is a diplomatic way out is to talk to Saddam
Hussein eyeball to eyeball, and that can only be done possibly by
senior Soviet and certainly by senior Americans.
Jennings reports Argentinean President Menem has fired one of his
aides, who exported 140 tons of beef and medicine to Iraq. Press
reports in Argentina said the beef was sent through Iran. Iran
said Monday it had arrested 29 people for trying to smuggle food
across the frontier. Iraq Monday declared the Kuwaiti Dinar
invalid and ordered Kuwaitis to exchange it for Iraqi money on a
one to one basis by the end of the week.
ABC's Chris Bury reports on Kuwaitis crossing into Saudi Arabia,
who said Monday the Iraqis told them to become citizens of Iraq or
leave. Iraq is destroying their national identity, they say, even
banning Kuwaiti currency. There is less resistance to the
occupation, one man says, because the Iraqi army has threatened to
execute people at random whenever a soldier is killed. More than
200,000 Kuwaitis have fled to Saudi Arabia so far. The Kuwaiti
government-in-exile is registering Kuwaitis for living allowances -
- up to $1,600 a month for families. The royal family promises to
pay its citizens indefinitely. Many Kuwaitis fear they are losing
their country and feel there is nothing they can do to win it back.
Jennings reports President Bush was very forceful when meeting with
Arab Americans on the subject of discrimination.
(President: "This is a sad irony that while our brave soldiers
fight aggression overseas, a few hate-mongers here at home are
perpetrating their own brand of cowardly aggression. And death
threats, physical attacks, vandalism, religious violence and
discrimination against Arab-Americans must end.")
(ABC-Lead)
Jennings reports Saddam's threats against Middle Eastern oil fields
sent the price of crude oil over $38 a barrel Monday.
(ABC-5)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-6
CBS's Dan Rather: Warning signals Monday night from a bumpy
economic road ahead and partly because of one man's war of words.
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein threatened to strike first in the
Middle East -- to strike Mideast oil fields and Israel if the
international blockade begins to strangle his country. And on the
oil market and on Wall Street Monday, the reaction was shock.
CBS's Ray Brady reports crude oil closed at his highest price in
nearly ten years Monday. With Autumn bringing cool weather, home
heating oil shot up another six cents a gallon. The homeowner who
paid $1,000 last year for heating oil now will pay around $1,500
dollars -- and prices could go higher -- all based on Saddam
Hussein's threat to attack Israel and the Saudi oil fields.
(Peter Beutel, oil analyst: "This is the worst possible time of
the year in terms of home heating oil for Saddam Hussein to be
increasing his threats.
At the pump, a nationwide survey showed the average price of
gasoline already at an all-time high -- more than $1.38 a gallon.
In the trading pits, the price for future delivery shot up another
six cents a gallon. There is no shortage of oil, so the market is
reacting to scare headlines.
(Beutel: "By October or November we could see gasoline prices
trading as high as $1.70 a gallon.'
On Wall Street, fears about the Middle East and the nation's
weakening banking system sent stock prices down nearly 60 points;
they're down more than 500 points since mid-July.
(Alan Ackerman, stock market analyst: "The higher energy prices
go the lower equities will go.
If the crisis is resolved without war, it would be a big break for
the consumer, because you would probably see oil prices drop to
where they were before Saddam Hussein got going, and you'd probably
see a pretty good rally in the stock market.
CBS's Bill Plante reports from the U.N. that the Security Council
prepared to impose an unprecedented air embargo. U.S. officials
charge that Iraq has rounded up and his holding 93 Americans as
hostages, including some with serious medical problems.
(Margaret Tutwiler: "We have repeatedly demanded that the Iraqis
permit the immediate evacuation of all such individuals on
humanitarian grounds.'
Passage of the air embargo and other new sanctions at Tuesday's
meeting of the U.N. Security Council seems assured, as even
President Mitterrand denounced Iraq's takeover of Kuwait.
(Mitterrand: "I say there is no compromise as long as Iraq does
not comply with the views of the Security Council and withdraw from
Kuwait.
President Bush, while condemning violence against Arab Americans,
continued to defend his policy of no negotiation until Saddam
Hussein withdraws from Kuwait.
(President: "The objective is to see that naked aggression does
not pay off, sir. That's what the objective is and that's why we
are going to stay with that position."
So far, support for Mr. Bush's position and the U.N. Security
Council and the international community remains solid. The air
embargo, expected Tuesday at the U.N., will be difficult to enforce
since there are no plans to shoot violators out of the sky. But
Washington hopes it will send Saddam Hussein a still-tougher
message.
-елош-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-7
Rather reports Saudi Arabia has expelled more than 12 Arab
diplomats suspected of spying on the U.S.-led military buildup in
the Saudi desert.
CBS's Bob Simon reports from Saudi Arabia on that nation's oil
refineries. They are protected from air attack by American Patriot
missiles, but not as well guarded against terrorist attack. It was
just revealed that 13 days ago authorities discovered two men
trying to cut through the Aramco security fence here. The men
escaped, but it was after an investigation Saudi Arabia decided to
expel a number of Jordanian and Yemeni diplomats.
(CBS-Lead)
Brokaw reports the foreign minister of Iran, at the U.N., declared
his country's commitment to Security Council resolutions aimed at
getting Iraq out of Kuwait. The State Department said Monday at
least 800 Americans are still trapped in Iraq and Kuwait.
NBC's Gary Matsumoto reports from Baghdad on Americans in hiding
there.
(American in hiding: "You wonder why we're still here; nobody has
given us a reason why we can't leave. I honestly feel that my
being here is not going to change Mr. Bush's attitude as to what
he has to do. I believe we're known in the game as expendable.")
(NBC-3)
SOVIET REFORM
Jennings reports the Soviet Parliament gave President Gorbachev
what amounts to a free hand if he chooses to transform the Soviet
economy by decree. He will have the authority to bypass parliament
and issue orders forcing radical changes in the Soviet economic
system. There is still no agreement on the exact form of those
changes or how quickly they should be made.
ABC's Barrie Dunsmore reports from Moscow the new plan would scrap
the socialist system.
(Nicholae Petrakov, economist: "If socialism is what Stalin
created, then we want to drop that. We don't want anything to do
with it. We want an efficient economy.")
The two main elements in the new plan are private ownership of
property and a weakening of the power of the central government;
government property would be sold off and the Soviet republics
would be given greater control of their natural resources and the
power to tax and spend. Shares in thousands of factories and shops
would be sold to the workers and private investors to stimulate
productivity and get more goods on the shelves. Even the GUM
department store would go private. The reformers have no pity for
government bureaucrats.
(Petrakov: "If a few thousand bureaucrats should lose their jobs,
that will be their personal tragedy. In terms of society at large,
that will be just and fair.")
Conservative politicians fear that the plan would give the
republics too much power.
(Marshall Shulman, Columbia Univ.: "Even if the present reform
plans are only imperfectly realized, this country is going to be
fundamentally transformed from what it was. The hope lies, really,
in the longer term. Undoubtedly in the short run, there will be
a period of chaos.")
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-8
Jennings reports the finance minister of the Russian Republic
Monday urged the central government to apply to join the IMF.
(ABC-7)
NBC's Bob Abernethy reports Monday's parliamentary decision puts
Gorbachev on a collision course with Boris Yeltsin and with other
republics which also want to get out from under central government
control.
(Mikhail Bocherov, parliament member: "It is dangerous; it will
lead to more conflicts between the center and the republics.")
A democratic group organized a protest against Gorbachev's new
powers, but other Muscovites were supportive. A visiting American
economist thinks the Soviet system will continue to fragment and
fail.
(Ed Hewitt, Brookings Institute: "The system's just disintegrated.
People are not taking orders any more. That's Gorbachev's problem:
He issues orders now to people, but who's going to sit up and
listen?")
Also Monday, the Supreme Soviet turned over to Gorbachev and a
commission the difficult task of trying to make one acceptable
economic reform plan out of the several competing proposals.
(Hewitt: "It's hard to know if you can even find a solution. This
one may just be too hard.")
(NBC-4)
CBS's Barry Petersen reports Boris Yeltsin said Gorbachev had
better not use his new emergency powers in the Russian Republic.
(Stephen Cohen, Princeton Univ.: "If he persists in that defiance,
there will be a political crisis of enormous magnitude in the
Soviet Union.")
Yeltsin and Gorbachev agree, however, that the solution is a free
market. Transition to a free market economy is already well
underway. Various state-owned enterprises have been privatized and
are already showing signs of increased competitiveness and
profitability.
(CBS-2)
CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR'S RACE
CBS's David Dow reports on the gubernatorial race between Pete
Wilson and Diane Feinstein. With reapportionment, California's
governor will help shape one-eight of the House of Representatives
-- 52 seats.
(President: "And that is what he must be: Governor Pete Wilson
of California.")
So in the midst of a Middle East crisis, President Bush flew here
last week to raise $2 million for Wilson and he'll likely be back.
(Diane Feinstein: "The polls are even and he's called in the Big
Guy and said, please help me.")
Despite the stakes, the candidates are battling voter apathy; there
is little interest in the race.
(CBS-7)
CHILDREN'S TELEVISION/COMMERCIALS
Rather reports the Senate voted to limit commercials on children's
television programs: 12 minutes an hour on weekdays, ten-and-a-
half minutes per hour on weekends. A final vote by the House on
this could come next week. President Bush opposes this legislation
but hasn't said flatly whether he'll veto it.
(CBS-6)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, September 25, 1990 -- B-9
AIDS
Rather reports the federal government Monday announced it is
launching a comprehensive, long term study of how AIDS progresses
in people infected with the deadly virus. HHS Secretary Sullivan
called the project "unparalleled."
(CBS-4)
U.S. SURPLUS EQUIPMENT
ABC's Bill Greenwood reports on federal supplies given to foreign
countries, which last year was valued at $135 million. Legislation
has now been introduced in Congress to guarantee that federal
charity begins at home. A 1986 humanitarian assistance law makes
the equipment available to foreign countries as soon as the U.S.
government decides it doesn't need it. American communities can't
get their hands on such property until later, when it is formally
classified as surplus. Defense officials insist domestic
applicants are not being short-changed.
(Robert Wolthusis, Assistant Secretary of Defense: "We've only
taken a small fraction of what's been available in the United
States, and I think they can find the stuff if they go out and look
for it.")
Critics say that's not so, insisting the best equipment goes abroad
often leaving states with leftover junk.
(Rep. Rahall (D.-W.V.) "That's wrong. We ought to be taking care
of American needs first. Yes, we're a world superpower, yes, we
have responsibilities around the world. That's all fine and good,
but that doesn't mean we turn our backs on our people here at
home.")
(ABC-4)
DIET PILLS
NBC's Robert Hager reports the FTC announced Monday it is
investigating 15 different diet products and 14 diet services --
lose-weight-fast schemes. Young people have been abusing the
products resulting, in some cases, in death. It is alleged the
companies guarantee unreasonable claims about the effectiveness of
their products. The FTC promised to crack down on those before-
and-after photos of people who've lost phenomenal amounts of
weight; investigators suspect some of the stories and photos are
fake.
(NBC-7)
-End of B-Section-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
TEXTILE BILL
Bush Should Veto Ill-Advised Measure -- " President Bush has no
realistic choice but to veto legislation to protect the textile
industry
Even if Bush's veto is sustained, the protectionist
signal sent by Congress could seriously undermine the U.S.
negotiating posture in the current round of international trade
talks."
(Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, 9/20)
Socking It To The Consumer
:
"
Besides the damage this bill
would do to family budgets, it would undermine international trade
talks in which the Bush administration is working to persuade other
nations to lower barriers to U.S. goods and services. The best way
to boost the American economy is by expanding exports, not by
restricting imports."
(Louisville [Ky. Courier-Journal, 9/20)
Unraveling The Protectionist Skein -- "
Already one of the most
heavily favored protected sectors of the economy, the domestic
textile industry now enjoys an interwoven patchwork of tariffs and
quotas that drive up the cost of imported goods
If Congress
insists on advancing such a market-closing measure, the President
must defend the bipartisan logic of free trade."
(Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/17)
TRADE TALKS
Right Timing For Mexico Trade Talks -- "With the threat of war in
the oil-rich Persian Gulf, President Bush has wisely decided to
accelerate efforts to forge a free-trade agreement with Mexico
A U.S.-Mexico free-trade agreement will benefit both countries
economically and make it easier to keep Mexico moving toward a more
democratic government. It also will show Latin America our
determination to build a stronger, more secure and more prosperous
hemisphere for the future."
(Chicago Tribune, 9/20)
Go For A Free-Trade Zone! -- " Most of these [Latin American]
democracies are doing their best to open up their economies. Mr.
Bush's proposals recognize this. May they signal the beginning of
more concerted U.S. interest in Latin America's future.' "
(Miami Herald, 9/18)
ANGOLA
Helping President Bush Get Out of Angola -- "Why does President
Bush persist in fueling a devastating war in a far-off country
called Angola? This dirty little war -- a throwback to the Cold
War -- doesn't fit a president who would like to be considered an
architect of a new world order
Mr. Bush seems to be having
trouble fending off the restive right-wingers on the National
Security Council and in the CIA. Congress should help him out by
refusing to fund the war in Angola any longer.'
(Atlanta Constitution, 9/20)
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION
DE KLERK VISIT
"showing The Flag And Not The Finger"
"The pace of change in South Africa has been so swift that it
can easily diminish our appreciation of the distance we have
already travelled. Thus President de Klerk's American trip tends
to become just one more item in the national diary. The reality
is different. The visit is uniquely important
It is a giant
step out of isolation."
(Sunday Times, South Africa)
IRAQ
"Soldiers of God Vs. Soldiers of Satan"
"Washington will drag the four big capitals by the hair to
issue a resolution imposing an air blockade on fraternal Iraq. If
it succeeds, there is nothing to be said except that the battle of
all battles and our last war is close. The soldiers of God will
be in one trench facing the soldiers of Satan, leading to an Arab,
Islamic and human Armageddon."
(al-Ray, Jordan)
"The Major Cause For Instability"
"The Gulf crisis has encouraged the Israeli government to
adhere with greater determination to the argument that the major
cause for Middle East instability is not the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict but the conflict between Middle East countries armed to
the teeth.' "
(Haaretz, Israel)
"Surprise Attack Against Saddam Hussein?"
"For election-related reasons, Bush could be tempted to create
a 'surprise' in October and launch an attack against Saddam
Hussein. He will do it only if he is certain of victory. Up until
now, Bush has been a cautious political leader."
(Quotidien, France)
"Running Out of Options"
"The longer Saddam Hussein holds out, the more effective his
propaganda becomes. In the anti-Iraq coalition, the situation is
just the other way around: It is difficult to imagine that this
coalition will hold up until the embargo against Iraq shows any
decisive results. The longer this state between peace and war
lasts, the weaker the solidarity front becomes."
(Frankfurter Allgemeine, West Germany)
"Bush Under Pressure To Present Some Kind Of Success"
"The Americans' support of their administration's policy is
dwindling since the pressure on Iraq is not showing any effects.
Pressure is growing on President Bush to come up with some kind of
success."
(Sueddeutsche Zeitung, West Germany)
###
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1990
6 A.M. URUGUAY/3 A.M. EST EDITION
TRIP NEWS
BUSH HAILS URUGUAY PLAN FOR ECONOMY -- President Bush, in the
second stop of a five-nation tour of Latin America, Tuesday praised
Uruguayan President Lacalle's "bold program" of economic
redevelopment and said Uruguay's efforts to deal with its debt
problem will pay dividends in the future.
(Washington Post)
BUSH BARS 'LINKAGE' IN CRISIS -- President Bush said Tuesday he
would not be "in a negotiating mood" when he meets with Iraqi
Foreign Minister Aziz in Washington and ruled out any effort by
President Saddam to link a solution to the Persian Gulf conflict
to the Palestinian issue.
(Washington Post)
NATIONAL NEWS
FED EASES BANK RESERVES TO SPUR LENDING -- The Fed, worried about
the financial health of the nation's banks and about lending
cutbacks that are hurting the economy, Tuesday reduced the amount
of cash and other assets that banks are required to keep in
reserve.
(Washington Post)
NETWORK NEWS (Tuesday evening)
GULF -- President Bush suggested
that the world cannot afford to
wait a year or more for
TRIP NEWS
A-1
sanctions to work.
A European TV channel says
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-3
Iraq may be ready to withdraw
if it can keep the Ramal oil
NATIONAL NEWS
A-7
fields on the Iraq-Kuwait
border.
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
EDUCATION -- ABC's American
Agenda focuses on the President
and education.
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
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-1
TRIP NEWS
BUSH HAILS URUGUAY PLAN FOR ECONOMY
President Pushes Latin Trade Program
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay -- President Bush, in the second stop of
a five-nation tour of Latin America, Tuesday praised Uruguayan
President Lacalle's "bold program" of economic redevelopment and
said Uruguay's efforts to deal with its debt problem will pay
dividends in the future.
On a visit to tout his trade, debt and investment plan for the
region, known as the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative, Bush
said he looked forward to completion of a framework agreement on
trade between the U.S. and four neighboring countries here --
Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay -- who are in the process
of establishing an open trading zone with their borders
"I don't want this Enterprise Initiative to be just more
rhetoric," Bush said after a meeting with Lacalle, who was the
first Latin American president to call him to praise the proposal
in June. "We want action
The climate for this kind of action
is so much better today that I think we will be successful to go
along the course we've been discussing here. "
Lacalle said the decline of superpower dominance in the world
opens up the opportunity for "a whole new time of much more equal
relationship between the countries, big and small."
(Dan Balz, Washington Post, A11)
BUSH BARS 'LINKAGE' IN CRISIS
President Expresses Impatience With Anti-Iraqi Sanctions
MONTEVIDEO -- President Bush said Tuesday he would not be "in
a negotiating mood" when he meets with Iraqi Foreign Minister Aziz
in Washington and ruled out any effort by President Saddam to link
a solution to the Persian Gulf conflict to the Palestinian issue.
At a press conference shortly after his arrival here Tuesday
afternoon, Bush also expressed growing impatience with U.N.
economic sanctions against Iraq, saying that only the threat of
military attack is likely to persuade Saddam to withdraw his troops
from Kuwait.
Bush rejected calls by two former chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff and Sen. Nunn to give the economic sanctions considerably
more time to work before resorting to war. He said Secretary
Cheney and Gen. Powell did a "superb job" in describing to Nunn's
committee Monday the dangers of waiting indefinitely
"I've not been one who has been convinced that sanctions alone
would bring him to his senses, Bush said.
Acknowledging that the sanctions are "having some effect" on
Iraq's economy, Bush said Saddam still "has not gotten the message"
that the world community is united against him.
(Dan Balz, Washington Post, A1)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-2
ARGENTINE REBELS' DEBACLE IS SAID TO BOLSTER MENEM
BUENOS AIRES -- The city returned to normal Tuesday after a
one-day uprising by rebellious troops who intended to weaken
President Menem's government but may have ended up strengthening
it instead.
Workers quickly cleared the streets of barricades and armored
vehicles in preparation for the scheduled arrival of President Bush
Wednesday for a one-day visit. Bush and Menem plan to meet in
offices just a stone's throw from the scene of some of Monday's
most intense fighting.
Menem received widespread support from political leaders for
his tough handling of the insurrection, which was the fourth since
democracy returned in 1983. Rather than negotiate with the
rebellious officers and soldiers, as former President Raul Alfonsin
did on three occasions, Menem ordered them attacked
The consensus seemed to be that the rebels had made a grave
error with this latest attempt to undermine the civilian
government. It became evident Monday that they had angered not
only the public, but many of their fellow officers as well, even
those who may have shared some of the rebels' complaints
One the eve of the Bush visit, a small bomb exploded outside
a Bank of Boston branch here and another explosive device was
defused near a British bank in the city of La Plata, 40 miles away.
But the bombs, which caused no injuries, were believed the work of
leftist radicals rather than right-wing army colonels.
(Eugene Robinson, Washington Post, A22)
###
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-3
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
IRAQ SAYS ALL SOVIETS MAY LEAVE
MOSCOW -- Iraq Tuesday said it would allow all 3,232 Soviet
nationals in the country to leave following Kremlin threats to use
military force to protect its citizens from harm in any Persian
Gulf military confrontation.
Soviet spokesmen reacted skeptically to the announcement by
Iraqi's ruling Revolutionary Command Council, saying that they had
not been informed officially of Iraq's decision. Moscow has
accused Baghdad of failing to live up to earlier promises to
release all Soviet citizens stranded in Iraq after the Aug. 2
invasion of Kuwait
The Iraqi announcement Tuesday said that
all Soviet citizens still in Iraq would be allowed to leave the
country as of Wednesday, provided the Soviet government pays full
compensation for breaking their work contracts.
(Michael Dobbs, Washington Post, A29)
U.S. FIRMS REPORTEDLY AIDED IRAQI ARMS EFFORT
Congressional investigators say they have uncovered evidence
that U.S. companies sold bacteria and an advanced computer for
missile tests to an Iraqi institution specializing in nuclear and
germ warfare research.
A House subcommittee has obtained information that bacteria
were sold to Iraq as well as many other sensitive technologies that
could be used to build unconventional weapons, the committee, chief
counsel, Ted Jacobs, said Tuesday.
"We have obtained information on sales of bacteria to Iraq.
We don't yet know what they were intended for, and we are finding
it a struggle to get more information from the Commerce
Department," Jacobs said.
According to a government source, the so-called biotoxins were
exported under Commerce Department license to Saad 16, a giant
military research complex for nuclear and chemical weapons and
ballistic missiles in Mosul in northern Iraq. The source said a
hybrid digital-analog computer, used to support wind tunnel tests
for ballistic missiles, was also sold to the same institute in 1987
over the objections of the Defense Department.
(Reuter, Washington Post, A26)
NATO COMMANDER ENVISIONS 'FIRE BRIGADE' ROLE
STUTTGART -- The NATO commander, Gen. John Galvin, is
proposing that the Atlantic alliance adopt a new "fire brigade"
strategy in the wake of the Cold War, preparing a force for rapid
deployment to trouble-spots outside Europe like the current crisis
in the Persian Gulf.
The four-star U.S. general said in an interview Monday that
he would begin discussions of the plan this week with defense
ministers of NATO at meetings in Brussels. Already, he said,
"There is pretty good military agreement" among alliance officers
that this is the way to go in the 1990s and beyond.
But it was unclear whether European governments, which in the
past have resisted using NATO troops in conflicts outside Europe,
will find it politically tenable to extend military operations to
foreign regions.
(George Wilson, Washington Post, A29)
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-4
COURTROOM CLASH ON THE PERSIAN GULF
The crisis in the Persian Gulf has thrown into a federal court
here a constitutional issue left unresolved since the Vietnam war:
When does the president have the right to send troops to fight
without congressional consent?
"If ever there was a case for judicial review of the
(Constitution's) war powers clause, this is it," attorney Jules
Lobel of the Center for Constitutional Rights told U.S. District
Judge Harold Greene Tuesday. Lobel represents 54 House members who
raised the issue amid the most massive U.S. military buildup since
Vietnam, challenging President Bush's right to deploy troops in the
Persian Gulf on his own.
At the same time, House Democrats overwhelmingly approved a
non-binding resolution insisting that Congress give "affirmative
approval" before the U.S. initiates offensive military action in
the Persian Gulf.
Approved 177 to 37 in the Democratic caucus, the resolution
effect. is an expression of the desires of the caucus and has no practical
(Tracy Thompson, Washington Post, A32)
TRADE TALKS SEEN CLOSE TO COLLAPSE
U.S.: No Agreement Without Concessions
BRUSSELS -- For the first time since World War II, the U.S.
is prepared to allow global free-trade talks to fail if its trading
partners in Europe and Asia refuse to make major concessions,
senior Administration officials said here Tuesday.
A senior American trade negotiator, Rufus Yerxa, said Tuesday
that the four-year-old Uruguay Round of talks is "very close to
collapse" in its final days because of the European Community's
refusal to agree to a sharp cut in farm trade subsidies.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the chairman of the
talks, Hector Gros-Espiell, said negotiations are "in a very
serious impasse" and "substantial breakthroughs" are needed within
24 hours in a number of areas, including farm trade.
President Bush underscored the U.S. negotiating stance Tuesday
during his Latin American tour, saying the U.S. is flexible on the
amount of cuts in agricultural subsidies the EC pays its farmers,
but he insisted that the amount both be larger than what the
Europeans have been offering and include categories of subsidies
they have been unwilling to cut at all.
(Stuart Auerbach, Washington Post, G1)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-5'
POLES SAY THEY WANT TO BUY U.S. WEAPONS
sophisticated fighter planes, anti-aircraft systems and other arms
WARSAW -- The Polish government is considering buying
to replace less capable equipment obtained over the past few
decades from the Soviet Union, Polish Defense Minister Piotr
Kolodziejczyk said Tuesday after consultations here with visiting
Secretary Cheney.
The possible arms purchase, which must overcome hurdles in
both Poland and the U.S., would likely be the first by a former
Soviet ally in Eastern Europe. Other Warsaw Pact countries such
as Hungary have expressed interest in obtaining Western arms, but
not as bluntly as Polish officials Tuesday.
Vice Adm. Kolodziejczyk told reporters that the purchase of
a dozen or so military aircraft such as the F-16 would be a
potentially important step in enhancing Poland's military ties to
the West, a goal Polish officials said became attractive hereafter
the formation of a democratic government last year and the adoption
source. of a new military strategy aimed at repelling aggression from any
(Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A33)
GORBACHEV IS VOTED NEW POWER BUT PREMIER POST IS RETAINED
MOSCOW -- The Supreme Soviet approved Tuesday a package of
constitutional changes strengthening President Gorbachev's
executive powers but retaining the post of prime minister that last
month appeared to be marked for elimination when the Soviet leader
proposed the plan.
Gorbachev told the standing legislature that he planned to use
his new powers to prevent the Soviet Union from falling apart and
to ensure the fair distribution of food supplies over the winter.
In replies to questions from deputies, he also promised a crackdown
on pornography and tougher measures to protect law and order.
The president said authorities were planning to import 100,000
tons of meat and 1 million tons of milk monthly to maintain food
consumption at last year's levels. Overall, he predicted food
imports worth $1.3 billion at the new commercial exchange rate
between now and March.
On another front of the struggle for food supplies, Gorbachev
promised to set aside 12 million acres of land to allow ordinary
Soviet citizens to have private plots.
(Michael Dobbs, Washington Post, A20)
NAVY FIRES 3 WORKING ON TOP JET
The Navy announced Tuesday that two admirals and a captain
have been fired for mismanaging the service's top priority aircraft
program, the A-12 "stealth" bomber.
The extraordinary action by Navy Secretary Garrett came as the
Pentagon released a highly critical internal report that documents
"errors of judgment and failures of supervision" in the
government's effort to supervise a program that is now at least
$1.3 billion over budget and 18 months behind schedule.
(Rick Atkinson and Barton Gellman, Washington Post, A1)
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-6
PAN AM BOMBING, DEA PROBE NOT LINKED
The FBI has found no evidence that the terrorists who blew up
Pan American Flight 103 two years ago took advantage of an
undercover U.S. drug investigation to plant a bomb on the plane.
The Justice Department said Tuesday that the FBI inquiry,
initiated last month as part of the FBI's overall probe of the
midair explosion, produced nothing to substantiate "recent
allegations" of a connection between the bombing and the operations
of the DEA.
(George Lardner, Washington Post, A8)
ERSHAD QUITS AS LEADER OF BANGLADESH
NEW DELHI -- Bangladeshi President Hussein Mohammed Ershad
resigned from office Tuesday night, the country's sate-run
television network reported, following weeks of mounting opposition
protests, strikes and violence in one of the world's poorest
nations.
Ershad plans to call a special session of parliament Saturday
and has invited opposition leaders to name a caretaker chief
executive who would govern the country until new elections are
held, according to reports from the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.
(Steve Coll, Washington Post, A21)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-7
NATIONAL NEWS
FED EASES BANK RESERVES TO SPUR LENDING
The Fed, worried about the financial health of the nation's
banks and about lending cutbacks that are hurting the economy,
Tuesday reduced the amount of cash and other assets that banks are
required to keep in reserve.
The decision to cut the reserve requirement by about one-
quarter should add close to $900 million to bank and thrift
institution profits next year. At the same time, it will increase
the said. federal budget deficit by about $600 million, Fed officials
Under Fed rules, each financial institution that accepts
deposits must set aside a certain portion as a reserve that is
either kept on hand as cash in its vaults or held in a non-
interest earning account at a regional Federal Reserve bank. Since
reserves held in either form pay no interest, the reserve
requirement directly reduces bank profits.
In announcing its move, the Fed said it expects banks will now
be in a position to make more loans to businesses and consumers.
The prospect of higher profits should also help lift the price of
bank stocks, which as a group have been clobbered this year by
large operating losses that have resulted from real estate loans
gone sour.
(John Berry, Washington Post, G1)
GOP LEADERS SMOOTH DOMESTIC DIFFERENCES
Key White House and Capitol Hill Republicans, who have been
feuding for weeks over the shape of President Bush's domestic
program, sat down Tuesday for a closed-door discussion of their
differences.
While the President was in South America, Chief of Staff
Sununu and Budget Director Darman played host to the newly
reelected House GOP leadership and the ranking Republicans on the
House legislative committees.
Rep. Michel called it "a darn good give-and-take session."
Rep. Gingrich, who has been arguing publicly with Darman over
Gingrich's advocacy of a "new paradigm" reform program, said it was
"generally positive, but there were no breakthroughs."
A Sununu aide said he was pleased that the discussion was "99
percent forward-looking, with no regurgitation of the arguments"
that set off serious divisions between the House Republicans and
the Administration during the October budget battle.
Sununu, who presided, asked the Republican legislators to
offer their suggestions for topics and themes for the Jan. 29 State
of the Union message and the budget Darman will submit on Feb. 3.
The result was a 65-minute discussion, ranging over the whole
domestic agenda, but focusing on the shaky state of the economy and
the need to be ready to counter expected Democratic policy
initiatives in such areas as family leave, several participants
said.
(David Broder, Washington Post, A23)
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- A-8
HOUSE DEMOCRATS RETREAT ON REDISTRICTING FUNDS
House Democratic leaders Tuesday backed away from proposing
a rule change that would have allowed lawmakers to accept unlimited
contributions to pay costs related to the redrawing of House
district lines after each national census.
Speaker Foley decided to withdraw the proposal, sponsored by
Rep. Frost, after Democratic lawmakers began raising questions
about it, according to leadership aides. "We're going to review
the situation," Foley said Tuesday.
The change would have exempted from House limits contributions
intended to pay for lawyers and consultants in the decennial
congressional redistricting process
The donations would have
been disclosed as part of the annual congressional financial
disclosures.
(John Yang, Washington Post, A23)
PARENTAL CHOICE OF SCHOOLS: 'BEST WAY' TO GOALS
Secretary Cavazos Tuesday called various plans for broader
parental choice of schools, including home schooling and private
school vouchers, "the best way" to reach national education goals.
Cavazos announced the establishment of an Education Department
unit and telephone hotline to promote parental choice, but
predicted that states and school districts would have to continue
such programs largely without federal funding. He said the
Administration was "very seriously" considering allowing education
block grants to be used for parental choice programs
Cavazos carefully pointed out that he has promoted parental
choice, now a stock position of the Bush Administration, since the
Administration's earliest days.
(Kenneth Cooper, Washington Post, A23)
FOR DEPUTY AT RNC, BENNETT LOOKS TO LONGTIME ASSOCIATE
Continuing the transition at the top of the RNC, the newly
designated chairman, William Bennett, has asked Wendell Willkie,
general counsel at the Commerce Department, to be deputy chairman
of the party organization.
Sources said the title, a new one, was sought by Willkie. The
job, the nuts and bolts operation of the RNC, is now held by Mary
Matalin, the chief of staff. She is expected to leave her post in
January, after the party's annual meeting.
Willkie is a longtime associate of Bennett and was chosen
because of that relationship, not his knowledge of politics, the
sources said.
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A23)
NEARLY 25% OF U.S. HOSPITALS VIOLATE AIDS TEST GUIDELINES
In violation of the published recommendations of federal
health officials and major medical organizations, one in four U.S.
hospitals does not require the consent of patients before testing
for infection with the AIDS virus and does not require patients to
be notified if their tests are positive.
The numbers, which shocked AIDS experts interviewed on the
findings, are contained in a survey conducted last year and
published in Wednesday's issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association.
(Malcolm Gladwell, Washington Post, A2)
-end of A-section-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-1
NETWORK NEWS SUMMARY
(Tuesday Evening, December 4)
GULF/CONGRESS
NBC's TOM BROKAW: President Bush isn't giving away anything now,
and to hear him tell it, he won't give away anything at what he
hopes will be a face-to-face meeting between Secretary Baker and
Saddam Hussein. At a news conference in Uruguay during his South
American tour, the President said he is in no mood to negotiate.
(PRESIDENT BUSH: "I am convinced that Saddam Hussein, up until
now at least, has not gotten the message. I've not been one who
has been convinced that sanctions alone would bring him to his
senses.
Congress and the President, however, remain on separate tracks when
it comes to sanctions, and especially when it comes to the
President's authority to wage war.
NBC's ANDREA MITCHELL reports that Congress is serving notice on
the President: Don't try to go to war without a formal declaration
from us. It is fast becoming a constitutional showdown with the
President.
(SEN. PELL: "I believe the Administration has a constitutional
obligation to seek and obtain the approval of Congress.")
But the president and his Cabinet members have said that the
Commander-in-Chief can go to war without Congress' permission.
(PRESIDENT BUSH, Nov. 30: "I know what it's like to have fallen
comrades and see young kids die in battle. And it's only the
President that should be asked to make the decision.")
But today, that view was challenged.
(SEN. MOYNIHAN: "Would you agree that in this situation, the
President has that authority?"
ROBERT MCNAMARA: "I do not believe any single human being should
take this nation to war by his own decision, and that includes the
President.")
McNamara has learned from the bitter experience of Vietnam.
America has gone into battle 200 times, only five times after
formal declarations of war. Congress was reminded today of what
another Republican president, a military man, said during the Suez
crisis in 1956.
(PRESIDENT EISENHOWER, Oct. 11, 1956: "This country will not go
to war, ever, while I'm occupying my present post, unless the
Congress is called into session and Congress declares such a war.")
Hearings also opened today in the House, where Democrats
overwhelmingly approved a resolution telling the President they
opposed military action. And 54 Democrats went to federal court
today, seeking an order to stop the President from acting without
Congress' approval. No immediate ruling from the judge.
(REP. KAPTUR, one of the 54: "Any person from my district is going
to die in that conflict over there, that's war to me. And I want
to have the right to vote on that.")
(STUART GERSON, Assistant Attorney General: "No court has ever
granted the kind of release that's been granted here. That's what
our point is, and that's what we explained to this court.")
And as one senior Administration official said, Congress can
declare war, but only the President can wage war.
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-2
BROKAW discusses the subject with MITCHELL.
BROKAW: In fairness to the Administration, as the President and
others have pointed out, if Congress feels so strongly about this,
it can reconvene itself after all, and force the issue, can't it?
MITCHELL: Exactly. As the President said, within 20 seconds, they
could call themselves back. The Democratic leaders of Congress do
not want to do that. They have not wanted to face up to this
themselves.
(NBC-Lead)
CBS's DAN RATHER: Congress heard more calls today for President
Bush to be patient in his confrontation with Iraq. But Bush, on
an extensive tour of South America, said he doesn't agree, and he
now doubts economic sanctions alone will force Saddam Hussein to
give up Kuwait.
CBS's WYATT ANDREWS:
(TV Coverage: President Bush and Doro walking down Air Force One
steps.)
The President suggested today, in the strongest terms yet, that the
world cannot afford to wait a year or more for sanctions to work.
(PRESIDENT BUSH: "I can make clear that this is not going to go
on forever. I think some worry very much about that. And it is
not going to go on forever.")
(TV Coverage: President reviewing troops; shaking hands with
unidentified officials.)
Two days into his tour of South America, the President is blaming
this continent's economic depression on Saddam Hussein. Using the
economies of Brazil and Uruguay as his backdrop, the President
denounced the shock of higher oil prices, making clear he's keeping
a running tally of what sounds like the economic grounds for war.
(PRESIDENT BUSH: "In Brazil yesterday, President Collor told me
five billion is his estimated annual cost. And here in Uruguay,
President Lacalle said the impact is substantial.")
From 5,000 miles away, Bush is trying to fend off suggestions in
Washington that waiting is better than action and that upcoming
talks with Iraq suggest any willingness to compromise.
(PRESIDENT BUSH: "I'm not in a negotiating mood, or anything of
that nature. When I meet with Aziz, the message is, get out of
Kuwait, in full compliance with all United Nations resolutions."
Bush is also promoting economic reform here, and fears that high
oil prices will hurt the new free-market, pro-American governments
recently voted into power.
(TV Coverage: Anti-American demonstrations, U.S. flags burned.)
Anti-American sentiment and Marxist politics are still a factor
here, and a prolonged recession might weaken the popularity of the
governments attempting reform. Bush might be in South America, but
his attention is on building momentum in the Gulf. Part of the
President's tough talk, then, reflects the strategy of sounding
convincing to Saddam Hussein. But the President is also newly
confident that if direct talks with Iraq fail, he will have laid
the groundwork for armed conflict.
(CBS-2)
ABC's PETER JENNINGS: Democrats in the House have today endorsed
President Bush's handling of the Gulf crisis, but they also demand
Bush seek a declaration of war from Congress before launching any
military operation.
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-3
ABC's JIM WOOTEN: He was a Cold Warrior for Kennedy, and one of
Johnson's hard-eyed hawks, always telling Congress there was light
at the end of the Vietnam tunnel. But a generation later, Robert
McNamara was on Capitol Hill today, counseling patience and
prudence in the Persian Gulf, warning the senators against slipping
easily into war.
(MCNAMARA: "The point is, it's going to be bloody! They're going
to be thousands and thousands and thousands of casualties,
particularly for the U.S., but also for Iraq.")
And, he urged them not to allow George Bush, by himself, to commit
troops to combat.
(McNAMARA: "I do not believe any single human being should take
this nation to war by his own decision, and that includes the
President.")
Such caution was welcome to the Democrats on the committee, who,
like Sen. Moynihan, want to give sanctions a chance to work before
opening fire.
(SEN. MOYNIHAN: "We have time. I don't see any hurry. What's the
big hurry?")
Historian Arthur Schlesinger, like McNamara an adviser to past
Democratic presidents, questioned the expertise of an
Administration that had so recently embraced Saddam Hussein.
(SCHLESINGER: "When we are so wrong about the Middle East
yesterday, and the day before yesterday, and the day before that,
why in the world do we suppose we have suddenly got it right today,
right enough to send thousands of young Americans to their
deaths?")
The hearing was clearly stacked with witnesses supportive of the
President's first troop deployment, his trade embargo, and his
diplomatic initiative. But they were wary of anything else.
(McNAMARA: "Who can doubt that a year of blockade will be cheaper
than a week of war?")
The Senate Democrats who control these hearings seem determined to
remind the President, the country, and perhaps even themselves, of
the consequences of going to war without consent or debate.
Secretary Baker will be the witness tomorrow.
CBS's BOB SCHIEFFER reports that the House Armed Services Committee
also heard from experts who urged caution.
(REP. DURBIN: "We haven't received a clear and direct statement
from the President or any member of the Administration that they
would follow the Constitutional requirement of congressional
approval before declaration of war.")
(ABC-2, CBS-3)
GULF/WITHDRAWAL
BROKAW: In London tonight, a European television news channel is
reporting Iraq may be ready to withdrawal if it is permitted to
keep the disputed Ramal oil fields on the Iraqi border with Kuwait.
In Washington, the State Department said it knows nothing of this
report.
(NBC-2)
GULF/HOSTAGES, EMBARGO
JENNINGS: Iraq said today that more than 3,000 Soviet citizens,
mostly oil workers, will be allowed to go home starting tomorrow.
Iraq says the Soviets must pay compensation for breaking their
employment contracts. No reply to that yet from Moscow.
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-4
NBC's MIKE BOETTCHER reports that only one American could celebrate
his freedom on a day when the Soviets could count their successes
by the planeload. Implied threats and pressuring have won the
Soviets' release, but the American had only his wife to thank for
lobbying Iraq to free him. Meanwhile, Iraqi health officials say
local hospitals are filled with sick children, and claim that more
than 1,400 infants have died because of the U.N. embargo. Western
embassies in Baghdad doubt the claim; medicines are exempt from the
embargo, and they believe enough drugs have been donated to meet
Iraq's needs.
CBS's ALLEN PIZZEY reports that Iraqi doctors insist the problems
caused by the embargo are real.
(DR. RASAH SALAM, Pediatrician: "We are not getting it, so I don't
know why you are not taking care. I am sure it has something to
do with the embargo. But if we cannot get things into the country,
how can we get them medicine?")
Tons of medical supplies have come in, donated by peace groups.
Iraqi officials claim it is their only source of supplies.
(DR. FARAUQ AL-AROUSI, Secretary-General of Iraqi Red Crescent
Society: "If we want to buy medicine from other countries, we have
to pay money to them. Most of our money is frozen in the bank.")
But the Italians shipped in several tons of medical supplies, and
a group of Italians held here were allowed to leave. Belgians did
the same. Seven tons of U.S. aid hasn't gotten any Americans out,
so far.
(SCOTT KENNEDY, Fellowship Reconciliation: "There's no quid pro
quo, there's no deal that we've cut. Our feeling is we bring the
medicines as a humanitarian gesture.")
(ABC-3, NBC-4, CBS-4)
SADDAM/KING HUSSEIN
BROKAW reports that Saddam Hussein was meeting with Jordan's King
Hussein. The king is reportedly still promoting the idea of talks
between Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
(NBC-3)
STEALTH/FIRING
JENNINGS: We begin tonight in Washington, where the Secretary of
Defense has fired the admiral who was in charge of developing and
deploying the Navy's Stealth attack bomber. In this day and age,
when the status of U.S. military equipment has taken on a whole new
meaning, the admiral and his two senior aides have paid the price
of not telling the boss, Secretary Cheney, that the Navy's Stealth
program was way behind schedule and way over budget.
ABC's BOB ZELNICK reports that last spring, Secretary Cheney
recommended buying more than 600 of the Navy's A-12 Avenger
carrier-based bombers, which enjoyed broad support in Congress and
the military.
(SECRETARY CHENEY, April 26, to Congress: "We think we ought to
go forward with the A-12, that it's a good system, that the program
appears to be reasonably well-handled at this point.")
But less than a month later, the planes' manufacturers, McDonnell
Douglas and General Dynamics, admitted that the program was already
a year behind schedule and at least a billion dollars over budget.
Last week, a Naval inquiry reported Cheney had been misled.
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-5
ZELNICK continues: The report said Vice Admiral Richard Gentz,
head of the Navy's air systems command, and two other program
supervisors, had been negligent in ignoring obvious problems with
the A-12. Today, Navy Secretary Garrett ordered Admiral Gentz to
subordinates. submit his resignation and sent formal letters of censure to his
(SECRETARY GARRETT: "It's an issue of accountability. Our people
uniform.") grow up with that understanding from the time they put on the
The Navy report warns that poor oversight is common where offices
serve as both salesmEn and supervisors of weapons programs. Adm.
Gentz and his colleagues probably received unusually harsh
Cheney. treatment because their actions embarrassed their boss, Dick
(ABC-Lead, CBS-8)
WEAPONS STEALING
RATHER reports a federal judge in Florida ordered an AWOL army
sergeant held without bond today because he is suspected of illegal
racists. trafficking in of large numbers of U.S. military weapons to white
CBS's HAROLD DOW reports federal prosecutors say these arms and
explosives amount to one of the largest illegal weapons caches ever
uncovered. The explosives could only have come from the U.S.
government, and authorities believe one hate group in particular
during the last few years has had very few problems equipping
themselves with these weapons and plastic explosives, the kind used
in letter bombs. Authorities believe at the center of it all was
Sgt. First Class Michael Tubbs of the Fifth Special Forces group.
Until a month ago, he was in Saudi Arabia. The Army says security
at weapons storehouses is good, and hasn't decreased even since
the Saudi buildup.
(REP. SCHUMER: "The fact that some of those guns are stolen from
the military is a shocking problem indeed. And yet, the military
seems to have an attitude of hear no evil, see no evil, do no
evil.")
(CBS-9)
DETROIT PLANE CRASH
RATHER: Investigators now are saying that Monday's fatal collision
between two Northwest Airlines jets is just the latest deadly
example of a mounting problem at the nation's airports. It turns
out that well before this accident, federal officials expressed
concern about the growing number of incidents on airport runways.
CBS's ERIC ENGBERG reports that improvements at managing planes in
the skies have not been matched by improvements in coping with
increasingly crowded runways and taxiways. The National
Transportation Safety Board has been alarmed by a rising trend in
cases where two planes mistakenly ended up on the same runway.
Just a month ago, unhappy that the FAA wasn't moving fast enough,
the safety board put ground collisions near the top of its list of
safety worries. An improved ground radar system, if it passes its
final tests in Pittsburgh, will go into Detroit and other cities
over the next two years. But critics say the FAA has also dragged
its feet on other, less costly safety improvements, like better
signs and markers will help.
(CBS-Lead, ABC-4)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-6
NBC's ROBERT HAGER reports that transcripts obtained by NBC News
show that the pilots of the DC-9 were lost in the fog just before
the accident. Northwest Airlines revealed today that the pilot in
charge of the DC-9 cockpit had been off for five years recently,
and returned to service only two months ago. This was his first
unsupervised flight since. Meanwhile, the government is years
behind in installing a new runway-tracking radar at airports, and
technical problems.
in Pittsburgh, where it's being tried out, there have been big
(NBC-5)
FLIGHT 103
BROKAW reports that the Justice Department said today the FBI has
found no link between the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 two years
to hold hearings on the possibility.
ago and an undercover U.S. drug operation. Congress still plans
(NBC-6)
NEWFOUNDLAND PLANE CRASH
JENNINGS reports that a congressional report today accused the U.S.
and Canadian governments of bungling the investigation into a plane
crash five years ago in Newfoundland which killed 248 U.S. soldiers
by failing to investigate a possible terrorist connection. The
report calls U.S. agencies grossly negligent.
(ABC-5)
EDUCATION REFORM
JENNINGS: Last year, President Bush announced a set of national
goals for education to be reached by the year 2000. Among them:
preschool for all children; 90 percent high school graduation
rates; the U.S. to become best in the world in math and science;
every adult literate; every school safe and drug-free. Popular
goals, easy for politicians to talk about. The trouble is the
difference between rhetoric and performance.
ABC's BILL BLAKEMORE: What will improve our schools, challenge and
excite students about learning? In September of last year, the man
who said he would be the Education President held America's first
University of Virginia.
education summit with the 50 governors in Charlottesville, at the
(TV Coverage: President Bush walking up campus lawn.)
He went on the record about how bad America's school systems are.
(PRESIDENT BUSH: "The status quo could scarcely be worse.")
They all hammered out six goals to be reached by the year 2000.
They named a committee to figure out how to reach those goals.
They had a photo opportunity. Then they all went home.
(TV Coverage: Still photo of summit participants.)
And where is the promise of Charlottesville now? More than a year
later, we're left with major questions. We still don't know how
we're going to measure our success as a nation in reaching the six
goals. It's not even clear who's going to lead, who's going to
focus the nation on the hard job of restructuring school systems,
and revive the momentum which had such a dramatic beginning here.
Charlottesville. President Bush has been almost invisible on education matters since
(TV Coverage: President Bush walking into West Wing lobby.)
His Secretary of Education, Lauro Cavazos, is considered
leaders. ineffective and uninspiring by most educational and political
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-7
(TV Coverage: Secretary Cavazos.)
BLAKEMORE continues: The White House has put its most senior
officers an a new educational accountability panel, along with the
leaders of Congress and six governors.
(TV Coverage: Chief of Staff Sununu and other Administration
officials.)
This panel is charged with measuring how the nation is doing in
reaching the six goals. But the year 2000 is now a year closer,
and the chairman of the panel says it will be at least another year
before they decide exactly how to hold our feet to the fire.
(GOV. ROY ROMER: "Governors and state legislators, some are well
aware of what needs to be done, but they can't get the troops to
follow.")
Is big change in education impossible? No. One state, Kentucky,
is now restructuring everything from scratch. They've had to.
Their Supreme court ruled Kentucky's entire education system just
didn't work.
(DR. JACK FOSTER, Kentucky Education Secretary: "In a lot of ways,
it's a whole lot easier if you do start all over again, because we
have a legacy of so many bits and pieces left over from earlier
traditions about education that just need to be wiped away.")
So Kentucky's leaders listened for 10 months to the ideas of
experts from all over the country, and adapted those ideas to
Kentucky's own particular needs. Then, Gov. Wilkinson led his
legislature to bite the bullet, to vote their new education reform
act into law, along with a way to pay for it all -- new school
taxes. Now, the state has the most equitable school funding plan
in the country, giving major new support to its poor schools.
They've created an ungraded system for what used to be kindergarten
through third grade, to give all young children a chance to develop
at their own pace. They're retraining all their teachers in new,
proven methods which excite children about learning. Each school
will now be held accountable for how well its students perform, but
each school will also have new freedom to decide how it will reach
Kentucky's goals, and those of the nation.
(BETH STEFFEY, Director of Instruction: "Truly systemic change in
the educational program. We're not tinkering here. We have
systemically restructured an educational system.")
But only a handful of governors are trying to lead their states
into such systemwide change, which they all said in Charlottesville
was necessary. Most say they're doing reforms, but they're doing
it piecemeal. In more than two years of American Agenda reporting,
we've discovered there is hardly a problem in American education
which has not been solved somewhere, making for kids who are
excited for learning. The excuses are disappearing for any leaders
who say we don't yet have the knowledge states need to adapt for
their own restructuring. So why isn't it happening?
(TERRELL BELL, former Education Secretary: "I don't think we've
had a clarion call from our political leadership. I think it has
to come from the Oval Office, and from the governors in the
statehouses.")
(TV Coverage: North view of the White House.)
(TV Coverage: Posters being printed.)
Without such political leadership, all these posters of the six
education goals for the year 2000, which the government is running
off for distribution to every school in the country, may not be
worth the paper they're printed on.
(ABC-12)
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, December 5, 1990 -- B-8
AIDS
JENNINGS reports that C. Everett Koop said his successor as surgeon
general has been soft-pedaling the fight against AIDS. He said the
Bush Administration in general and Dr. Novello in particular must
do more to remind people the epidemic is not over, that people are
still very much at risk.
ABC's MIKE VON FREMD reports on an AIDS clinic opened in rural
Alabama today, only the fourth such clinic in rural America. The
number of people with the AIDS virus in rural America is increasing
seven times as fast as in the city, 37 percent last year compared
to five percent in cities. Community opposition to the clinics
remains high in many cases.
(ABC-6)
NBC's ROBERT BEZELL reports on the controversy of testing hospital
patients for AIDS, sometimes without their consent, in order to
protect the doctors and nurses from contamination. Some states
have laws governing HIV-testing and confidentiality, but most do
not, and there is no national policy. The national Centers for
Disease Control is trying to develop one which will balance
patients' rights with health care workers' fears.
(NBC-10)
PORNOGRAPHY
CBS's RON ALLEN reports that the federal government is waging an
aggressive assault on the pornographic movie business, staging more
than 30 raids in recent months in the San Fernando Valley, an area
dubbed the "porno-movie capital of the world." The campaign,
sometimes using RICO laws, is an unprecedented crackdown on the
adult video industry. The adult movie business says demand has
never been higher, and insists that if driven underground, they
will remain popular and available.
(CBS-5)
NEW HOMES
JENNINGS: No sign that the slump in the housing industry is even
close to being over. Sales of new homes dropped another 3.5
percent last month.
(ABC-7, NBC-8)
BANK CREDIT
RATHER reports that in a move designed to ease the so-called credit
crunch, the Federal Reserve said it is eliminating bank reserve
requirements on some deposits, in order to encourage loans to
credit-worthy borrowers.
(CBS-10, ABC-8)
SHUTTLE COLUMBIA
JENNINGS reports that astronauts on the Shuttle Columbia have fixed
the computer problem which has kept the telescopes from locking
onto distant galaxies.
(ABC-11)
RATHER reports another frustrating day for NASA. The tracking
starts. system for the space telescopes is still working only in fits and
(CBS-7)
-End of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1991
6:00 A.M. EST EDITION
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
DeKlerk Calls For End To Apartheid -- President de Klerk Friday
proposed the repeal of all major apartheid laws and promised to
halt racial discrimination.
(AP)
U.S. Says It Will Not Be Pushed Into Ground War -- President Bush
and his commanders say they will not be drawn into a premature land
battle in the Gulf war by Iraqi strikes against Saudi Arabia which
the U.S. military rates as costly failures.
(AP, UPI, Washington Times)
NATIONAL NEWS
Bush To Propose Changes In '92 Spending Priorities -- President
Bush plans to propose on Monday a sweeping reordering of the
government's spending priorities in his fiscal 1992 budget, which
Republicans hope will force a watershed debate over the focus and
direction of federal programs.
(Dallas Morning News)
Bush Ups Ante In Drug War -- President Bush, under pressure to hold
the line on the federal budget, Thursday proposed an 11 percent
treatment. spending increase in the war on drugs that will greatly expand drug
(Washington Times, New York Times, Washington Post)
NETWORK NEWS (Thursday evening)
DESERT STORM -- There was a
massive air assault on Iraqi
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
forces to keep them from coming
into Khafji.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-9
The President will have to
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
make what members of Congress are
already calling his toughest
EDITORIALS
C-1
decision since the war began:
whether to shift to a ground war
America's war dead have
started coming home.
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
DeKLERK CALLS FOR END TO APARTHEID
CAPE TOWN -- President de Klerk Friday proposed the repeal of
all major apartheid laws and promised to halt racial
discrimination.
But thousands of people marched in nationwide protests to
demand the immediate end of apartheid.
"Should parliament adopt the government's proposal, the South
African statute books will be devoid, within months, of the
remnants of racially discriminatory legislation," de Klerk said in
his address to the opening session of parliament.
However, he rejected calls for a multi-racial interim
government. He said the white-led government will remain in power
until a new constitution is negotiated with the ANC and other
opposition groups.
De Klerk said the government will propose scrapping the last
three pillars of apartheid. He said it will call for ending
outright the Group Areas Act and the land acts, while modifying the
Population Registration Act in advance of its abolition
(Greg Myre, AP)
RIGHT-WING SOUTH AFRICAN MPs STORM OUT OF PARLIAMENT
CAPE TOWN -- Right-wing Conservative Part members of
parliament stormed out of South Africa's legislature Friday when
President de Klerk announced plans to abolish remaining apartheid
legislation
In an unprecedented move, the CP members interrupted de
Klerk's speech and stalked out of the chamber.
(Reuter)
ALLIED BOMBERS STRIKE SHIFTING IRAQI TROOPS
Allied bombers Thursday attacked thousands of Iraqi troops
moving through southern Kuwait. U.S. officials said they were
uncertain whether the Iraqi forces were massing for a major ground
attack or attempting to reorganize after an unsuccessful offensive
into Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
One intelligence official described the Iraqi forces as
remnants of two or three divisions of mechanized reserves who had
been moved close to the Saudi border to reinforce a four-pronged
attack that was repulsed earlier this week. The intense bombing
Thursday appeared to disrupt the Iraqi troop movements, causing
some units to retreat northward away from the border, another
official added.
Marine Harrier jump jets joined a swarm of other attack planes
in blasting what one pilot said were an estimated 800 to 1,000
tanks, armored personnel carriers and trucks caught in the open
during an apparent effort to resupply Iraqi troops in Kuwait.
"It's almost like you flipped on the light late at night and
the cockroaches start scurrying, and we're killing them," Harrier
squadron commander Lt. Col. Dick "Snake" White said
Pentagon officials said Thursday night that an Air Force AC-
130 gunship was apparently shot down over Kuwait during an attack
sortie.
The plane was carrying at least 14 people.
(Rick Atkinson & Dan Balz, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-2
Allies Bomb New Iragi Column -- Bases Used in Spain -- To increase
the number of B-52 bombing raids against Iraqi ground forces, the
U.S. has been secretly basing some of its bombers in Spain and has
obtained permission to use a British airfield as well, Western
official said Thursday.
The use of the base in Spain, which was disclosed by
administration officials, has been considered politically delicate
because the Spanish government
has been trying in recent years
to reduce the presence of American forces. Madrid also closely
watches Arab sentiment because of Spain's historic links to the
Muslim world, American analysts said
In another unpublicized example of cooperation by Western
European nations with the American war effort Germany
has
provided German-made shells for American M1-A1 tanks in Saudi
Arabia as well as artillery shells for British forces there,
Pentagon officials said.
(Michael Gordon, New York Times, A1)
SAUDI TOWN RECLAIMED; TRAPPED MARINES FREED
WITH U.S. MARINES ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF KHAFJI -- A fierce
battle for this deserted coastal town ended Thursday when forces
from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, backed by American artillery and air
strikes, evicted Iraqi troops and tanks and freed two trapped U.S.
Marine reconnaissance teams
The [12] men were extracted from the town around noon
Thursday, during the fight to reclaim Khafji
Despite the apparent hit-and-run nature of the attacks this
week, allied leaders were alert to the possibility that Iraq may
be preparing a large-scale offensive, possibly to involve several
divisions of armored troops. Lt. Gen. Boomer said in an interview
that U.S. forces were observing "a lot of movement" among the
Iraqis "in the last few days. We're watching very carefully to see
if we can discern what he [Saddam] might try to do.'
(Caryle Murphy, Washington Post, A1)
ALLIED TROOPS DODGE SNIPER FIRE, MINES TO SECURE KHAFJI
DHAHRAN -- Allied troops working to secure the border town of
Khafji dodged sniper fire and mines while another Iraqi attack
appeared imminent, according to pool reports arriving from the
front Friday
More than 12 hours after Saudi and U.S. military officials
declared Khafji had been regained from invading Iraqis,
multinational forces were still battling "sporadic fire" from Iraqi
strugglers, said U.S. Army Col. Jack Petri.
Petri described Khafji as "pretty secure."
Four mechanized armored brigades were reported moving south
toward the Kuwaiti border with Saudi Arabia, about six miles from
the frontier town, military officers told pool reporters Thursday
night
"They lost 90 percent of their forces,' Saudi Gen. Khalid Bin
Sultan said, adding that 200 Iraqi troops were killed or wounded
in fighting that began Tuesday night. "It is tragic that so many
good people should be driven to their death by their leaders. "
Iraqi artillery rockets hit outside Khafji during the night
and the crack of rifle fire indicated that snipers were active.
(Deborah Zabarenko, Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-3
U.S. SAYS IT WILL NOT BE PUSHED INTO GROUND WAR
President Bush and his commanders say they will not be drawn
into a premature land battle in the Gulf war by Iraqi strikes
against Saudi Arabia which the U.S. military rates as costly
failures
"We don't want to be drawn in. I don't think he can draw us
in," Gen. Kelly, speaking for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a
Pentagon briefing Thursday.
"The bombing campaign is going very well
It would seem
to me that we wouldn't want to engage in a ground war right now.
I think that really is upsetting our principal adversary,' he said.
He said Iraqi attacks along the Kuwait-Saudi border in the
previous 48 hours may have been aimed more at boosting morale than
conquest
Bush told Jewish leaders at the White House he was "not
anxious at this point" to enter into a ground war, said Shoshana
Cardin, chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish
Organizations, who attended the meeting.
"I think he feels there is more to be done (in the air war)
before beginning a major ground attack," she told reporters
She quoted Bush as saying, "There will be no intermittent
cease-fire" in the war.
(Michael Conlin, AP)
Bush Said To Be Not Anxious For Ground War
Cardin quoted the
President as saying "The war is on target. The schedule is being
met. They're (allied forces) achieving their objectives.
She also reported that Bush said that "there will be no
intermittent cease-fire," adding that the President plans to "stay
the course."
Cardin said that the leaders had a very productive and
reassuring meeting.
"We told the President we commend the strength of his
determination to remove evil from the world," she added. "This is
a moral war, a just war. There is an evil individual inflicting
danger and harm and we believe the course he is taking is the
correct course."
Cardin said the Jewish leaders have learned that the U.S.
alliance with Israel "is a credible one."
(Helen Thomas, UPI)
U.S. In No Hurry To Invade -- The Bush administration said Thursday
that it is not ready to send U.S. forces into Iraq or Kuwait.
"We're in no hurry to engage in a ground campaign," Vice
President Quayle said at a London news conference with Prime
Minister Major. "Perhaps Saddam Hussein would like to commence the
ground war because he's been so unsuccessful in getting any of his
air assets deployed."
(Paul Bedard, Washington Times, B5)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-4
BUSH ASSURES AMERICAN JEWS ON GULF WAR POLICY AIMS
President Bush assured representatives of American Jewish
organizations Thursday that a U.S.-Soviet statement on the Gulf war
represents no change in U.S. insistence that Iraq completely
withdraw from Kuwait or in U.S. refusal to link the war to
resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
"We were told that [the statement] was expression of the long-
standing position that the United States and the Soviet Union both
intended to see a resolution [of the war] in accordance with United
Nations resolutions, Shoshana Cardin, chairman of the Conference
of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, said after separate
meetings with Bush and Secretary Baker.
(John Goshko, Washington Post, A22)
QUAYLE EXPECTS SADDAM HUSSEIN TO USE CHEMICAL WEAPONS
LONDON -- Vice President Quayle said Friday he expected Saddam
Hussein to use chemical weapons at some point during the Gulf war.
Quayle said allied forces would retaliate overwhelmingly if
he did so but refused to say whether they would use nuclear
weapons.
Asked by a BBC radio interviewed whether he believed Saddam
would unleash chemical weapons, Quayle replied, "Eventually he
probably will. He has used them in the past. He has said that he
will."
"He has the (chemical) capability on artillery and short-
range weapons so our anticipation (is that) at some time, at his
choosing, he will unfortunately use chemical weapons." (Reuter)
U.S. DRAWING UP PEACE PLAN FOR POSTWAR MIDEAST
Effort Would Address Arab-Israeli Dispute
The Bush administration is crafting a broad postwar peace plan
for the Middle East that would address the Arab-Israeli conflict,
regional security, arms control and the economic disparities
underlying the area's turmoil, according to administration
officials.
A planning document examining options for a postwar peace
effort has been sent to Secretary Baker. However, a State
Department official said Baker has not yet made any decisions on
the options developed by senior department officials
"This is not a how-to document, but a big picture, a broad
brush, " said a senior administration official familiar with the
planning. "It would be practical and politically smart" to sketch
out the overall thrust of the administration's vision before the
hostilities have ended, the official added. "We can't just say
when the shooting stops, someone else should pick up the ball."
(David Hoffman, Washington Post, A23)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-5
LEVY LINKS PALESTINIANS, ARAB TALKS
JERUSALEM -- Israel will not be willing to negotiate a
solution to the Palestinian issue after the Gulf war unless it can
simultaneously open direct, bilateral peace talks with Arab states,
Foreign Minister Levy said Thursday.
Levy, outlining a five-point policy he has drawn up for a
postwar settlement, indicated Israel would resist any move by the
U.S. and Soviet Union to jointly restructure a comprehensive
solution to the Arab-Israeli dispute, especially if the initiative
involved an international conference.
Moreover, Levy insisted, no peace process would be possible
unless the war ended in a total Iraqi defeat and the downfall of
Saddam.
(Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A23)
WORDS OF CONCERN, PRAYERS FOR PEACE
Reflective Ecumenical Breakfast Offers Encouragement To Bush
President Bush received clear if somewhat troubled words of
encouragement Thursday for his handling of the Gulf war from the
political and religious leaders of the National Prayer
Breakfast
Imam Abdullah Khouj, director of the Islamic Center, started
the group off with a reading from the Koran. He quoted the
conditions under which one Muslin can fight against another, and
then prayed, "Oh God, send your mercy on those who die. Bless the
sincere intentions of those gathering here today "
Bush, who has not hesitated to defend the Gulf war in moral
terms bordering on the religious, told the group he was chastised
in a letter this week for not mentioning God in his State of the
Union speech, other than his usual signoff of "God bless America."
"I should have made that clear: God is our rock and
salvation," Bush said.
(Laura Sessions stepp, Washington Post, A27)
EGYPT'S PRESIDENT PREDICTS WAR OVER IN FEW WEEKS
NEW YORK -- President Mubarak predicts that allied military
forces will be able to drive the Iraqis from Kuwait within a month.
In a broadcast Thursday night on ABC's "PrimeTime Live,"
Mubarak said the air forces of the coalition are causing
considerable damage to the Iraqi military.
"I think this way it may take three or four weeks, something
like this,' he said in an interview conducted Tuesday in Cairo.
"By using the air force to destroy most of the war gear --
unless there's something new which we don't know, it may take a
longer time -- but I don' think in this way it could take more than
one month, " he added.
(AP)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-6
TURKISH PRESIDENT SEES WAR EXTENDING AT LEAST 2 MONTHS
ANKARA -- Scaling back prewar predictions of a pushover allied
victory over Iraq, Turkish President Ozal Thursday said "two
months" or longer might be needed.
Denying "surprise" at Iraq's ability to absorb allied
punishment from the air, Ozal invoked in an interview Iraq's
accumulation "over the last 10 years of a sizeable military
machine" to explain Baghdad's resistance
Ozal expressed doubts that Saddam would agree to withdraw from
Kuwait in return for an end of hostilities.
(Jonathan Randal, Washington Post, A26)
POSSIBLE PEACE BID AFOOT AS ENVOYS ARRIVE IN IRAN
Tehran Seeking Views On Ways To End War
A senior Iraqi official arrived in Iran Thursday along with
envoys from France, Algeria and Yemen in an apparent effort to
discuss ways of ending the two-week old Gulf war.
A senior Iranian diplomat called the activity in Tehran "a
unique opportunity" and said his country "would seek all the views
of interested parties to see how we can work collectively to put
an end to this crisis."
(Nora Boustany & William Drozdiak, Washington Post, A23)
EFFORT TO FIGHT OIL SPILL FOUNDERS;
SAUDIS SAY THEY LACK TIME, TOOLS
Frantic efforts to fight the world's largest oil spill were
falling apart Thursday as Saudi Arabian officials conceded that
they don't have enough equipment or time to protect either drinking
water or wildlife.
The huge slick, moving south along the Saudi coast, was
rapidly overwhelming the biggest environmental mobilization in
history, officials said
About 12 million barrels of oil
have poured into the Gulf
as a result of the war, an official of the Saudi Meteorological and
Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday
"This is the biggest thing that's ever happened, and we have
no idea what we're going to be able to do," said the official, who
asked not to be identifies
The oil is proving a far greater threat than Saudi officials
had earlier said. They said Thursday that they might have to shut
some water plants because they. don't have enough booms and
skimmers. The Saudis' U.S. advisers said they concurred.
(Randy Lee Loftis, Dallas Morning News)
ISRAELI PILOTS LACK KEY CODE, ATTACHE SAYS
Defense Official Says Nation Cannot Attack Without IFF Data
Israeli military pilots lack crucial electronic identification
codes that would allow their planes to conduct an air raid on Iraqi
targets without accidentally being targeted by nearby U.S. and
allied warplanes, an Israeli military official said Thursday.
Israel "cannot attack" Iraq without first obtaining access to
the codes because its pilots might not survive a flight through the
crowded air corridors over Iraq according to Admiral Ben-
Shoshan, the Israeli defense attache in Washington.
(R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A24)
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-7
PALESTINIANS FIRE ROCKETS AT ISRAELI SECURITY ZONE
SIDON -- Pro-Iraqi Palestinians fired rockets at Israel's
self-declared security zone in south Lebanon Friday for the fourth
day running, security sources said.
They said at least 10 Soviet-designed Katyusha rockets were
fired at dawn from guerrilla positions north of the nine-mile-wide
buffer.
The sources said Israeli gunners and the South Lebanon Army
militia retaliated by pounding villages in Iqlim al-Toufah, 25
miles south of Beirut and just north of the border zone. (Reuter)
START NEGOTIATIONS SAID TO YIELD PROGRESS
The U.S. and Soviet Union made progress this week toward
completing the START treaty, but remained at loggerheads on Soviet
compliance with the recently signed CFE treaty, administration
officials said Thursday.
The Soviets offered a "package deal" to settle most the
outstanding issues in the way of the START treaty, according to
Soviet officials, but the U.S. has not yet formally responded. A
U.S. official speaking on the condition of anonymity said the
Soviet positions did not lay the basis for an easy compromise.
On several issues, the U.S. officials said, Soviet negotiators
reconfirmed agreements that had been tentatively reached last
December when Secretary Baker met then-Foreign Minister
Shevardnadze in Houston. The moves this week followed a temporary
suspension of some parts of the deal by the Soviet Foreign
Ministry, apparently under pressure from the General Staff of the
Soviet Armed Forces.
After Shevardnadze's December resignation, which may have been
prompted partly by his disputes with the Soviet military, "they
walked back [on] some of what we had agreed to at Houston,' a
senior U.S. official said. In the past few days, "they walked back
partially on the walkback, the official said.
(Don Oberdorfer & R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A9)
SOVIET GEORGIA FORMS NATIONAL GUARD
IN SEPARATIST CHALLENGE TO KREMLIN
TBILISI, U.S.S.R. -- Following a string of defiant gestures,
the republic of Georgia's nationalist parliament voted this week
to create its own army, signaling to Moscow that although it no
doubt could crush Georgia's independence movement, the mess would
be appalling.
From President Gamsakhurdia on down, the government boasts
that its people are intemperate, armed and unwilling to relinquish
the gains in autonomy made over the past two years.
(Marc Champion, Washington Post, A14)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-8
GORBACHEV HOLDS ONTO TOP PARTY POST DESPITE RUMORS
MOSCOW -- President Gorbachev retained his post as Soviet
Communist Party chief after a meeting of the party leadership,
despite earlier suggestions he might step down from the post.
Vice President Gennady Yanayev sparked rumors that Gorbachev
might quit as party general secretary when he was quoted Thursday
as saying the party did not derive its strength solely from his
leadership
The meeting ended Thursday with Gorbachev still holding the
top party post.
(Reuter)
YEUTTER: NEW HOPE ON TRADE REFORM
The moribund round of world trade talks may be "on the verge
of a major breakthrough, " Secretary Yeutter said Thursday, although
success remains far from assured
During an impromptu session with reporters, Yeutter hailed the
"very significant shift" in attitude in Europe.
"That gives me a much higher level of optimism about the
future of those negotiations. My personal judgement is we are on
the verge of a major breakthrough on that exercise," he said,
referring to the trade talks.
(UPI)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Global Fallout Feared If Japanese Avoid War
Response,' by Paul Blustein & T.R. Reid, appears in the Washington
Post, A27.
###
NATIONAL NEWS
BUSH'S BUDGET PROPOSAL LIKELY TO STREAMLINE
BENEFITS PROGRAMS, OFFICIALS SAY
The fiscal 1992 budget that President Bush sends to Congress
next week is likely to seek only incremental increases in domestic
programs and envisions saving more than $50 billion over five years
by streamlining benefits such as Medicare, farm programs, student
aid and child nutrition, according to congressional and
administration officials.
As much as $20 billion of the savings is targeted to come from
Medicare, about $3 billion of it in the year that begins Oct. 1
The savings in benefits programs included in Bush's proposal
would come from making the programs more efficient, officials said.
The savings would be used to reduce the deficit and to offset the
cost of extended tax breaks that are scheduled to expire next year.
John Yang & Steven Mufson, Washington Post, A4)
BUSH TO PROPOSE CHANGES IN '92 SPENDING PRIORITIES
President Bush plans to propose on Monday a sweeping
reordering of the government's spending priorities in his fiscal
1992 budget, which Republicans hope will force a watershed debate
over the focus and direction of federal programs.
Budget experts familiar with Bush's near-$1.5 trillion budget
proposal said the administration hopes to take advantage of last
year's deficit-reduction agreement to eliminate or transfer to the
states more than $30 billion in domestic federal spending.
Up to $17 billion would be freed from curtailed or eliminated
programs and would be targeted for administration initiatives in
children's health, education, science, research and repair of the
nation's deteriorating highway system.
"That is a significant amount of the domestic dollars that are
available," said Stanley Collender, a fiscal policy expert at the
national accounting firm Price Waterhouse.
Sen. Gramm predicted a new tenor to the budget debate, saying:
"The President's budget proposal is far from the usual. It
represents a new blueprint for the American government.
What really counts are the mandatory spending caps that will
apply to both military and domestic discretionary spending
programs
"Most of the attention will be focused on how to allocate what
is there,' Collender said. "The decisions made will be ones that
affect people directly.'
(Robert Dodge, Dallas Morning News)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-10
BUSH PROPOSES 11% INCREASE IN DRUG WAR SPENDING
President Bush Thursday proposed an 11 percent increase in
spending on the war against drugs and declared the administration
has achieved the goals set in September 1989 when the first
national drug control strategy was unveiled.
Announcing an updated strategy and new budget proposals for
fiscal year 1992, Bush said the request to add nearly $1.2 billion
to the current budget of $10.5 billion "persuasively demonstrates
that our administration is committed to defending the menace of
drugs. II
Officials at the Office of National Drug Control Policy were
informed only Wednesday that the President, who has come under
criticism for neglecting domestic issues, might want to announce
the drug strategy Thursday.
Bush seemed to allude to that impetus in his remarks. "I
expect some to wonder whether I am totally preoccupied with events
halfway around the world, " Bush said. "And I really wanted to take
this opportunity to come over here to you who have done so much in
this fight to let you know you're not alone."
(Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, A6)
Bush Ups Ante In Drug War -- President Bush, under pressure to hold
the line on the federal budget, Thursday proposed an 11 percent
spending increase in the war on drugs that will greatly expand drug
treatment.
While federal reports have indicated that drug use and drug-
related crimes are down, Bush said the new efforts must march ahead
to reap victory by the year 2001.
Calling the reports "welcome news, " the President said: "You
might ask, can we lessen our commitment to stopping the scourge of
drugs? Can we afford to look elsewhere, lose interest? Can we
declare victory? And, of course, the answer is an emphatic
'no.
Acting drug czar John Walters later told reporters that the
budget request for 1992 will add $156 million, or 10 percent, to
the treatment program
The new drug strategy includes spending for international
anti-drug programs, construction of jails and increases for law
enforcement.
(Paul Bedard, Washington Times, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-11
Bush Proposes More Anti-Drug Spending
--
Independent drug
experts and congressional critics asserted that while spending for
treatment would rise by $260 million in the President's plan, the
proportion of the total budget designated for health-related
problems would decline, to 30.3 percent from 31.2 in the current
fiscal year.
"Despite its rhetoric to the contrary, the administration
continues to short-change treatment and prevention programs that
reduce the demand for drugs, said Sen. Kennedy.
Mathea Falco, an assistant secretary of state for
international narcotic matters in 'the Carter administration
said
Bush's drug strategy was "more of the same."
Falco said in a telephone interview from New York: "Its
dominant focus is on keeping supplies from coming into the country
and keeping them off the streets. It still does not recognize that
reducing demand must be the first priority. We know that sealing
the border is impossible, but the strategy continues to try to do
it."
David Tell, deputy chief of staff of the administration's
Office of National Drug Control Policy, said the increased funds
sought by Bush would be used "across the board in all major
functional areas." But the largest increase would go to domestic
law
enforcement which would receive 14 percent more than in the
current fiscal year.
(Joseph Treaster, New York Times, A12)
1991 DEFENSE BUDGET TO CONTINUE
MILITARY CUTBACKS DESPITE GULF WAR
The Bush administration is readying a fiscal 1992 defense
budget that would continue the cutback in military spending begun
last year, despite the stepped-up war in the Gulf and recent
setbacks in the Soviet Union's move toward democratic reforms.
The new spending plan, to be disclosed on Monday, is expected
to propose cutting military outlays by a sharp 3.3% after
inflation, reducing further the number of military personnel and
canceling two key nuclear missile programs.
"We are anticipating peace, " a senior Pentagon official said
Thursday. In fact, he added, "We're banking on it."
(Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, A5)
SOCIAL SECURITY TAX MORE LIKELY TO BE CUT
President Bush wants to cut the capital gains tax rate, but
a growing alliance of liberals and conservatives now believes a
Social Security payroll tax cut has a much better chance of being
enacted.
Not only is the proposal winning new bipartisan support in
Congress, but it is getting strong backing from a number of
politically disparate groups, including the AFL-CIO, the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce and the Committee to Preserve Social Security.
Supporters say cutting the payroll tax has much stronger
grass-roots political appeal than the Bush proposal to cut taxes
on the profit from the sale of assets.
The White House, which actively opposed the payroll tax cut
last year, is holding back to see if a groundswell develops,
according to congressional sources, though presidential aides cite
new polling data against the proposal.
(Donald Lambro, Washington Times, A4)
-елош-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-12
SENATE REFUSES TO SUSPEND BUDGET AGREEMENT
Senate Democrats and Republicans
joined forces to keep the
agreement intact despite the recession.
The Senate refused 97-2 Thursday to suspend the months-old
summit agreement, although some key senators said they may change
their votes if the recession lasts longer and becomes deeper than
administration experts now predict.
Sens. Harkin and Wellstone were the only senators to vote for
the resolution that would have suspended the summit agreement. The
White House strongly opposed it.
(Steve Gustel, UPI)
LIMITED SDI PROGRAM MIGHT COST $9 BILLION
The revamped SDI program announced Tuesday envisions Patriot-
like interceptors deployed with U.S. ground forces or aboard ships
in crisis spots to turn away short-range missile attacks.
A senior Pentagon official, offering fresh details of the
scaled-back
plan, estimated the cost of this project Thursday at
$9 billion. A separate project to defend primarily against long-
range missiles would cost another $32 billion.
Defense Department planning documents predict that an improved
version of the Patriot could be deployed by 1993, with more
advanced weapons a few years later.
(Warren Strobel, Washington Times, A3)
REILLY INVOKING CLEAN AIR LAW
TO CLEAR VISTA AT GRAND CANYON
In the first use of federal law to protect scenic vistas
within a national park, EPA Administrator Reilly has decided to
order an Arizona power plant to stop polluting the air over the
Grand Canyon.
The decision, which is expected to be announced today and is
subject to agency review, is aimed at thinning persistent haze that
on some winter days makes the canyon's vivid colors and spectacular
rock formations all but invisible to a tourist standing on its
rim
Reilly had difficulty convincing some administration officials
that merely improving views of the canyon was worth the costs --
estimated at up to $2.3 billion -- of installing anti-pollution
controls on the Navajo Generating Station 80 miles to the
northeast.
He backed off the agency's original proposal to remove 90
percent of the sulfurous emissions from the coal-fired plant,
accepting 70 percent as a compromise. The concession drew sharp
criticism from environmentalists and National Park Service
officers.
(Michael Weisskopf & John Lancaster, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-13
FDIC, BANKS WEIGH BORROWING PROPOSALS
Funds Would Be Used To Pay For Failures
FDIC officials and banking industry leaders said Thursday they
are considering proposals to borrow the money needed to pay for
bank failures as a way to avoid directly asking taxpayers to bail
out the bank insurance fund
Thursday, for the first time, FDIC Chairman Seidman
acknowledged that the fund could run out of money this year if the
current recession drags on longer than expected and causes more
banks to fail.
However, "There is no crisis here," Seidman emphasized. "At
this point I don't see any likelihood that we will have to go to
the taxpayer."
(Jerry Knight, Washington Post, F1)
Bleak Forecasts For The FDIC Are Challenged -- L. William Seidman,
the nation's top banking regulator, Thursday flatly contradicted
forecasts that the bank insurance fund he manages would be
insolvent within the next two years.
On the defensive against a growing chorus of criticism on
Capitol Hill and mounting concern among administration officials,
Seidman disputed suggestions that a taxpayer bailout would be
required to keep the fund that protects bank deposits afloat.
The bank insurance fund would be "weak but solvent" under the
"most widely held view on expected economic conditions," Seidman
said at a news conference this morning. "There is no crisis here.
What we have is sufficient to handle what we foresee now."
But Seidman did hedge his prediction, noting that if the
recession lasted longer than a year, a prospect he called unlikely,
then the bank insurance fund might be insolvent by the end of the
year.
(Stephen Labaton, New York Times, A1)
UNEMPLOYMENT TO KEEP RISING
EVEN IF RECESSION MILD, ANALYSTS SAY
The nation's unemployment rate, surging at its fastest pace
since 1982, will jump higher in coming months even if the worst of
the recession is over, many analysts predict.
More layoffs and hiring freezes -- already one million
Americans have joined the ranks of the unemployed since last June -
- are likely because unemployment is one of the last areas to be
touched by a recession, economists said.
"In the early phases of recession, they're slow to lay people
off, and when the economy is recovering, they're slow to hire them
back because they're unsure of what's happening," said Elliott
Platt, an economist with Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corp
"It takes a while to convince businesses that it's time to
start hiring again," said David Wyss of DRI-McGraw Hill.
(Karen Ball, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- A-14
1980s 'TERRIBLE' FOR AMERICAN CHILDREN
The 1980s were a "terrible decade for children," with clear
deterioration from 1980 to 1988 in their social and economic
condition
according to a national study released Friday
Nationally, there were substantial increases in the
percentages of children in poverty, juveniles who are incarcerated,
out-of-wedlock births and teen violent deaths. There was also an
increase, though smaller, in the percentage of babies born at low
birth weights, which lead to physical and mental impairments and
sometimes death.
The only improvements were in child death rates, infant
mortality rates and the percentage graduating from high school.
(Spencer Rich & Christine Spolar, Washington Post, A3)
NEW WAR ON CRIME GANGS UNVEILED
The Justice Department Thursday announced a strategy against
organized crime for the 1990s that seeks to "eliminate the
influence" of traditional La Cosa Nostra crime families and strike
at emerging groups.
The strategy was outlined by Assistant Attorney General Robert
Muller and Assistant FBI Director William Baker. It involves a
prosecution team of 173 Justice Department lawyers and 800 FBI
agents -- a manpower increase of more than 40 percent over last
year.
(Jerry Seper, Washington Times, A3)
SMOKING-RELATED DEATHS UP 11%
TO 434,000 YEARS, CDC REPORTS
More than 434,000 Americans died in 1988 from health problems
caused by smoking, an 11 percent increase over the 1985 total,
according to a report published today by the federal Centers for
Disease Control.
(Susan Okie, Washington Post, A1)
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Thursday Evening, January 31)
GULF WAR
ABC's Peter Jennings: We begin again tonight with the first land
battle fought in the Persian Gulf war, a psychological lift as far
as Saddam Hussein is concerned, who calls it a thunderous storm in
the Arab desert -- but a military defeat, as far as we know; what
the U.S. Commander-in-Chief says was like a mosquito on the back
of an elephant. Behind the rhetoric of the day, real concern about
trying to stop 50-60,000 Iraqi men and hundreds of tanks apparently
now moving down along the frontier. There are early reports of a
real battle actually shaping up. We also learned today that a
fairly large U.S. plane with more than a dozen people aboard is
missing behind Iraqi lines. Two soldiers, a man and a woman, are
missing along the front lines. As for that Iraqi offensive
northwest of Khafji over the last couple of years, 11 -- not 12 -
- Marines were killed. And two soldiers who were missing at Khafji
have been rescued.
ABC's Bill Redeker reports on the battle for Khafji. Marines, who
provided some backup support for Arab coalition forces, said they
were frustrated the Iraqis were able to hold the city for more than
36 hours. The Iraqis were eventually chased back into Kuwait. The
coalition forces are claiming victory and say they are holding 160
Iraqi prisoners of war. Still, an American officer in the area
says the recapture of Khafji was extremely confusing as U.S., Saudi
and Qatari forces tried to coordinate operations.
ABC's Jim Hickey reports on the air battle. By all accounts, there
was a massive air assault on Iraqi forces to keep them coming into
Khafji. There could have been too many planes, all jockeying for
targets in seemingly uncoordinated bombing runs. Because of the
crowded skies and competition for targets, some pilots said they
began to run low on fuel and had to return to base without dropping
their bombs.
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports from the Pentagon that U.S. officials say
Iraqi troops fought poorly at Khafji. But officials here also say
privately the Saudi forces displayed little initiative and required
help from Marine units.
Jennings reports the Pentagon gave no comment on the statement by
Baghdad Radio today that Iraq is holding female prisoners.
Jennings examines the role of women in the combat zone historically
and in the Gulf war.
Jennings reports a federal judge has ruled the Pentagon may require
troops in the Gulf to take unapproved drugs to protect against
possible germ warfare.
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- B-2
Jennings reports the Iraqis fired another Scud at Israel today.
This time it landed on the occupied West Bank, which ironically
means the Palestinians were the most in danger. Nobody was hurt.
There is a debate in Tel Aviv about whether it is the people's
patriotic duty to stay in town.
(ABC-Lead)
NBC's Tom Brokaw: American military officials seem to be more
confident than ever tonight that, overall, Operation Desert Storm
is going very well. But another Iraqi ground attack may be coming
soon. The Iraqis could be preparing for another run at the Saudi
border near Khafji, which they gained and then lost to Arab and
American forces today.
NBC's Brad Willis reports from Khafji on the battle.
NBC's Arthur Kent reports from Saudi Arabia that both U.S. and
allied commanders say they would welcome more incursions by Saddam
Hussein's tanks. Allied commanders say that aside from the Khafji
incident, their forces responded well and are prepared for more
probing by Saddam's troops.
NBC's Fred Francis reports the analysis at the Pentagon that if
there is another incursion by Iraq, it is a desperation move in
Baghdad. One senior official told NBC News, "These helpless
attacks are an early indication that Saddam may be trying for one
major land battle before calling it quits."
NBC's Ed Rabel reports on a surprise international conference in
Iran on ways to end the fighting. Allowing Iraqi jet fighters to
land here is interpreted by some military analysts as Iran lending
a helping hand to Iraq. The new moderate Iranian leaders may see
the moment as an opportune time to so influence events that after
the war ends, Iran will emerge as the superpower in the region,
according to top Mideast analysts. President Rafsanjani is
expected to meet with reporters on Monday to answer questions about
this peace conference and also about the Iraqi jets. (NBC-Lead)
NBC's Tom Aspell reports Iraqi television shows pictures of an
Iraqi hospital in Basra. An Iraqi doctor says the hospital was
damaged last Saturday. He says artillery shells and missiles hit
nearby and patients were killed in their beds. Other videotapes
made available today show extensive damage to another Iraqi town.
There is nothing to suggest a military target in the pictures, but
there is no independent confirmation of civilian casualties.
Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council has claimed that towns all
over the country have been damaged in allied air raids. There is
no way for us to verify Iraqi claims that civilian areas are being
deliberately targeted by allied planes. It is clear, however, that
civilian areas are being damaged.
NBC's George Lewis reports from Dhahran on how Saudi Arabia reacted
to the beginning of combat. The sudden influx of GIs, with the
inevitable culture clashes, has taxed local hospitality at times.
But the Saudis still profess a strong gratitude for the U.S.
military presence.
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- B-3
NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports on the role of women in Desert Storm
and the controversy surrounding the prohibition on combat roles.
(Rep. Schroeder: "The bottom line is the only thing they're
protecting women from are career promotions.")
(Rep. Montgomery: " Some women just don't have that strength.")
But military women say women have acted in combat.
NBC's John Cochran: The White House and the State Department were
still busy today with damage control in the aftermath of the flap
with the Soviets over that joint statement on Mideast policy.
Leaders of Jewish-American groups came to the White House today
looking for reassurance that President Bush is not mixing his war
goals with the Arab-Israeli conflict. On Tuesday, Secretary Baker
and Foreign Minister Bessmertnykh issued a joint statement on the
Gulf war. One sentence in particular set off alarms in Washington
and Jerusalem: "In the aftermath of the crisis in the Persian Gulf,
mutual U.S.-Soviet efforts to promote Arab-Israeli peace will be
greatly facilitated." Prime Minister Shamir quickly complained he
was not consulted about the statement. But Jewish leaders who met
with President Bush were satisfied.
(Shoshana Cardin: "There is no change in policy. There will not
be any imposition. Israel will not be dictated to.")
Everyone at the White House privately admits that the joint
statement with the Soviets was very badly written, but they insist
it was just a Jim Baker goof, not a nasty hint to Jerusalem.
Brokaw reports Marine officers have been visiting the homes of the
fallen today.
NBC's Mike Jensen reports American companies are lining up to get
a piece of the job repairing Kuwait. American companies will get
most of the contracts.
(NBC-3)
NBC's Roger O'Neill reports on people being called back to duty who
are torn about going. A lieutenant colonel, retired after 25
years' service, is a doctor who believes his rural Kansas hospital
will close if he is not there. There are at least 50 small towns
across the country who are asking the military to let their doctors
come home. The army has approved six hardship exemptions so far.
(Sen. Dole: "If you lose your hospital in a small town like St.
John, you might as well start rolling up Main Street.") (NBC-8)
CBS's Dan Rather: The U.S. military says allied forces have
recaptured Khafji; that's after two days of fierce fighting against
a stubborn Iraqi invading force. Tonight, new clashes are reported
with a much bigger Iraqi force west along the Kuwaiti border. A
large column of Iraqi armor said to have been moving toward the
Kuwaiti border is being pounded by B-52s. Earlier, Iraq said it
has captured male and female American soldiers. U.S. officials
said they are looking for two missing soldiers, a man and a woman,
whose military vehicle was found empty near the Kuwaiti border.
Behind enemy lines, another U.S. plane shot down. It's believed
to be a large electronic warfare craft with about 20 Americans
aboard. In the battle for Khafji, the Pentagon says allied forces
wound up destroying 42 Iraqi tanks and 35 other vehicles and took
161 Iraqi prisoners.
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- B-4
CBS's Scott Pelley reports on the battle for Khafji. The loss of
Khafji and several failed attempts to retake it embarrassed the
coalition. Today, U.S. commanders. insisted only Arab ground troops
were involved. But U.S. Marine ground troops were in the fight.
At least 161 Iraqis were taken prisoner; the POWs say they were
forced to fight against their will.
Rather: President Bush had his spokesman say today that the U.S.
strategy on the ground in Saudi Arabia is exactly right. This came
as Iraqi ground forces were said to be massing and on the move
again in southern Kuwait and U.S. forces were in the sky again
pounding Iraqi positions.
CBS's David Martin reports on how the war is going. The Pentagon
says it is determined not to fight the kind of [ground] war Saddam
wants to fight.
Rather: President Bush was quoted again today as saying it is not
yet time to launch a ground war to force Saddam Hussein out of
Kuwait.
CBS's Bob Schieffer says the time is drawing closer when the
President will have to make what members of Congress are already
calling his toughest decision since the war began: whether to shift
the attack to the ground.
(Rep. Aspin: "The clear, predominant view of congressmen when you
talk to them is let's just take the bombing campaign as long as we
can.")
CBS's Bruce Morton reports the American dead have started coming
home.
CBS's John Blackstone reports that thousands of people who believed
their years of active military service were well behind them
reported for duty today. They are members of what is called the
Individual Ready Reserve. They are discovering what may have
seemed like fine print when they enlisted is in fact a binding
contract that is putting them back in uniform. The Army is making
no apologies. Some are resisting.
Rather reports a British journalist who was detained by Iraqi
troops wrote that he was beaten, stripped and deprived of food and
even a toilet. Bruce Cheeseman said he was arrested during the
first night of bombing in Baghdad by Iraqi troops who accused him
of being an American pilot.
CBS's Doug Tunnell reports from Jordan that many foreigners are
fleeing from Iraq to Jordan. Authorities say four Jordanians have
died in allied air strikes while en route to the border. But there
have been others. Many are missing and no one is keeping count.
Eyewitnesses say allied jets now target almost anything that moves.
-елош-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- B-5
CBS's Peter Van Sant reports that night after night, affluent
draft-age Kuwaitis go to discos, casinos and night clubs in Egypt.
Aware that this constant partying is an affront to almost everyone,
cameras and reporters are not allowed into the Kuwaiti night spots.
When the 30,000 Kuwaitis living in Cairo were asked to pray for
their country's liberation, just a handful turned out at local
mosques. Embarrassed Kuwaiti leaders admit they have a disco
problem.
(CBS-Lead)
SDI
ABC's Dennis Troute reports on the results of SDI tests released
today. The Pentagon says the results are proof that star wars
technology can work. Star wars advocates are seizing on the
success of their own tests and that of the Patriot to argue that
anti-missile technology is both promising and necessary. They hope
to get Congress to restore funding for the star wars program, but
many analysts say the Scuds and even the Patriots are relatively
primitive and cannot really show what star wars might or might not
do.
(John Pike, scientist: "I don't think that the success of the
Patriots against Scuds says anything about the ability of star wars
to intercept nuclear missiles.")
Pentagon officials say there will be no better time to ask Congress
to invest in one more unproven technology. And they point out that
before the Gulf war, the Patriot was unproven too.
(ABC-2)
Brokaw interviews scientists Daniel Graham, an SDI proponent, and
John Pike, an opponent. Graham says the impetus toward defending
against ballistic missiles given by Ronald Reagan was the reason
the Patriot program really got started. Pike says the Patriot is
entirely appropriate but the longer-range nuclear missiles aimed
at the U.S. are going to be coming much faster and the warheads are
going to be smaller. Also, even missing one of them would destroy
a city.
(NBC-5)
PAN AM/IRAQI NATIONALS
Jennings reports a civil rights group in New York City has taken
Pan Am to court to try to stop them from keeping Iraqi nationals
off Pan Am flights simply because they are Iraqis. The National
Emergency Civil Liberties Committees says the Pan Am policy revives
memories of the U.S. World War II internment of all Japanese-
Americans.
(ABC-5)
GULF WAR/ROUTE 83
Jennings introduces a series of occasional reports from points
along Route 83, which divides the U.S. north/south nearly down the
middle, on how people are affected by the war.
-
White House News Summary
Friday, February 1, 1991 -- B-6
ABC's Tom Foreman begins in Minot, North Dakota, near the sites of
many nuclear missiles. A lot of people around Minot will tell you
this town supports the war. A few will tell you it raises all
their old fears. But many believe this war, with its patriotism,
will bring back an American spirit they think was lost long ago.
(ABC-7)
ECONOMY
ABC's Stephen Aug reports Fed Chairman Greenspan says that if the
war lasts past April, consumers could become so uncertain about the
future that they would cut back even further on buying. Greenspan
said that more than at any time in the recent past, the economy now
is subject to changes in psychology. Greenspan says the recession
is being made worse by lack of credit. He wants bank examiners not
to be so critical, so bankers will agree to lend more. Members of
the House Banking Committee agreed that businesspeople are
suffering, even those who have good relations with their bankers.
Greenspan faces opposition from other bank regulators who worry
this could lead to more bank failures.
(ABC-4)
NBC's Irving R. Levine reports on the warnings by William Seidman
that the bank insurance fund is headed toward empty. The outlook
is that the fund will run out if the recession runs through this
year. At a closed meeting today, bankers heard a government plan
for banks to pay higher insurance premiums to replenish the fund.
But that could worsen the problem; the contention is that when you
make a healthy bank pay more into the fund, the risk you run is
that some of those healthy banks will be forced into insolvency.
Officials say the cost of rescuing the FDIC won't fall on taxpayers
unless the number of bank failures turns out to be higher than
anyone now expects.
(NBC-6)
DRUG STRATEGY
Brokaw: President Bush called for an 11% increase in spending to
fight drugs. That would raise the total drug spending to almost
$12 billion.
NBC's Lisa Myers: To prove he isn't preoccupied with the Gulf war,
the President briefly turned his attention today to a war here at
home, the drug war. He said the big budget increase should secure
victory.
(President Bush: "And I believe it persuasively demonstrates that
our Administration is committed to defeating the menace of drugs
and that that commitment is unswerving.")
The commitment to law enforcement also remains unswerving. It gets
almost half the new budget. Bush says he's not changing strategy,
because this strategy is working. According to the new report, the
Administration's goal was to reduce overall drug use and casual
cocaine use by 10% each. They're down 11% and 29%. The
Administration also claims to have reduced the number of heavy
cocaine users. But most experts challenged that, which is one
reason the President today was emphasizing drug treatment.
(President: "I'm particularly proud of a new $100 million proposal
designed to expand our drug treatment capacity.") -more-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1991
6:00 A.M. EST EDITION
NATIONAL NEWS
Bush Budget Seeks Few Major Changes -- President Bush Monday
unveiled a $1.45 trillion budget for next fiscal year that includes
an ambitious call to redirect federal spending but shifts few
spending priorities and reflects the limits imposed by last year's
budget agreement.
(Washington Post, New York Times,
Wall Street Journal, Washington Times, AP, UPI)
White House Says Recession To Be Mild -- Bush administration
economists, appearing unshaken by the latest sign of a rapidly
weakening economy, predicted Monday that the current recession will
be short and mild with a rebound by midyear.
(Washington Post)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Iraq's Armor 90 Percent Intact, Elite Guards Standing Firm --
U.S.-led allied aircraft, flying a sortie a minute for nearly three
weeks, have destroyed a tenth of Iraq's army equipment, according
to allied military officers.
(Reuter, New York Newsday)
State Dept. Rebuffs Iran As Potential Peace Maker -- The Bush
administration has poured cold water on Iranian President
Rafsanjani's offer to play broker between Iraq and the U.S. to end
the Gulf War.
(Scripps Howard)
NETWORK NEWS (Monday evening)
DESERT STORM -- The U.S. says 27
of Iraq's 35 major bridges have
NATIONAL NEWS
A-1
now been destroyed, cutting
supply routes to troops.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS A-12
Analysts say they expect
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
Saddam to again order some
troops to go on the attack
EDITORIALS
C-1
before U.S. troops are ready for
their own offensive.
FOREIGN MEDIA
C-3
SUDAN -- Iraq has positioned
combat aircraft and surface-to-
surface missiles in the Sudan.
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
BUSH'S $1.4 TRILLION BUDGET
HAS RECORD DEFICIT, DELAYS WAR ACCOUNTING
President Bush sent Congress a $1.45 trillion budget that
projects a record deficit at a time of recession while paying for
the Gulf War only through March.
The President conceded tough economic times. "The longest
period of economic expansion in history has been temporarily
interrupted," Bush wrote in a budget introduction. "We can, we
hope, return to growth soon -- and proceed on the path to a new
era of expansion.
Democratic congressional leaders called the FY92 budget
inadequate, saying it only envisions a short war and proposed no
programs to counter the recession, "They basically repeat a list
of the same things that go back to Reagan, said Rep. Panetta
Rep. Gephardt said Democrats would offer their own budget that
would "concentrate on the fundamentals of economic growth, which
I don't think this budget does."
Gephardt called Bush's proposal to grant the states $15
billion to take over various federal programs "another twist at
federalism." But Bush defended the plan.
"Some people call some of our proposals warmed-over
federalism. They miss the point, Bush told a group of governors
at the White House. "The point is you are on the problem-solving
edge of this equation. You are better equipped to represent the
diverse interests of the various states."
But, he added, "I am not naive. We are going to have to fight
together to get this through the Congress."
(Tom Raum, AP)
Bush Budget Seeks Few Major Changes -- President Bush Monday
unveiled a $1.45 trillion budget for next fiscal year that includes
an ambitious call to redirect federal spending but shifts few
spending priorities and reflects the limits imposed by last year's
budget agreement
Budget Director Darman portrayed Bush's new budget as a
"reformist" one that would begin to shift benefit payments away
from the middle class and toward the poor; stress "investment in
the future"; turn over control over many federally funded programs
to the states; and comply with the spending limits set by last
year's agreement and intended to set the deficit on a downward
pass
Advocacy groups found the budget long on promises, but short
on delivery. "Given the rhetoric, there's less than meets the
eye," said Robert Greenstein, executive director of the Center on
Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington-based research group
that focuses on poverty issues.
Many of the spending increases heralded in Bush's budget were
modest at best. The budget documents shows Head Start funding
going up $100 million, for instance. But $86 million of that is
needed just to keep pace with inflation, making the effective
increase just 0.7 percent
While Darman's introduction boasts of making "a major
contribution to the expansion and improvement of the transportation
infrastructure,' the proposed increases for highways would not be
enough to maintain the current level of spending taking inflation
into account. (Steven Mufson & John Yang, Washington Post, A1)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-2
Democrats Assail Bush Budget -- Congressional Democrats assailed
President Bush's budget, charging his priorities for domestic
spending are deeply flawed and calling a proposed $25 billion cut
in Medicare spending "an insult to America's seniors."
"This is a cross-your-fingers, close-your-eyes, hope-for-the-
best budget,' said Sen. Sasser, while Sen. Kerrey characterized it
as a "don't-worry, be-happy" proposal.
There was, however, surprisingly little congressional reaction
to the FY92 budget, due party to the absence of a large number of
members and partly because last year's agreement on spending caps
provides little flexibility.
Although Democrats praised Bush for recommending additional
funds for some domestic programs, they sharply criticized him for
pushing space and science programs and totally ignoring anti-
recession measures that would aid the jobless
Rep. Rostenkowski said the [Medicare] cuts were "provocative
and unacceptable," adding, "These proposals are nothing more than
an insult to America's seniors. That is why they are dead on
arrival."
"I think the size of this present [Medicare] request is most
unlikely to find approval in the Congress," Speaker Foley said.
Predictably, Republicans found much to like in the budget.
Sen. Domenici said the "budget will show us a better way to
do business" and called it a "great effort at limiting spending."
Sen. Roth: "The President's budget makes two good moves. It
avoids new taxes and its works to spark economic growth and a
competitive edge for the country."
(Steve Gerstel, UPI)
Democrats Fault Bush's Budget Plan -- Democrats challenged the
spending priorities of President Bush's budget Monday, even as both
sides conceded in advance that last year's deficit-reduction deal
leaves them little room for maneuvering.
Faulting Bush for lacking a real domestic program, Democrats
proclaimed themselves protectors of Medicare and soft-pedaled their
past calls for defense spending cuts out of deference to the Gulf
war
[President Bush] explicitly staked his fiscal and political
strategy for reelection on the belief that both the war and the
recession will end in the first half of the year, allowing him to
expand in 1992 on the modestly financed domestic initiatives
included in this year's budget
The Bush cut that drew heaviest fire Monday from both
Democrats and interest groups was the proposal to slice an
additional $25 billion off the fast-growing Medicare program
Rep. Stark (D.-Ca.), chairman of the House Ways and Means
Medicare subcommittee, said it was "like a Scud missile -- big,
slow-moving and unsophisticated but with potential to do a lot of
damage."
The Gray Panthers organization said the proposal "reflects the
President's failed domestic leadership by not addressing the need
for comprehensive health reform.
"
Meantime, Democrats teed off on the most publicized feature
of Bush's domestic program -- the suggestion that at least $15
billion of federal grant-in-aid programs be wrapped into a package
for the states to spend as they please
Rep. Conyers (D.-
Mich.) warned that "if states are given the discretion to determine
any priorities they see fit, big holes may be cut in the federal
safety net protecting the most vulnerable and least powerful among
us."
(David Broder & Tom Kenworthy, Washington Post, A5)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-3
Faced with Gulf War, Bush's Budget Avoids Bold Moves At Home --
Confronted with the war in the Gulf, President Bush has prepared
a budget that forgoes bold action at home.
Many of the proposals in the new budget are leftovers from
previous years; others are innovative, but small. And as for plans
to combat the recession, attack the record-high budget deficit of
pay the costs of war -- they are nowhere to be found in the 2,026-
page document.
Bush has made himself "a domestic shadow-president, says Sen.
Sasser. "There's not a clear sense of direction." agrees Stuart
Butler, director of domestic policy studies at the Heritage
Foundation
There are some political trinkets in this budget, many of them
included with the 1992 presidential election in mind. For
conservatives, there is a proposal to kill off 238 mostly minor
government programs and a half-hearted endorsement of the capital
gains tax [cut.] For liberals, the new budget offers a modest
attempt to cut benefits to the wealthy and to give more to the
poor. And although the President has attacked congressional pork-
barrel spending, his budget includes vote-getting sewer projects
for a half-dozen major cities.
But it is hard to find anything in the budget that could be
construed as an overarching concept -- much less a vision -- of an
economic or domestic policy.
(Alan Murray & David Wessel, Wall Street Journal, A1)
President Submits Spending Package of $1.45 Trillion -- President
Bush sent to Congress Monday a 1992 budget request of $1.45
trillion that admittedly understates the cost of the Gulf war,
offers no measures to combat the recession and seeks to
redistribute some federal subsidies that now go to the most
affluent.
The President's budget tries to pull together the strands
of his domestic policy into a semblance of a coherent whole,
proposing selective increases in funds for eduction, children's
health care, highways and scientific research.
It also reflects the most comprehensive effort yet to reshape
the American military in the face of international political
changes, although some major questions were left unanswered
The initial reaction from some leading congressmen was cool,
but they did not reject Bush's proposals out of hand
Sen. Byrd expressed satisfaction that Bush was finally showing
interest in programs that Byrd has championed for years. By
investing in selected health, education, transportation and
research programs, the Bush budget would "start to reverse the
trends of past years, said Byrd.
And Sen. Nunn said Bush's military budget was generally "the
right way to proceed," in view of the diminished threat from the
Soviet Union.
(Robert Pear, New York Times, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-4
Bush 'Reformist Budget' Smallest Rise In 5 Years -- President Bush
Monday proposed a $1.45 trillion "reformist budget" for 1992 that
would hold spending increases below the rate of inflation and cut
the deficit by $37 billion
Members of Congress
offered mixed reaction to the
President's plan.
Democrats generally, but not totally, said it was inadequate.
They deplored the lack of new spending to soften the impact of the
recession. They also said the projected $280.9 billion deficit
could swell considerably if the war or the recession lasts beyond
June
Darman
tallied a 9.5 percent increase in programs for
children. David Liederman, executive director of the Child Welfare
League of America, scoffed at that and said Bush neglects children
who are abused, neglected, abandoned and homeless
The election-year "flexible freeze" also fulfilled a major
campaign promise. But Bush offered no clues on how he would meet
the legal requirement to cut the deficit by another $213.4 billion
for the two fiscal years following the 1992 presidential elections.
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A1)
BUSH DEFENSE BUDGET SEEKS TO SCALE BACK SEVERAL WEAPONS
President Bush proposed a military budget of $295 billion that
scales back several weapons because of economic woes although they
have performed well in the Gulf War.
But the budget for FY92 relies on those success in calling for
a wholesale increase in spending for such sophisticated and
controversial weaponry as SDI and the B-2 stealth bomber.
"We were often accused of buying super-sophisticated, high-
tech $600 toilet seats and hammers that cost $400 and systems that
basically didn't work," Secretary Cheney said.
"I think what the last few weeks have demonstrated very
clearly to everybody who was watching
is that in fact, there were
a number of very sound decisions made over the years.
Speaker Foley said it would be "disingenuous" for the Bush
administration to use the success of the Patriot to push for an
increase in SDI spending. Foley said the Patriot is not an SDI-
based weapon.
Rep. Bennett said several former chairman of the JCS and past
defense secretaries have suggested a budget of $3 billion for SDI.
"I can't see why the present war situation justifies a
different point of view. My feeling is we should not extravagantly
waste our money, especially in wartime."
(Donna Cassata, AP)
PENTAGON SEEKS $80 MILLION FOR PATRIOT MISSILE UPGRADE
LEXINGTON, Ma. -- The Pentagon is seeking $80 million for
short-term improvements to the Raytheon Corp.-made Patriot missile
system, a company spokesman said.
The spokesman confirmed a Boston Herald report that quoted
defense industry sources as saying the Pentagon wants the range,
altitude and performance of the Patriot increased, and also wants
it "more easily deplorable to contingency theaters."
(UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-5
CHENEY SAYS U.S. DEFENSE CUTS DEPEND ON MOSCOW
U.S. plans to cut defense spending over the next five years
depend on Soviet military policy, rather than the Gulf war,
according to Secretary Cheney
"The Soviet situation is still the number one threat that we
face in terms of long-range strategic planning. I think the jury
is still out on where the Soviet military is headed long term,"
Cheney said at a Pentagon news briefing
"There's enormous uncertainty today about what's going to
transpire inside the Soviet Union in the future. The developments
in the last few weeks have been of concern not only to Soviets who
were in hopes of reduced militarization of Soviet society and
greater democracy, but to all of 'us who have anticipated in the
West that we would see continued improvement, domestically inside
the Soviet Union," he said.
(Reuter)
GOVERNORS WELCOME PLAN TO LET STATES RUN DOMESTIC PROGRAMS
President Bush found a receptive audience in the nation's
governors for his plan to send the states billions of dollars in
domestic programs, but he ran afoul of congressional leaders and
mayors.
The White House provided governors with few details of its
proposal other than a list of more than $20 billion in selected
programs that could be transferred to the states.
The administration asked governors to chose programs worth $15
billion or more from the list and to take full responsibility for
running them with money from federal block grants
Washington Gov. Gardner, a Democrat and NGA chairman, said
the proposal is "something that is very attractive to the states"
because it gives them more flexibility in spending. "There's a
great deal of incentive for us," he said.
But opposition to the plan emerged immediately.
City mayors vowed to try and strike the $3.1 billion Community
Development Block Grant program from the administration's list
"We think that would be a huge mistake," said Democratic
Charleston, S.C. Mayor Riley. "If ever there is a classic example
of, 'if it isn't broke don't fix it,' it's certainly the Community
Development Block Grants
Louisville, KY Mayor Abramson said many state legislatures
would spend the grant money on rural and suburban areas, rather
than on he urban problems it was designed for
Rep. Gephardt called Bush's plan "another twist at federalism,
which adds nothing but confusion to the debate."
Rep. Panetta said the Bush transfer would conceal cuts in
domestic programs, "handing the states
programs that they have
already reduced
Republican Missouri Gov. Ashcroft said the changes would save
states "about four million bureaucrat hours of paperwork."
(William Welch, AP)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-6
FINE PRINT SIGNALS COURSE BUSH GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE
INTO ELECTION SEASON
The mood and direction of a president and his government,
characterized by which office gets more money and whose programs
are cut, are frequently found in small print deep in the budget.
President Bush wants to add $2 million to the cost of running
his White House office, and spend almost all of it to hire 20 new
permanent staff members. Those are people who would be coming on
just in time for the presidential election season. The White House
crowd, supported by a $35 million budget, is scheduled to grow from
381, estimated for this year, to 401 next year.
And although Bush has been criticized for ignoring domestic
policy, one of the fastest growing groups among his White House
advisers is the Office of Policy Development. Under the proposal,
the office that advises the president and assists him in long-
range economic and domestic policy would grow from 36 employees to
51, and see its budget increased 20 percent, to $3.7 million.
The Points of Light Foundation
is looking to grow a little
brighter thanks to federal money
For next year, the President
is seeking $7.5 million for an "entity to make direct and
consequential service aimed at serious social problems central to
the life and work of every American."
(Walter Pincus, Washington Post, A6)
TACTICS AND NUMBERS
A Budget Intended To Counter An Image
of A White House That Courts The Rich
In the budget they sent to Congress Monday, President Bush and
his advisers tried to neutralize the political point the Democrats
have developed in the Bush presidency: the argument that his
administration favors the rich at the expense of the poor and the
middle class.
Bush reintroduced his pet proposal to cut the tax on capital
gains, a measure that would mostly benefit affluent taxpayers.
But, in an attempt to knock the Democrats off stride, the
President offered several modest proposals to limit the government
subsidies that well-to-do people receive through Medicare, student
aid, farm price supports, school lunches and payments to veterans'
survivors.
In some instances the money, no more than a few billion
dollars a year, would be redirected to the poor; in other cases the
proposals would represent overall cuts in programs.
(news analysis, David Rosenbaum, New York Times, A1)
-SHOM-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-7
NEW SPENDING CEILINGS SEEN AS BUSH, GOP ADVANTAGE
The deficit-heavy $1.45 trillion budget that President Bush
sent to Congress Monday will be fought out under a new set of
ground rules that his allies say will work to the administration's
advantage
CBO Chief Reischauer
predicts that if there is a turnaround
in the economy [by midyear], an easing of S&L costs and the budget
caps are adhered to, by 1995 the deficit "will fall below $100
billion for the first time in 15 years and below one percent of
gross national product for the first time in 20 years."
But conservative critics of last year's budget compromise
agreement between the White House and Congress sharply disagree.
"In the overall scheme of things, this is a budget that is on
automatic pilot," said Dan Mitchell, chief budget analyst for the
Heritage Foundation.
"The spending caps apply to only the $200 billion of the
domestic discretionary budget and entitlements are still growing
out of control,' Mitchell said. "Richard Darman is the Saddam
Hussein of the American economy."
However, the emerging view among Bush's allies and some
independent observers on Capitol Hill was that this year the budget
battle was going to be substantially different than in previous
years
"The Democratic agenda is driven by spending increases and new
taxes," said a chief Senate GOP budget adviser. "The new rules
aren't going to leave much maneuvering room and that's going to
work to Bush's favor."
(Donald Lambro, Washington Times, A5)
BUSH BUDGET SHOWS FIRST ATTEMPT AT SETTING DOMESTIC AGENDA
Although severely limited in resources and vision, the budget
that President Bush submitted to Congress Monday was his first
attempt at putting forward a domestic agenda for his presidency.
In seeking an increase of funds for science projects, as well
as several projects that concentrate on children and the very poor,
Bush sheds some light on his administration's spending priorities
for the coming year.
However, the increases are so modest that they will probably
have little impact on the range of problems they are trying to
address, from poverty to a slowdown in the development of new
technology. To make that sort of difference, Bush would have to
make severe cuts in the defense budget, but because of the Gulf
war, Bush is able to avert that kind of politically risky choice
again this year.
"I think it's a politically correct budget for President
Bush, " said Thomas Mann, director of governmental studies at
Brookings Institution.
"There are some programs there that he can point to as signs
of a domestic agenda, but there's very little there to get excited
about, " Mann said
"The lack of a domestic agenda will have dramatic resonance
among suburban voters if the economy is in tough shape, said Kevin
Phillips, a Republican political analyst. "If the Gulf war is over
by
[this] fall people will be looking to the economy as the key
issue to judge the President.
(Stephen Kurkjian, Boston Globe)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-8
BUSH PROPOSES TRIPLING PART B MEDICARE PREMIUMS
FOR WEALTHY SENIOR CITIZENS
The Bush administration has proposed tripling Part B Medicare
premiums for wealthy senior citizens, saying the government could
help the poor more if it spent less on the rich
Powerful seniors' lobbies here saw nothing fair about it, and
warned the move would be the beginning of tailoring Medicare
benefits to incomes.
"This would be the Trojan horse, the camel's nose under the
tent," said Martin Corry, lobbyist for AARP. "It could be a matter
of a year, if it took that long, before the administration or
somebody in Congress for that matter would come back and say: 'OK,
now that we've taken care of those making over $125,000, how about
$100,000? How about $50,000?'"
Bill Ritz, spokesman for the National Committee to Preserve
Social Security and Medicare, said it seemed as if Medicare is
jeopardized by federal budget writers every year.
"Once again Medicare's on the chopping block and this comes
only a few weeks after we thought we had an agreement on Medicare
for five years out," Ritz said. (Gregory Spears, Knight-Ridder)
BUSH WOULD ALLOW SMALL RISE IN 1992 FARM, NUTRITION SPENDING
Federal spending on farmers and nutrition programs for low-
income Americans would climb modestly under President Bush's
proposed 1992 budget, but some farm groups were thankful for small
favors.
The White House proposed spending $55.7 billion for the
Agriculture Dept
"There's more money than I expected," said Bill Biedermann,
of Allendale Inc., an agricultural consulting firm. Farmers
should be pleasantly surprised by a hefty proposed increase in a
program that subsidizes U.S. farm export sales, he said
Senate Agriculture Chairman Leahy blasted the proposed budget
for failing to come up with enough "money for programs touted by the
administration, while House Agriculture Chairman de la Garza cited
no specific faults.
(Vicki Allen, Reuter)
BUSH BUDGET SLIGHTS NEA
Other Arts Agencies Would Get Increases
In a 1992 budget request that asks for increased federal
funding for federal arts and humanities agencies, the White House
left one agency out: the beleaguered National Endowment for the
Arts
"It's too bad [NEA Chairman] John Frohnmayer's spouse isn't
secretary of defense -- perhaps we'd have gotten it," said Rep.
Carr (D.-Mich.), chairman of the Congressional Arts Caucus. "My
hat's off to Lynne Cheney -- I think she's done a good job, but I
just thought NEA could have gotten as much as NEH."
"I think probably what's happened is we're seeing the relative
standing of individuals involved vis-a-vis the Office of Management
and Budget and Darman and who's got good contacts at OMB -- not a
reflection of national needs but who's a better infighter," [Carr
said.]
(Elizabeth Kastor, Washington Post, C1)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-9
BUDGET/BOSTON HARBOR
Tucked at the bottom of page 1,011 in Part Four of the
proposed 1992 federal budget is an italicized note ordering that
$100 million in federal funds be used to clean up Boston Harbor.
Now, Boston Harbor isn't the most serious environmental
problem in the U.S -- but it is the most politicized
By specifying that federal funding of its cleanup be increased
fivefold next year, the administration has moved to protect Bush
from any embarrassing commercials casting aspersions on his own
competence during his expected 1992 reelection bid.
Every federal budget is at heart a political document,
revealing a president's true priorities. This year's budget does
more than that, offering a sort of skeletal fiscal blueprint of
President Bush's expected 1992 reelection campaign
The White House knows that the stronger Bush looks now, the
weaker the field against him is likely to be as some Democrats
choose to wait until 1996
Budget Director Darman was surprisingly direct about the
reasons for the federal largess. "We had decided in the course of
last year that we really ought to separate out Boston Harbor and
make sure that it got funded, because the President had made a
number of statements in the campaign on that, he told reporters.
Oh, and by the way -- read his budget: No new taxes.
(Knut Royce, New York Newsday)
U.S. GETS MIXED REVIEWS ON GLOBAL WARMING PLAN
'Action Agenda' Lacks Carbon Dioxide Target
The Bush administration Monday announced what it called an
"action agenda" to combat global warming, predicting that it will
cut emissions of some climate-warming gases to 1987 levels by the
turn of the century.
But the plan, unveiled at the first day of a U.N.-sponsored
conference on global warming remedies, is essentially a repackaging
of policies devised for other purposes and contains no assurances
that emissions will not resume growing after the year 2000.
Nor does the plan set targets and timetables for control of
carbon dioxide emissions
that most of Europe, Japan and Canada
have pledged to stabilize or reduce early next century.
Criticized by some European delegates as disingenuous, the
plan was praised by other conference officials as a positive step
for an administration that previously had talked more of scientific
uncertainties than of remedies
"If this is their program, it signifies a shift, said Mostafa
Tolba, executive director of the United Nations Environment
Program. "They are stabilizing" warming gases.
(Michael Weisskopf, Washington post, A3)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-10
WHITE HOUSE SAYS RECESSION TO BE MILD
Budget Forecasts Rebound By Midyear
Bush administration economists, appearing unshaken by the
latest sign of a rapidly weakening economy, predicted Monday that
the current recession will be short and mild with a rebound by
midyear
Both Michael Boskin
and Richard Darman
said the new
forecast is similar to those of many private economists and
slightly less optimistic than that of the Congressional Budget
Office
Boskin said the administration should get credit for the
forecast's candor. "This will be the ninth post-World War II
recession and this is only the second time that an
administration, Republican or Democrat, has forecast a recession
prior to actually having the data on two negative quarters of real
GNP, he declared.
"The projected recession is likely to be mild," Boskin said.
(John Berry, Washington Post, D1)
LACK OF FOCUS ON GULF, RECESSION
COULD MAKE BUDGET IRRELEVANT
President Bush's new budget all but ignores the Gulf War and
portrays the recession in the rosiest light, two factors that could
make the spending plan utterly irrelevant as Congress begins
drafting its own budget
In unveiling his own spending priorities, Bush has left
himself open to the charge of being irrelevant, not so much for
his priorities, but for his decision to ignore certain cold
realities.
Bush decided to cast the recession in the most benign light
possible
He also low-balled the cost of the war with Iraq
Speaker Foley questioned the $15 billion estimate [of the
war], saying it "places a great expectation" on significant
contributions by the allies and "a fairly short war."
(News Analysis, Martin Crutsinger, AP)
AMERICAN REVIVAL IN MANUFACTURING SEEN IN U.S. REPORT
A government report issued Monday suggests that the Rust
Belt has staged a renaissance on the factory floor. Thanks to a
wrenching contraction in payrolls and plants,
productivity
climbed to a record level in 1990.
What's more, factories making everything from chemicals to
cars now account for a robust 23.3 percent of the nation's GNP
"I am not surprised at what we found,' said Robert Lawrence,
am economist at the Brookings Institution. "Fears of de-
industrialization were overblown."
(Sylvia Nasar, New York Times, A1)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-11
6 PIPE BOMBS FOUND WIRED TO NORFOLK CHEMICAL TANKS
Thousands Evacuated; Possible Link
To War Terrorism Investigated
NORFOLK, Va. -- Six pipe bombs were found attached to two
giant chemical storage tanks here Monday, forcing police to
evacuate thousands of residents of this port city that is one of
America's largest military centers
Authorities said no group had taken responsibility for
planting the bombs. Bill Baker, assistant FBI director for
criminal investigations, said it was too early to tell whether the
incident might have been related to the Gulf war, but he added that
"we have to keep that door open."
(Peter Baker, Washington Post, A1)
AIDS STANCE STUNS OFFICIAL
The Department of Health and Human Services was surprised last
week that the American Medical Association opposed its plan to let
AIDS-infected immigrants to enter the country.
Last month HHS officials had identified the AMA as one of more
than a half-dozen professional organizations that endorsed its
plan
Dr. Lonnie Bristow, a member of the AMA board of trustees,
said Monday the organization changed its position in December. The
new position states that the "AMA agrees that HIV-infected
individuals should not be permitted to immigrate.
Rep. Dannemeyer, who opposes the admission of HIV-infected
immigrants, has sent a letter to Budget Director Darman noting the
confusion. "There may have been a misrepresentation of the
position of the American Medical Association on this matter," he
wrote, "and I am concerned that your staff may not have been fully
informed of the correct AMA position prior to the approval of this
rule."
(Joyce Price, Washington Times, A3)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "On Outside Looking In, Former Officials Rate Bush
Budget," appears in the Washington Post, A17.
"Lawrence Eagleburger, The Calm Amid The Storm," by Lois Romano,
appears in the Washington Post, C1.
###
INTERNATI NEWS
IRAQ'S ARMOR 90 PERCENT INTACT,
ELITE GUARDS STANDING FIRM
NICOSIA -- U.S.-led allied aircraft, flying a sortie a minute
for nearly three weeks, have destroyed a tenth of Iraq's army
equipment, according to allied military officers.
But the backbone of Saddam Hussein's ground forces, the
Republican Guards, is standing firm and Baghdad says its troops are
now waiting for the signal to launch a crushing offensive.
"Here are the Iraqi armies of right awaiting a signal for a
crushing and devastating offensive that will sever the necks from
shoulders," Iraqi Radio said late Monday night.
Eight-engined B-52 bombers swept against the Republican Guard
six times Monday and other planes. attacked the guards 26 times.
"The Republican Guard continues to get the focus of our
attention," Maj. Gen. Robert Johnston told a news briefing in
Riyadh.
A U.S. military officer told a separate briefing there was no
sign yet of the elite force
cracking.
Another U.S. spokesman said allied forces had destroyed at
least 300 of Iraq's estimated 4,500 tanks and 350 other military
vehicles. French Armed Forced Chief of Staff Schmitt said this
represented only 10 percent of Iraq's army equipment.
(John Baggaley, Reuter)
DESERT STORM/DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
Allied bombing raids have destroyed 15 percent of the Iraqi
tanks inside the Kuwait theater of operations, "a long way" from
the military's eventual goal of 50 percent, a defense official
disclosed Monday.
The assessment, made over the weekend and based on allied
bombing raids through the end of last week, indicates that an
allied ground offensive any time soon would meet stiff resistance.
"If it takes 50 percent to make them [Iraqis] combat
ineffective, then we still have a long way to go," said the
official, a military intelligence specialist who asked not to be
identified. He said the estimated 4,000 to 5,000 tanks in the
Kuwait theater are particularly hard to hit because most are
surrounded by sand berms and covered with sand bags
He said that another indication that the bombing sorties are
having a difficult time destroying Iraq's war-fighting capability
is an estimate now that the bombing by B-52s of a huge munitions
depot in Basra last week destroyed only 20 percent of the depot's
munitions. The depot's explosion last week was described as having
been of "volcanic intensity." Nevertheless, "Eighty percent of the
ammo is still there," the source said.
(Knut Royce, New York Newsday)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-13
IRAQ HALTS FUEL SUPPLIES TO PUBLIC
NICOSIA -- Iraq has halted fuel supplies to the public at the
height of the winter.
Baghdad Radio Tuesday quoted a statement by the Ministry of
oil as saying the measure was effective from Feb. 4 and "until
further notice."
It gave no further details on the measure that would largely
affect heating oil supplies and follows a ban on the sale of
gasoline two weeks ago.
(Reuter)
GOP SENATOR WARNS PRESIDENT ON GROUND WAR
U.S. Should Press Air Strikes For Next Few Months,
Maine Lawmaker Says
A senior Republican senator warned the White House that many
in Congress, including members of President Bush's own party,
oppose turning to a ground war in the next few months to expel
Iraqi troops from Kuwait.
Sen. Cohen said the administration should continue the current
air campaign "for the next several months," rather than seek "a
quicker, more rapid resolution of the conflict by going in on the
ground.'
The lawmaker asserted at a meeting with journalists that many
of President Bush's supporters fear a ground war would be too
costly in American lives. "I think there are more than you think
on Capitol Hill and the Republican circles who think we ought not
go to a ground war," he said. These opponents of a ground war
don't want to move "unless and until [we reach] a point where they
[the Iraqis] are so demoralized, so deprived of an ability to
defend themselves, that we would suffer a minimum amount of
casualties," he added.
Some of Sen. Cohen's colleagues on Congress disagree,
though
"We have been successful so far because we have given
the military decisions to the military," said Rep. McCurdy (D.-
Okla.), the designated chairman of the House Intelligence
Committee. But he added, "I think the bombing has a marginal
return after a while."
(Gerald Seib & David Rogers, Wall Street Journal, A24)
STATE DEPT. REBUFFS IRAN AS POTENTIAL PEACE MAKER
The Bush administration has poured cold water on Iranian
President Rafsanjani's offer to play broker between Iraq and the
U.S. to end the Gulf War.
"What's to mediate?" State Dept. spokeswoman Tutwiler asked
rhetorically when asked by reporters about Rafsanjani's offer.
"The only mediation, in our opinion, that would be appropriate
would be for the people who communicate with Saddam Hussein to
convince him to comply with the 12 United Nations resolutions.'
Secretary Cheney said, "If someone can come up with a
diplomatic resolution that achieves that objective [exiting Iraq
from Kuwait], that would be fine, but frankly I don't expect it.'
Cheney added, "I think that we're now in a situation, having
embarked on the course we're on, that we will pursue military
action until we have achieved our objectives."
(Walter Friedenberg, Scripps Howard)
-920m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-14
U.S. NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT STRINGS ON JAPANESE CONTRIBUTION
The State Dept. said it has no complaints about the conditions
that will likely be attached to Japan's pledge of $9 billion to
support Operation Desert Storm.
The Liberal Democratic Party government is expected to
stipulate that the money be restricted to logistically support and
that it not be used for the direct purchase of offensive military
weapons.
Koji Kakizawa, a member of parliament who heads the Liberal
Democrats' defense affairs committee, said in an interview: "As
far as money is concerned, if it is used to buy arms or bombs, it
means direct involvement in the war itself. That's the feeling of
the Japanese people.
"The government of Japan has said that it would like its
contribution to be used for logistical support of our forces in the
Gulf. We anticipate our needs for logistical support will exceed
the additional funds made available by Japan. Therefore, we do not
expect the issue of restrictions will be a practical problem," "
spokeswoman Tutwiler said.
(Jim Anderson, UPI)
GULF OIL SPILL FAR FROM WORLD'S WORST
BOSTON -- The oil slick spreading across the Persian Gulf
contains perhaps 24 million gallons of crude, which would make it
far smaller than most estimates and well below the world's worst
oil spill, an industry newsletter said Monday.
The Oil Spill Intelligence Report said in a news release that
the slick might contain 60 million gallons at most
The Oil Spill Intelligence Report said interviews with "at
least two dozen experts" who have analyzed publicly available data
on the slick believe it is probably only two or three times as big
as the Exxon Valdez spill.
(Reuter)
U.N. CHIEF CONDEMNS ALLIED AIR RAIDS ON IRAQ-JORDAN HIGHWAY
U.N. -- Secretary-General Perez de Cuellar condemned the
allied bombing raids that Jordan says have injured and killed
Jordanian truck drivers on Iraq's highway from Baghdad to Amman.
"Jordan is an innocent victim of what is happening," Perez de
Cuellar said as he entered U.N. headquarters. "This is something
inadmissible, why Jordan has to suffer in a war in which it is not
party. "
"I do deplore these acts. Anything which affects Jordan is
something that I strongly deplore.
State Department spokeswoman Tutwiler said that the trucks
were traveling through the war zone, "and more specifically through
an area that has been the source of Scud attacks against
neighboring states."
"Moreover, we have credible information that war materiel,
including some related to Scud missiles, has been transported in
convoy with civilian oil trucks."
(Peter James Spielman, AP)
-920m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-15
U.S.: IRAQ EXPLOITING CIVILIANS
Schools Allegedly Used As HQ;
Planes Hidden Among Neighborhoods
Relentless air attacks have caused Iraqi military commanders
to seek refuge by moving their headquarters into schools, while
some Iraqi military vehicles have begun traveling in civilian
convoys for protection, U.S. officials said Monday.
As part of Iraq's effort to disperse its military, Baghdad has
also attempted to hide warplanes in residential neighborhoods and
reduce large congregations of tanks, armored personnel carriers and
other vehicles, the officials added.
Gen. Schwarzkopf told reporters that allied warplanes will not
bomb schools and other civilian facilities known to have been
commandeered for military purposes
Iraqis interviewed by Western news organizations Monday
suggested that [the U.S. military's] assessment does not conform
with their experience. In the Iraqi city of Najaf residents told
visiting correspondents that allied warplanes in a raid Jan. 20
damaged 50 houses during an apparent effort to destroy a
telecommunications tower
Resident Abbas Mohammed Witwit displayed his 10-year-old son
who, Witwit said, had suffered more than 50 shrapnel wounds in the
bombing, as well as his 3-year-old daughter, who had suffered a
broken hand and head injuries.
"They [the Americans] talk about humanity and progress,"
Witwit shouted angrily. "So what did these innocent children do
to them? There is an army in Kuwait. Go and fight them, not us."
(Rick Atkinson & Dan Balz, Washington Post, A1)
SOVIET LAWMAKERS CONCERNED BY WAR,
OFFICIALS WELCOME IRANIAN OFFER
MOSCOW -- Soviet lawmakers expressed alarm at the Gulf War and
the prospect that it could drive U.S.-Soviet relations back to a
Cold War chill, the state news agency Tass said.
The report came hours after the Foreign Ministry welcomed
Iran's offer to discuss peace prospects with Saddam Hussein. The
Soviet Union said it would send an envoy to Tehran to help pursue
the effort
The international affairs committee of the national
legislature agreed to ask the Soviet government to set up an
"expert group to control the situation in the Gulf,' Tass said
Committee members believe U.S.-led forces are exceeding their
U.N. mandate to drive Iraq from Kuwait, Tass said. It added that
they fear this could strain East-West relations.
(Thomas Ginsberg, AP)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-16
EC MINISTERS URGE JOINT APPROACH
TO SOLVING MIDDLE EAST DISPUTES
BRUSSELS -- The European allies said Monday they would
approach the U.S. about reaching a common approach toward a general
settlement of Middle Eastern conflicts once fighting in the Gulf
war stops.
On other issues, the 12 EC foreign ministers said Monday that
they would lift all remaining sanctions on South Africa as soon as
legislative action is taken by the Pretoria government to repeal
the twin foundations of apartheid: the Land Acts and Group Areas
Act
The European ministers also welcomed Moscow's decision to hold
a referendum in each of the Baltic states and "expressed the hope
that this will favor the resumption of a meaningful and
constructive dialogue" with the Soviet Union. But European food
aid and other technical assistance to the Soviet Union will remain
suspended until the European parliament meets later this month to
reconsider whether to proceed with deliveries on the basis of the
Baltic political situation.
Following discussions here about the Middle East in the
postwar phase, Foreign Secretary Hurd said that a meeting would be
scheduled with Secretary Baker soon to devise a joint U.S.-
European strategy about how to deal with the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict and future Gulf security issues.
(William Drozdiak, Washington Post, A14)
REAGAN AND THATCHER TOUR PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY, DENOUNCE SADDAM
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher,
warriors of the Cold War who now stand on the sidelines of global
drama, joined together to condemn Saddam Hussein.
"What I can say about Saddam Hussein is he is a threat to
civilization," Reagan said.
"Obviously we long for the day when the war is completed.
Any tyrant must know this is the response" to expect, Thatcher
said. "It's not peace at any price but peace for freedom and
justice."
(Jeff Wilson, AP)
ISRAELI PLANES RAID BASES
OF ARAFAT LOYALISTS IN SOUTH LEBANON
SIDON, Lebanon -- Israeli warplanes blasted positions of
guerrillas loyal to PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat in south Lebanon
Tuesday, security sources said.
They said at least five people were killed or wounded in the
strike on guerrilla targets near the port city of Sidon
The sources said the Israeli planes struck at four positions
of Arafat's mainstream Fatah faction
They said Palestinian guerrillas responded with artillery fire
and shoulder-held, Soviet-designed SA-7 missiles but failed to hit
any of the Israeli planes.
(Reuter)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- A-17
ANTI-U.S. HOSTILITY GROWS IN AMMAN
AMMAN -- Worsening economic conditions, a shortage of gasoline
and anger over concentrated allied bombing of Iraq -- which has
resulted in Jordanian casualties -- are contributing to a mood of
hostility toward Americans here that is believed to have prompted
the State Department's warning for all Americans to leave.
Concerns about a Jordanian backlash have increased following
a small spate of explosions in Amman that diplomats and local
observers believe were bombs aimed at U.S. citizens
A Western ambassador said of the anti-American mood here, "The
demonstrations we have had so far have been inconsequential, but
now we are dealing with a new situation."
(Nora Boustany, Washington Post, A14)
TREASURY WORKER'S TRIP TO IRAQ WILL BE CHECKED FOR VIOLATIONS
A Treasury Dept. economist's trip to Baghdad to protest U.S.
military action will be checked for possible violations of economic
sanctions against Iraq, a government official said.
"It will be looked into when he returns, if he returns,' said
Treasury Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Bolton.
At issue is a trip that Anthony Lawrence took a few weeks ago
with a peace group [during which he denounced the war as "an
imperialist attempt to wrest the (gulf) oil resources"]
Bolton said that sanctions of an executive order signed by
President Bush on Aug. 3 prohibit U.S. citizens from buying goods
or services from the Iraqi government or an Iraqi citizen. (AP)
CHINA PUTS DISSIDENT ON TRIAL ON CAPITAL CHARGE
BEIJING -- China put a leading dissident linked with the 1989
pro-democracy movement on trial Tuesday on the capital charge of
attempting to overthrow the government.
A notice outside the Beijing People's Intermediate Court said
proceedings against Chen Xiaoping, a 29-year-old university
lecturer, began Tuesday morning, witnesses said.
(Reuter)
MANAGUA SAID READY TO DROP COURT CASE IN EXCHANGE FOR U.S. AID
Nicaragua is ready to forego compensation for the alleged CIA
mining of its ports in exchange for an increase in U.S. financial
aid, an embassy spokesman said Monday.
Presidency Minister, Antonio Lacayo, President Chamorro's
chief of staff, will make the proposal to U.S. officials during a
five day visit to Washington that began Monday.
Lacayo and finance minister Silvio de Franco will also ask the
IMF and other lending agencies to resume loans to Nicaragua.
(Reuter)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "General [Schwarzkopf] Describes Emotions of War,"
by Molly Moore, appears in the Washington Post, A1.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Monday evening, February 4)
GULF WAR
ABC's Peter Jennings: We begin with the daily summary of what we
know about the war. The air campaign against Iraq and Kuwait is
now running at one combat mission per minute. The Iraqis say the
bombing campaign against Baghdad has become intense again; they are
still generally quiet about casualties. Another 25 Iraqi tanks
have been found in the open and reportedly destroyed. Six Marines
have been killed in two helicopter crashes. Iran has offered to
mediate an end to the war; not much enthusiasm in Washington for
that. The Secretary of Defense said in Washington today it was
always assumed a land war would be required to liberate Kuwait.
ABC's Bill Redeker reports from the combat zone on the allied air
campaign. The U.S. says 27 of Iraq's 35 major bridges have now
been destroyed, cutting supply routes to ground forces. Because
of the difficulty of dislodging dug-in Republican Guards from the
air, it is becoming apparent that the U.S. is getting ready to try
to challenge the Iraqis on the ground. There are problems: There
are not enough of the U.S.'s most sophisticated piece of artillery,
the multiple-launch rocket system. Iraq has more than 3,000
artillery pieces, more than the allies. Iraq's well-fortified
defense positions will also prove difficult. Also, land charges
to clear minefields will not destroy some of Iraq's newest mines.
The allies would really prefer no ground war at all. (ABC-Lead)
CBS's Dan Rather: Overview of the war at this hour: The
concentration is on air attacks to soften up the Iraqi military for
a possible allied ground offensive. A clear pattern of naval
operations has emerged; it suggests possibly the largest amphibious
operation since Inchon during the Korean War, or at the very least
a feint of such a landing. Iraqi forces are lying low. American
and allied warplanes are keeping up their relentless attacks inside
Iraq and Kuwait with a steady shift to the south, to Kuwait.
Reports from Baghdad and Basra tell of widespread devastation in
both cities; a refugee from Basra is quoted as saying people there
are collecting drinking water from puddles in the street.
CBS's Eric Engberg reports from Saudi Arabia on the war. The
allied high command asserted today that the air war is so deadly
that Saddam has resorted to moving his planes and other weapons
into school yards, residential neighborhoods and possibly Mosques,
taking advantage of the allied policy of sparing such areas.
(Maj. Gen. Robert Johnston, U.S. Central Command spokesman: "He
can hide a select part, I guess, of his military capability, but
he can't hide it all, and we will continue to scrupulously adhere
to our policy, as we will not target civilian areas. I guess you
could conclude that he has protected some of his assets.")
The surrender of several hundred second-line Iraqi troops last week
has heartened U.S. commanders. While some of them fought well, one
senior officer said they were badly fed, and convinced that their
cause is hopeless.
(CBS-Lead)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-2
GULF WAR/PENTAGON
NBC's Tom Brokaw: Allied warplanes hit an Iraqi armored column,
as President Bush says he will call the shots.
(President Bush, at governors meeting: "It's going according to
plan. We are going to set the timetable for what lies ahead, and
not Saddam Hussein.")
-- [NBC opening theme] --
As we approach the end of week three of the Gulf War, the Iranians
now are trying to get involved as peace-brokers, while the allied
air war continues without let-up. The Iranian offer remains just
that, an offer to mediate.
NBC's Fred Francis reports on Pentagon concerns about possible
Iraqi offensives. Analysts say they expect Saddam to again order
some ground troops to go on the attack before U.S. troops are ready
for their own offensive. Unlike last week's probing action with
500-600 men in four locations, it would not surprise Pentagon
sources if Saddam sent at least 10,000 men into Saudi Arabia. More
importantly, say the sources, lightly dug-in U.S. divisions would
be unable to repel the attack immediately. But by the second day
of the assault, the sources believe it would evolve into a killing
zone. U.S. tanks would close on Iraqi flanks, artillery would
block a retreat, and combat aircraft would destroy everything else
left on the open desert. For Saddam, any length of time in Saudi
Arabia, any U.S. combat deaths no matter how severe his own losses,
would be a grand political victory. Secretary Cheney also warned
that Saddam may use what is left of his air force for a massive
raid into the south. The sources also expect Saddam to once again
use environmental terrorism, dumping millions of barrels of oil
into the Gulf.
(NBC-Lead)
CBS's David Martin reports the Bush Administration made it clear
today there is almost no hope for a diplomatic breakthrough which
would end the war without further bloodshed.
(Secretary Cheney: "If someone can come up with a diplomatic
resolution that achieves that objective [Iraq leaving Kuwait], that
would be fine. But I frankly don't expect it. I think that we're
now in a situation, having embarked upon the course that we're on,
that we will pursue military action until we've achieved our
objective and that of our coalition partners.")
For the first time, the U.S. had its battleship Missouri lob 2,000-
pound shells onto some Iraqi command-and-control bunkers in Kuwait,
which the U.S. confirmed were destroyed. Some units in the Iraqi
army are reported to have been reduced to 50-75% effectiveness.
Cheney said there is still no decision on when or even if to launch
a ground offensive.
(CBS-3)
NBC's Arthur Kent reports on allied attacks on Iraq. Air strikes
have taken out more Iraqi supply dumps and command centers. Allied
strikes have forced the Iraqis to change tactics with their
materiel convoys, cutting them down in number.
(NBC-2)
IRAQI PLANES/SUDAN
Jennings reports the U.S. military says nearly one-third of Iraq's
combat aircraft are out of action for the foreseeable future. But
Iraq may have found another sanctuary for some of its airpower.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-3
ABC's Karen Burnes reports on allegations that Iraqi airplanes are
hiding out in the Sudan. Senior diplomatic and military sources
from Europe and the Sudan tell ABC News Iraq has positioned combat
aircraft and surface-to-surface missiles at strategic sites across
Sudan. Sources say the aircraft are now hidden at two airfields.
One Western relief official said he saw more than 20 Iraqi fighter
jets at a restricted airbase north of the capital, Khartoum.
According to Sudanese military sources, the missiles are positioned
in Arous and Arkarut [phonetic], in hills across the Red Sea from
Saudi Arabia. A former commander-in-chief of the Sudanese armed
forces believes Saddam is stationing them there to be used at a
later stage of the war. Another Sudanese general says missiles
began to arrive after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, shipped from
Iraq by sea to Port Sudan. Western relief workers say that in
November and early December, they saw Iraqi ships in the harbor of
Port Sudan, surrounded by intense military security. Military
analysts say oil installations in western Saudi Arabia, 250 miles
away, would be one likely target of the missiles and the aircraft,
as would the Aswan Dam, Egypt's main source of power and water.
Demonstrators in the Sudan have called for an attack on the dam in
retaliation for Egypt's support of the West. President Mubarak has
not confirmed reports of Iraqi weapons in the Sudan, but he has
said if he's attacked he will respond harshly. Sudanese officials
deny that there are Iraqi missiles or aircraft on their soil, but
they do have a longstanding military relationship with Iraq. U.S.
officials say they received intelligence reports about an Iraqi
presence on Sudanese soil, but they cannot confirm them, and they
will not comment on the threat that might present.
(ABC-3)
GULF WAR/IRAN
Jennings: President Rafsanjani said he'd be willing to open talks
with both the U.S. and Iraq if it would help stop the shooting in
the Gulf; no response yet from Baghdad. The White House was cool
to the idea, saying the bottom line remains Iraq must leave Kuwait.
Rather reports the State Department said it would be open to any
Iranian contacts, but closed to the idea of negotiating on Kuwait.
President Bush had his spokesmen throw cold water on Iran's offer
to mediate. Secretary Cheney was also frigid to the idea.
Brokaw: The Bush Administration was surprised by Iran's offer to
help end the war, and publicly did not give it much attention.
ABC's John McKenzie reports on the Iranian role in the Gulf war.
President Rafsanjani condemns both Iraq and the U.S. Today, he
emphasized that Iran will remain neutral.
(Rafsanjani: "We will not get involved under any circumstances.")
The president said the Iraqi planes in Iran will be kept there
until the end of the war, and he denied they were part of any pre-
arranged plan with Iraq.
(Rafsanjani: "The arrival of our planes was totally out of our
control or choice. In the past, Iraq never told us that their
warplanes would come to Iran.")
In several Iranian cities, anti-war rallies have quickly turned
into anti-American rallies.
(Rafsanjani: "If American forces remain in the region, there will
never be any security here.")
(ABC-4)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-4
CBS's Bob Faw reports on President Rafsanjani's news conference.
He said Iran will remain as neutral as Switzerland was in World War
II. He added he sent Saddam "ideas for peace" which he said could
end the war. Iran's news agency quoted Rafsanjani as saying he was
willing to see Saddam personally, and that "if Saddam accepts our
ideas, we might prepare a peace plan." He did not give details.
One foreign diplomat in Tehran said all the talk of neutrality is
complete hogwash; the government, he said, desperately wants Saddam
disposed of and hopes the U.S. coalition does its dirty work.
Meanwhile, diplomats in Tehran tell CBS News most of the Iraqi
aircraft now in Iran flew there in orderly formations, and are
parked off unused runways at military bases near Dezful and
Hamadan. When CBS News asked to see the planes, Rafsanjani
refused, but said three crashed and others were damaged. (CBS-2)
NBC's Ed Rabel reports on the Iranian diplomatic foray and
prospects for Iranian hegemony in the region after the war.
Rafsanjani suggested that there be direct talks with the U.S. on
the Gulf crisis and prepared to receive the Kuwaiti foreign affairs
minister. Rafsanjani said he is willing to resume official contact
with the U.S. to stop the fighting. Rafsanjani was letting the
world know Iran would be a power to be reckoned with in any post-
war regional peace settlement. Kuwait is taking him seriously.
(Foreign Affairs Minister Nassar Mohammed al-Sabah: "We have
announced
our deep appreciation for the
stand of the Islamic
Republic of Iran of its neutrality.")
Iran stands to be rewarded with access to billions of dollars from
Kuwait for its neutrality. The billions could help boost Iran into
the Middle East powerhouse Rafsanjani promised.
(NBC-3)
NBC's John Dancy reports on what the Middle East might look like
after the war. Secretary Baker and his aides are already at work
on a detailed plan; Baker will reveal parts of it when he testifies
before Congress Wednesday. Many experts say Saddam could stop the
war right now, and emerge a hero to the Arab masses for having
taken the coalition's best punch. Secretary Cheney dismissed that
idea today.
(Secretary Cheney: "I don't buy the argument that he's somehow
winning by losing. I would argue that the United States and our
allies are on the side of the majority of opinion in the Arab
world.")
Countries like Israel likely would not accept a peace agreement
leaving Saddam militarily strong. That's one reason why the U.S.
is pushing a regional security force in the area, to control him
if he stays in power. But key senators on the Foreign Relations
Committee believe one goal of a peace conference must be to remove
Saddam.
(Sen. Lugar: "The Saddam regime ought to go; but that is a
personal judgment. I feel that there ought to be a disconnect,
clearly, between Saddam Hussein and the military juggernaut that
he expects he will use.")
But many experts feel the effort to crush Saddam will leave a
legacy of hatred for the U.S. in the Middle East. The U.S. cannot
expect a tidy peace, even if it wins a clear military victory. And
even though the President has been promising to bring the troops
home after a victory, the U.S., as the preeminent Middle East
power, will have to remain there as a power-broker and peace-
maker, and is prepared to play that role.
(NBC-4)
-970M-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-5
GULF WAR/JORDAN
ABC's Bill Blakemore reports on Jordanian reaction to the U.S.
since the Gulf war. America was a model for Jordan's vigorous
experiment in democracy. But now, long-term feelings about the
U.S. seem to be undergoing a deep change for the worse.
(Kathy Khakeesh [phonetic], Jordanian anchorwoman: "Why have a
'New Order' after the war? Is this what he means by 'New Order,
destroying a certain region in the world and then moving on to a
new order?")
Young Jordanians held a campus demonstration today against the U.S.
One Jordanian government adviser suggested the U.S., by going to
war, is getting short-term economic benefits in exchange for long-
term hatred. The people in this region, he said, now see the U.S.
promoting not democracy, but "might makes right."
(ABC-12)
JIDDA ATTACK
Jennings reports that Sunday night in Saudi Arabia's largest city,
Jidda, gunmen attacked a shuttle bus carrying American servicemen.
Nobody was hit, but two Americans were slightly injured by flying
glass. The gunmen escaped.
(ABC-5)
HIGH-TECH WEAPONS
NBC's Robert Bazell reports from Martin Marietta Corp. in Orlando
on U.S. smart weapons systems made there, including one called
"Lantern" which allows pilots to see and bomb in the middle of the
night. It is one of the best examples of computer-chip technology
for the battlefield. Even though for many years there was a bitter
fight in Congress on whether it should be built, the system has
worked well in the Gulf.
(NBC-6)
GULF WAR/INNER CITY
NBC's Anne Curry reports on an inner-city Catholic priest from
Chicago who used to exhort his parishioners to join the military
as a safe haven from the streets. Now he feels tremendous guilt.
(Father George Clements: "I say this: I would rather they stay
here in poverty than go over there and face the possibility of
losing their life I apologize to those people and I regret it
very, very much, and I would feel it very, very deeply if any of
those people I ever counseled comes back here in a bag. (NBC-10)
PIPE BOMBS
Jennings reports that two pipe bombs were found attached to two
giant storage tanks a few miles from the world's biggest naval base
in Norfolk, Va. One of the tanks held a million gallons of
methanol, the other a chemical which could produce dangerous fumes
if it caught on fire. There was no claim of responsibility, and
the FBI has been put in charge of the investigation.
CBS's Rita Braver reports that the bombs were defused or detonated
in isolated areas; no one was injured. There is speculation that
the storage tank area became a likely terrorist target because of
tight security at the nearby base. For now, investigators say they
have no sure motive or suspects.
(ABC-6, CBS-4, NBC-5)
-920m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-6
BUDGET PROPOSAL
NBC's John Cochran: The President's budget again calls for no new
taxes. But this time, the President's men say he means it.
Today, the President tried to steer clear of the kind of budget
battle that led to his crack last year, "Read my hips."
(TV Coverage: President Bush jogging.)
This time, Bush hopes to avoid a serious budget fight, although he
is again pushing for tax cuts rejected by Congress last year, cuts
in capital gains, and a tax break for long-term savings accounts.
The Bush budget would increase spending by 2.6 percent, well below
the inflation rate.
(OMB Director Darman: "At the same time, it would shift public
expenditures toward investment in the future -- in education,
children, prevention of ill health, housing, infrastructure,
research and development, and other areas.")
Bush also calls for modest spending increases for the war on drugs,
space exploration and highway construction. Bush would reduce
spending on farm subsidies, guaranteed student loans and Medicare,
a potentially explosive issue, especially for the elderly. But the
President told the nation's governors today he wants Congress to
set aside $15 billion for states to spend as they want.
(President Bush, to governors' meeting: "The point is, you are in
the problem-solving edge of this equation, you are better-equipped
to represent the diverse interests of the various states.")
The governors loved that kind of massaging. But even those Bush
campaigned for complained that federal help is not enough.
(Gov. Wilson (Ca.) "We are now facing, in most of the states, a
gap between revenues and expenditures that is unprecedented.")
of course, the big unknown for everyone is how much the Gulf war
will cost. The White House estimates that through the end of next
month, America's share will be $15 billion. But that figure is
meaningless as no one knows how long the war will last. (NBC-7)
NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports on the congressional reaction to the
budget proposal. Leading Democrats call this a close-your-eyes,
cross-your-fingers budget. Congressional leaders said the
President's plan is far too optimistic, especially about the cost
of the war.
(Sen. Glenn: "You can't just fight a credit-card war out there and
not pay for it by some means or other.")
Congress and the Administration had agreed to cut 521,000 active-
duty personnel over the next five years, roughly the number of
troops now deployed in Desert Storm. Few think that will now be
possible. But the Pentagon hopes the war will build support for
pet programs such as the Stealth and the Patriot and Star Wars.
Howver, congressional opponents say a space-based defense system
is a far cry from what the Patriots are doing in the desert. Also
not likely to pass: domestic initiatives like cutting Medicare
benefits while also reducing capital gains taxes on the wealthy.
(Rep. Gephardt: "In one stroke, the President, in this budget,
creates the largest deficit in history; gives the wealthiest people
in the country a huge tax cut; makes huge cuts in the Medicare
program.")
(NBC-8)
Rather reports the budget presumes a short, mild recession. Even
while accentuating the positive, the budget outline includes a
forecast of record-high federal deficits.
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-7
CBS's Bob Schieffer reports this year's whopper budget tops out at
$1.45 trillion. The Administration's people said today this year's
emphasis is on reducing red ink.
(Secretary Brady: "Reducing the budget deficit by controlling
spending must remain our number-one priority.")
Don't hold your breath for results: deficit spending this year
could total a record $318 billion. At best, the budget envisions
holding the '92 deficit to around $281 billion. That doesn't even
count the full cost of the Gulf war. First reviews from Democrats
were not raves.
(Sen. Sasser: "With war and recession staring us in the face, I
would have to characterize this budget as a cross-your-fingers,
close-your-eyes and hope-for-the-best-budget.")
The budget stresses the long view on the economy.
(CEA Chairman Boskin: "Looking at the longer-term, that we expect
the economy to rebound by the middle of the year, we expect growth
to pick up on the second half of this year into 1992.")
It counts on allies to pay $51 billion of Gulf war expenses.
(OMB Director Darman: "The $51 billion should be very close to
sufficient, although it's impossible to be definitive at this
point.")
(Speaker Foley: "It's obviously based on high expectations of very
large contributions from other countries. I hope that that will
prove to be realistic.")
(Rep. Bill Richardson, on House floor: "The Administration assumes
our allies like Japan and Germany will contribute their fair share.
If you believe these assumptions, I've got a dream vacation in
Baghdad I'd like to sell you.")
While this budget admits record deficits this year and next, the
Administration is already forecasting what Ronald Reagan once
promised: balanced budgets -- after the next election. (CBS-5)
BUDGET/GOVERNORS
CBS's Randall Pinkston:
(TV Coverage: President Bush at governors' meeting.)
President Bush's budget may be getting mixed reviews on Capitol
Hill, but at least one proposal is a hit with the nation's
governors. Bush told them today he wants to give them federal
money without federal red tape.
(President Bush: "The point is, you are in the problem-solving
edge of this equation, you are better-equipped to represent the
diverse interests of the various states.")
According to the plan, $15 billion would be handed over to the
states, which would have the power to decide how to spend the money
within five broad categories: education, environment, social
services, housing and law enforcement. One governor estimated that
getting rid of complicated federal guidelines would eliminate about
four million hours of bureaucratic paperwork in his state alone.
(Gov. Ashcroft (Mo.): "I think if we could avoid those kinds of
bureaucratic overlays and the restrictions they impose, the benefit
to the states and to the people, ultimately, would be monumental.")
The Democratic chairman of the Governors' Association also endorsed
the plan, but predicted it won't be easy to convince Congress to
give up control.
(Gov. Gardner (Wash.): "It's not going to happen without Congress.
It's our job, if we're interested in this program, to go up and
lobby it, and we intend to do so.")
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-8
Pinkston continues: Still, some governors say that after a decade
of cutbacks in federal programs by the Reagan and Bush
Administrations, the plan is too little, too late.
(Gov. Florio (N.J.) "So it's nice to say that you're going to
have more discretion to preside over a whole host of different
programs that themselves have been reduced dramatically. It's
trying to get 10 pounds of potatoes into a five-pound bag.")
Still, even for skeptics like Gov. Florio, it comes down to this:
If there are federal dollars in the pipeline, governors would
rather decide themselves where the dollars go.
(CBS-6)
BUDGET/DEFENSE
Jennings reports President Bush wants $195 billion for national
defense for the next fiscal year, which does not include how much
it will cost to fight the war in the Gulf. Bush hopes other
nations will pay the lion's share; if they don't, he'll make a
separate money request to Congress.
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports on the Pentagon budget. The Pentagon has
used the success of its high-tech- weapons in the Gulf to request
a major increase in funding for SDI to defend against ballistic
missiles. It also pointed to the performance of the stealth
fighter to request four additional B-2 stealth bombers, at a cost
of $4.8 billion.
(Secretary Cheney: "If anyone has any doubts about Stealth, they
ought to look at the performance of the F-117 fighter bomber that
has played such a crucial role in striking key targets in our
operations against Saddam Hussein's forces.")
The buildup in the Gulf showed the need for more cargo ships and
planes to quickly transport heavy equipment, and the budget calls
for more fast transport ships and accelerated purchase of the C-
17 cargo plane. But despite the war, the overall Pentagon budget
is down by about one percent, allowing for inflation. The number
of active duty military personnel will be cut by 25 percent over
the next four years, despite the fact that the Army is not yet
confident enough of its combat reserve forces to assign them to the
Gulf. The military plans to stop buying some of the weapons now
playing prominent roles in the Gulf war, such as the Bradley troop
carriers and F-15 Eagles. The Navy's last two battleships are
scheduled to be retired. Surprisingly, the Pentagon did not ask
for anywhere near as many Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot
missiles as it said it would 10 months ago. Some critics say the
Pentagon may try to pay for these weapons when Congress takes up
funding for the Gulf war. That could free up money for some
programs the Pentagon could not otherwise afford.
(ABC-2)
BUDGET/HOUSING
Jennings reports President Bush's budget calls for the government
to spend nearly $1.5 trillion -- almost $281 billion more than it
will take in. On the domestic side, they say overall spending
generally keeps up with inflation, and the Administration is
calling it a reform budget for families and children.
ABC's Rebecca Chase reports on the housing budget. Most of the new
initiatives for families and children are coming at the expense of
existing programs for the poor.
-920m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-9
Chase continues: The $25 billion housing budget includes a $1
billion increase in programs to help house the poor. The emphasis
is on home ownership, resident management and conversion of public
housing to private ownership.
(Secretary Kemp: "HUD's resources can best serve low-income
Americans by increasing the opportunity for home ownership and
choice, as opposed to building more government-owned, government-
managed public housing projects."
Critics point out the new initiatives are funded through cuts in
other low-income housing programs.
(Robert Greenstein, Center for Budget and Policy Priorities:
"While the manner in which we're providing housing aid will be
changed, the amount of aid, the number of new households being
assisted, would remain at historically a very low level.")
The Administration is also proposing a new initiative to help the
homeless: a $258 million program that combines shelter with
supportive services, such as job training. But again, the funding
comes from cuts in existing programs. One of the most
controversial proposals may be the Administration's plan to
transfer $15 billion in federal programs to the states. Again,
most of the proposed cuts come from programs to help the poor. For
families and children, domestic spending remains relatively the
same. Despite claims of reforming the budget to be more fair to
the poor, programs that help low-income families are headed for
some of the biggest cuts.
(ABC-7)
BUDGET/HEALTH
ABC's George Strait reports on the health portion of the budget.
Much of this year's budget reflects the "ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure" maxim, especially where children are
concerned. To prevent malnutrition, there is $223 million more to
expand the WIT program, providing food for 200,000 additional low-
income women, infants and children. To prevent premature infant
deaths, there is $170 million for prenatal care to pregnant women
in the 10 cities with the highest infant-mortality rates. But much
of this money will be taken from the budgets of other programs,
like health care for migrant workers and community health centers.
The Administration denies those programs will be hurt.
(Secretary Sullivan: "We are always reallocating dollars within
our department when we find new opportunities for new priorities.
To prevent further drug abuse, there is an additional $99 million
to pay for a 20 percent increase in drug treatment programs across
the country. To pay for these modest programs and to counter the
skyrocketing cost of Medicare, the Administration is proposing a
$3.2 billion cut in Medicare; seniors would have to pay for part
of the cost of diagnostic tests, which are now free. There would
be a big cut in the amount doctors are paid for their services, and
hospitals that are research centers which serve poor patients will
be paid a lot less for the care they give. Hospitals say it will
be difficult to absorb more cuts.
(Dr. Robert Heyssel, Johns Hopkins: "If we had to cut back, as an
example, our number of house staff, we would have considerable
difficulty meeting the same standards of quality of care.")
Congress is expected to resist the Medicare cuts directly affecting
the elderly, but might agree to the cuts affecting physicians.
Many members say the senior lobby has much more clout than the
doctor lobby.
(ABC-8)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- B-10
PRIME RATE
Brokaw reports several top banks today joined the move in cutting
their prime lending rate by half a point, which sent the Dow Jones
up sharply in heavy trading to a six-month high.
(NBC-9)
GM LOSSES
Rather reports GM says that over the next two years, it will cut
15,000 white-collar jobs. GM says the recession and economic
turmoil caused by the Gulf crisis have eroded consumer confidence.
(CBS-7, ABC-9)
PLANE CRASH
CBS's Richard Roth reports on the federal investigation of Friday
night's Los Angeles International Airport plane collision. The
findings so far point to an air traffic controller pressured by
communications troubles on a busy night. But the investigation is
also pointing to equipment, maintenance and design problems in the
control tower. Critics say air control operations are not keeping
up with technology. The National Transportation Safety Board will
not comment on the criticism, and the head of the Controllers'
Union says the system is safe, though not as safe as it could or
should be.
(CBS-8)
WINNIE MANDELA TRIAL
Jennings reports that the long-awaited kidnapping and assault trial
of Winnie Mandela began today. Defense lawyers argued the charges
on her and three co-defendants should be dropped for lack of
evidence. Prosecution responds tomorrow.
(ABC-11)
-End of B-Section-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
JOINT U.S.-SOVIET COMMUNIQUE
Baker's Confusing Peace Signal -- "Did the Bush Administration
really mean to offer Saddam Hussein a ceasefire in exchange for an
'unequivocal commitment' to withdraw from Kuwait? We hope not.
Would such a commitment, even if accompanied by some Iraqi troop
movements back across the border, be sufficient to fulfill the
multinational coalition's war aims? Absolutely not
Perhaps
most damaging to the allied war effort, the U.S.-Soviet statement
might have confused Americans about their country's aims just hours
before Iraq began a new phase of the conflict bringing about
the first U.S. ground troop combat deaths
The statement was,
however, correct to stress -- as did President Bush in his State
of the Union message -- that the U.S. has no quarrel with the
people of Iraq and is not bent on that country's destruction."
(Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/1)
Mission, Strategy And Message --
Secretary Baker tripped over
the diplomatic equivalent of a toe popper when, just hours before
the President's State of the Union Address, he released a
communique with Foreign Minister Bessmertnykh. The message seemed
to reverse U.S. policy on several critical issues, and created some
wholly unnecessary panic among the partners fighting Saddam
There is no getting around the fact that the communique was inept.
It sent mixed signals to citizens and infuriated our allies, and
no matter how valiantly State Department officials tried to explain
what it 'really meant,' they could not explain away the flaws in
a hurried and shabby statement."
(Washington Times, 2/1)
Joint U.S.-Statement Offers Chance To Avoid Gulf Ground War --
"
The unexpected call for a cease-fire
suggested the last
diplomatic possibility of stopping the war short of that ground
offensive may not have been exhausted
The truce proposal may
indeed aim mostly at reassuring Moscow the U.S. does not want to
obliterate Iraq. But the statement also could crack open the door
for peace talks."
(San Francisco Examiner, 2/2)
The Superpowers' Promising Offer -- "Ambiguity being the intent of
most diplomatic discourse, there should be no dismay about the
varied interpretations given to a promising peace offer contained
in the U.S.-Soviet communique
The primary virtue of this
superpower effort at public diplomacy is that it makes possible an
immediate 'cessation of hostilities' on the basis of the limited
war aims authorized by the U.N. Security Council
The statement
reflects Soviet anxieties that the logic of the conflict may lead
to the utter devastation of Iraq, its dismemberment as a nation-
state, and a legacy of vengefulness that could haunt all the
members of the anti-Iraq coalition for generations
The
ambiguity that allows President Bush to say the communique
signifies no alteration of U.S. policy also allows him to pretend
that he has not wavered from seeking the decisive victory he
promised in his State of the Union Address
Bush ought to let
the world know that the peace offer
represents the policy of the
U.S. President."
(Boston Globe, 1/31)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, February 5, 1991 -- C-2
Peace Feeler
--
"
The first tentative offer of a cease-fire in
the Gulf war came
and vanished as quickly and as quietly as it
surfaced
In any event, it was made utterly meaningless by
Wednesday's Iraqi tank thrust into Saudi Arabia. But the ceasefire
proposal ought to be examined if only to convince ourselves of its
futility and its real political purposes
The proposal was
aimed less at Saddam than at the USSR's domestic audience and, to
a lesser extent, the nascent U.S. peace movement. (Newsday, 1/31)
Diplomatic Shell Game -- "The joint statement by the U.S. and the
Soviet Union concerning a need to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict was diplomatic legerdemain: Now you see it, now you
don't. Linkage, no linkage
This statement will be seen by
Saddam as proof that his assertion of linkage is paying off
But nothing should stop the Soviets and the Americans one day in
the future from trying to solve the Palestinian-Israeli problem.
The joint statement is nothing more than a promise by the two
nations to work together to help solve Middle East problems."
(st. Louis Post-Dispatch, 2/1)
Baker's Blunder? -- "In his zeal to give Foreign Minister
Bessmertnykh something to take back to Moscow and to keep Soviet
commitment to the coalition firm, Secretary Baker agreed to a joint
communique that hinted at a concession by the U.S. on prosecuting
the war and on linking the war to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.
In so doing, he not only signaled an unauthorized policy shift, but
potentially put allied troops at greater risk
In addition to
blind-siding the President, Baker's misstep could possibly cost
lives in the war should Saddam also interpret the communique as an
offer for a cease-fire."
(Dallas Morning News, 2/1)
STATE OF THE UNION (cont'd)
Bush's State of The Union -- "In his State of the Union Address,
President Bush once again demonstrated the extraordinary capacity
for international leadership that built and maintains the coalition
against Saddam Hussein. But at the same time, he once again
indicated that tackling the nation's domestic problems is not his
strong suit. Perhaps if the war is won quickly enough, he will
give the domestic side the concentrated attention it deserves
Few other modern American presidents have demonstrated Bush's
skills in international diplomacy. But at some point he will have
to bring an equal level of determination to the nation's internal
fractures and fissures if he wants history to remember him for
breadth of accomplishment."
(New Orleans Times-Picayune, 2/1)
Rusty Rudder At Home -- "The big issue on the national and world
scene is unquestionably the Gulf war, and on that, President Bush
and his team at the Pentagon continue to display strong, steady
leadership. Unfortunately, the President's State of the Union
Address demonstrated a rusty rudder on his domestic agenda
If
the Bush White House is going to fend off Congress this year, it
will have to develop a more serious vision of its own. Taking
Democratic ideas, cutting them in half and calling them
Presidential initiatives isn't leadership
In the Gulf, the
President is driving toward a definable objective, but at home he
is turning the ship of state in a great, white circle."
(Detroit News, 1/31)
###
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION
GULF WAR AIMS
"Finishing Saddam"
"
Saddam remains in a position to lose Kuwait and still
declare victory
By posing as an Islamic nationalist who defied
the might of the West and was only deprived of his stolen booty by
an American-led coalition of 33 nations, Saddam may yet escape
nemesis
Such an outcome would be disastrous
Eliminating
Saddam has become as vital to the eventual peace process in the
Gulf as the recovery of Kuwait."
(Sunday Times, Britain)
"Planning For Peace In The Middle East"
"
The U.N. Resolution 678 does not authorize the
dismemberment of Iraq nor the imposition of a political settlement
on that country. As allied war aims expand, this reminder of their
proper limits is timely. A broken Iraq could be a fatal source of
instability as Iran, Turkey and Syria squabble over the pieces, and
the attempt to determine a successor to Saddam could drag the West
into a quagmire which its experience in Lebanon should have taught
it to avoid.'
(Daily Telegraph, Britain)
"Do Not Destroy Iraq"
"President Bush has repeatedly affirmed that the U.S. is not
seeking the destruction of Iraq, and we can believe it, since that
would not be in the U.S. interest. It is essential for Washington
to avoid the creation of a 'vacuum' in the Middle East which could
be filled by countries like Iran or Syria, with destabilizing and
unpredictable repercussions."
(Corriere della Sera, Italy)
"No To Destruction of Iraq"
"Freeing Kuwait from Iraqi occupation does not mean the
destruction of Iraq and its people. Iraq is a brother Arab
country
We have to differentiate between the ruler of Iraq and
the people of Iraq."
(al-Wafd, Egypt)
"Allies Should Specify Their War Aims"
"Arab aims in this war should be limited to the liberation of
Kuwait
To pass this limit would be to set a precedent for
other foreign troops
to overthrow a government and a regime,
replacing it as they please."
(al-Ahram, Egypt)
"Time Is Not Working For Americans"
II
Time is not working for the Americans and their allies.
The longer the war lasts and the more the Iraqi civilian population
is suffering from it, the higher will be the waves of anti-
Americanism in the Moslem world
The relaxed mood in the camp
of the allies
is surprising." (Frankfurter Allgemeine, Germany)
-End of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1991
6:00 A.M. EST EDITION
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
News Report: PLO To Launch New Initiative -- The PLO Is dropping
its demand to be treated as an equal partner in negotiations with
the Israelis and will accept something less than the complete West
Bank and Gaza Strip for a Palestinian state, Sky News reported
Wednesday.
(AP)
Baker Heads For Syria After Talks With Israelis -- Secretary Baker
flew to Damascus Wednesday after talks with Israeli leaders and
Palestinians that appeared to please all sides.
(Reuter)
Kuwaitis Agree To Allied Air Base -- The U.S. and Kuwait have
agreed to open an allied air base on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island,
government officials in Kuwait City said.
(Washington Times)
NATIONAL NEWS
Democrats Dumping Administration Crime, Civil Rights Bills -- A
week after President Bush urged Congress to turn swiftly to his
domestic agenda, Democratic lawmakers are shoving aside
administration proposals on crime and civil rights in favor of
their own plans.
(AP)
NETWORK NEWS (Tuesday evening)
BAKER TRIP -- Secretary Baker, on
his first official visit to
Israel, received a full tour of
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
the political, geographical and
emotional strains on that region.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-9
PRESIDENT/MIDDLE EAST -- The
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
President will visit the Middle
East sometime in the next
EDITORIALS
C-1
several months.
IRAQI UNREST -- U.S. officials
say Iraqi rebels are too
disorganized to pose a serious
threat to Saddam.
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
NEWS REPORT: PLO TO LAUNCH NEW INITIATIVE
LONDON -- The PLO Is dropping its demand to be treated as an
equal partner in negotiations with the Israelis and will accept
something less than the complete West Bank and Gaza Strip for a
Palestinian state, Sky News reported Wednesday.
It said the new PLO stance is part of an initiative aimed at
bringing Israel to the negotiating table and was outlined by Bassam
Abu Sharif, chief political adviser to PLO Chairman Arafat.
Sky News said Sharif would formally announce the new
initiative at a news conference in London on Thursday.
"If the Israelis like it, it could transform James Baker's
chances of success in his current peace mission to the Middle
East. "
Sky News said Sharif had outlined four key points in a London
interview:
-- The PLO would drop its demand to be treated as an equal
partner in negotiations with the Israelis. Palestinians nominated
by the PLO but not members of the organization would do the
talking.
They would accept something less than the complete West
Bank and Gaza Strip for their Palestinian state, compromising with
the Israelis on where the borders would lie.
-- The state would be demilitarized for a transitional period.
During this time the U.N. would be responsible for security.
-- It would not automatically be a PLO state headed by Arafat.
The Palestinian people would hold democratic elections to decide
their government.
(AP)
BAKER ASKS ISRAEL FOR PEACE MOVES
Range of Steps Suggested to Shamir
JERUSALEM -- Secretary Baker Tuesday pressed the government
of Prime Minister Shamir to take specific steps that would engage
the Arab states and Palestinians in a new peace process, including
a fresh endorsement of U.N. resolutions calling for exchanging
occupied territory for peace.
In meetings with Shamir and other Israeli leaders, Baker
outlined a "range of different types of steps" that Israel could
take, and Shamir was noncommittal, officials reported. Later,
Baker urged 10 Palestinian leaders from the Israeli-occupied
territories to get involved in the peace process, but they said
they would not act without the participation of the PLO.
The discussions here, and last weekend with eight Arab foreign
ministers in Riyadh, seemed to suggest that the Gulf war had left
all parties open to new ideas for restarting the peace process but
little consensus on how to do so. Baker's strategy is to persuade
the Arabs to act in concert, with Israel trading concessions to
the Palestinians for a process of detente with Arab states
According to both Israeli and U.S. accounts, Baker is
attempting to coax reluctant players back into the peace process
by telling each side that their concessions could cause the other
to move as well. But it is clear Baker has not yet persuaded
either side to take the first step.
(David Hoffman & Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A1)
-920m-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-2
Baker: 'Window For Peace' Opens
JERUSALEM -- Secretary Baker opened talks with Palestinian
leaders of Israeli-occupied territories Tuesday, ignoring their
self-proclaimed affiliation with the PLO
Separately, Baker asked Israeli leaders to consider a wide
range of steps, including a freeze on building Jewish settlements
in the occupied territories and commitment to trade "land for
peace" to signal their readiness to make peace with the Arab
states.
A senior U.S. official said Prime Minister Shamir "did not say
no to anything that was presented" and asked for time to consider
what steps Israel might take.
(Warren Strobel, Washington Times, A1)
BAKER HEADS FOR SYRIA AFTER TALKS WITH ISRAELIS
TEL AVIV -- Secretary Baker flew to Damascus Wednesday after
talks with Israeli leaders and Palestinians that appeared to please
all sides
Baker's talks produced no breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli
dispute.
But an Israeli source described Baker's talks with Shamir as
"good and friendly" and the Palestinians were encouraged by hints
from a U.S. official accompanying Baker that Washington might
revive its stalled dialogue with the PLO
But a senior U.S. official with Baker said conditions for
resuming the dialogue would be tougher than before because of PLO
support for Iraq during the war.
(Reuter)
BAKER VISITS GRAVES OF FOUR SLAIN WOMEN
JERUSALEM
--
The violent [slaying of four Jewish women]
particularly anguished Baker, aides said. In the midst of his
complex visit to Israel, he told his staff he wanted to slip away
and pay private calls on the families of the victims. He was
dissuaded from that, but decided to make an unannounced visit
Tuesday afternoon to the graves where the four were buried.
The plan soon leaked
and the cemetery visit was the top
story in the main Israeli TV news program Tuesday night. According
to Margaret Tutwiler, Baker and his wife Susan were writing
personal letters of condolence to each family.
Baker, who has been viewed by Israel as unsympathetic to its
interests, delivered an unusually strong and emotion-laden speech
Tuesday afternoon. "We must not allow the hope of peace to be
extinguished by murderers and terrorists," he said. "You have
built in this country the antidote to despair. Israel is living
proof of man's hope and the ultimate triumph of good over evil."
(David Hoffman, Washington Post, A24)
MUBARAK: PEACE TALKS PREMATURE
CAIRO -- President Mubarak said Tuesday that more time,
preparation and confidence-building measures between Israel and its
Arab neighbors would be needed before an international peace
conference on the Middle East could be convened.
"Any conference that convenes without proper preparation is
doomed to failure," Mubarak said. "If we enter an international
conference now everybody will reject it." (Washington Post, A24)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-3
KUWAITIS AGREE TO ALLIED AIR BASE
KUWAIT CITY -- The U.S. and Kuwait have agreed to open an
allied air base on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island, government officials
here said Tuesday.
The Bubiyan base will place U.S. combat planes a short
distance from Iraq's limited Persian Gulf ports
Kuwaiti officials said the joint American-British base will
be one of three established in the Gulf region as part of a broad
new post-war security arrangement.
Allied air facilities also are to be set up in Oman and in
either Bahrain or Qatar, said the sources, who talked about the
base discussions on condition of anonymity.
(Rowan Scarborough, Washington Times, A1)
JORDAN SEEKS TO REPAIR ITS RELATIONS WITH U.S.
Bush Has Not Responded To Hussein Letter
Jordan's King Hussein, whose support for Saddam Hussein during
the Gulf crisis deeply angered U.S. officials, has sent President
Bush a letter seeking to repair the strained relations between the
two nations, administration officials said Tuesday.
But as a sign of the continuing sense of disappointment with
the king's behavior during the crisis, Bush has not responded, an
administration official said, even though the letter was received
almost two weeks ago
"Clearly Jordan is interested in getting out of the corner it
painted itself into," an administration official said. "That
interest is reciprocated here.
"We've been disappointed, another official said. "But they
[the Jordanians] have played a constructive role for a long time,
and people believe they can still play a constructive role."
(Dan Balz, Washington Post, A25)
U.S. TO PRESS FOR RELEASE OF HOSTAGES
Baker Plans Appeal In Syrian Talks Today
Attempting to build on unprecedented wartime cooperation
between Washington and Damascus, Secretary Baker plans to ask
President Assad in a meeting today to intervene on behalf of the
six U.S. hostages and five others believed held in Lebanon, U.S.
officials said Tuesday.
The Bush administration has received no authoritative
information about the location or fate of the hostages or the
prospects for their release in the seven-month period marked by
Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent military campaign to
free the emirate, according to several officials.
But U.S. officials are hopeful that Syria, having supported
the U.S.-led coalition effort against Saddam and being interested
in further improving relations with the West, may now be willing
to pressure the Iranian-backed Islamic fundamentalist groups
suspected of holding the hostages.
(R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post, A24)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-4
SOME FEAR U.S. WILL MAKE SAME MISTAKES WITH SYRIA AS WITH IRAQ
The U.S. learned -- the hard way -- the danger of cozying up
to dictators when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait since August and
flouted nine years of alliance with the West.
U.S. officials say they'll be more careful with Saddam's
neighbor, President Assad
But for now, the administration
appears to have adopted the Arab maxim that "any enemy of my enemy
is my friend."
Officials say they have few illusions about Assad, but they
also view him as a key player in attempts to reduce Mideastern
terrorism, obtain the release of Western hostages in Lebanon,
provide a long-term deterrent to Iraq and bring about peace between
Israelis and Arabs
On the eve of today's visit to Damascus by Secretary Baker,
officials said Syria took delivery of 20 launchers and two dozen
North Korean-made Scud missiles which easily could reach Israel,
possibly with chemical warheads
Some observers fear the Bush administration will do the same
with Assad as it did with Saddam
"They pulled up next to Saddam Hussein, called him an ally,
and pretended he wasn't a bad guy, said Jack Healey, director of
the U.S. section of Amnesty International
Healey said Syrian torture methods were so ingenious in their
cruelty that Syria has become "almost a research center for
torture."
(Ruth Sinai, AP)
IRAQI AMBASSADOR SEEKS ASYLUM IN SPAIN
MADRID -- The Iraqi ambassador to Spain sought political
asylum last week and is under police guard at an undisclosed
location, a Foreign Ministry official said.
(UPI)
OPEC SETS 5% CUT IN OIL OUTPUT
Producers Seek to Shore Up Falling Price of Crude
GENEVA -- OPEC agreed Tuesday to remove about a million
barrels of oil a day from the world market -- a cut of almost five
percent -- in an attempt to shore up prices that have been falling
steadily since the end of the Gulf war
OPEC members hope the production cut boosts the price of a
barrel of crude to about $21. But oil traders and analysts
attending the meeting said the lower production ceiling was not
likely to boost world proces significantly, or for very long,
because it was insufficient to soak up a glut that is expected to
grow with the end of winter and the eventual return of Iraqi and
Kuwaiti oil to the world market.
(William Drozdiak, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-5
AS PORT REOPENS, SCHWARZKOPF SCOOPS UP SANDY SOUVENIR
KUWAIT CITY -- Gen. Schwarzkopf, making his first official
visit here as the victorious commanding general of allied forces
in the Gulf war, liberated some sand from a Kuwaiti beach Tuesday
and warned Saddam Hussein against any attempt to restart
hostilities.
In a separate development regarded as vital for the
reconstruction of this ravaged country, allied and Kuwaiti
officials formally reopened the port of Shuaiba, Kuwait's largest,
after extensive mine clearing in the northern Gulf and cleanup
efforts by U.S., British and Australian divers and ordnance
experts.
Among the tons of Iraq munitions found in and around the port
26 miles south of the capital were half a dozen Chinese-made
Silkworm anti-ship missiles stored in a school, U.S. military
officials said.
(William Branigin, Washington Post, A19)
POLITICAL 'CHAOS' IN IRAQ DELAYING RETURN OF POWs, REMAINS
RIYADH -- Political strife in Iraq is disrupting Red Cross
efforts to return 14 allied dead from Baghdad and send hundreds of
Iraqi prisoners of war back to their homeland, agency officials
said Wednesday.
"There are a lot of problems, but when you put them all
together, the political chaos inside Iraq is the main reason,' said
one of the officials, who spoke on the condition he not be
named
The delays in turn have put efforts to establish a permanent
cease-fire between Iraq and the U.S.-led military coalition "more
or less on hold," said a U.S. military officer, who also spoke on
condition of anonymity.
(Richard Pyle, AP)
THREE ALLEGE BEATINGS, TORTURE BY KUWAITI INTERROGATORS
SAFWAN, Iraq --
Three men who said they were among the most
recent arrivals of hundreds of prisoners expelled by Kuwaiti
troops in the last few days spoke of torture and beatings at a
Kuwaiti detention center in a school at Farwaniyah, a district
north of Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City.
Their accounts were the first confirmation of reported Kuwaiti
reprisals against some Palestinians and other non-Kuwaiti residents
suspected of collaborating with occupying Iraqi troops, and
suggested that a climate of revenge has settled over Kuwait in the
wake of the nearly seven-month Iraqi occupation.
(Nora Boustany, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-6
IRAQI TROOPS REPORTEDLY HANG REBELS IN STREETS
Refugees Say Opposition Losing Ground
SAFWAN, Iraq -- Iraqi Republican Guards suppressing an
uprising in southern Iraq have been hanging rebels from tank gun
barrels in Basra and Zubair, according to Iraqi witnesses fleeing
to this border town Tuesday
[One witness] said scores of activists were being executed in
this manner. Sources from relief organizations debriefing refugees
heading toward Kuwait said they were told by one Iraqi that
hundreds were killed in hangings
Egyptian workers, peasants and Iraqis sympathizing with the
opposition spoke of deteriorating conditions and a state of anarchy
in a string of southern towns, with members of an anti-Saddam
Shiite rebel group taking the law into their own hands and
executing persons suspected of collaborating with the regime
A top Shiite opposition leader, Mohammed Bakr Hakim, conceded
in a statement issued in Beirut Tuesday that the revolt was "not
an organized act." He maintained that "the dictatorship cannot be
confronted [merely] by a popular revolution but by accurate and
organized underground acts. (Nora Boustany, Washington Post, A24)
SUMMIT WITHIN SIGHT AS CLOUD
OVER U.S.-SOVIET RELATIONS BEGINS TO LIFT
Only a few weeks after President Gorbachev irritated the White
House with a futile effort to save Iraq from conclusive defeat in
the Gulf war, U.S.-Soviet relations are on the upswing again and
prospects for a superpower summit meeting by the end of June are
improving.
As Secretary Baker heads to Moscow on Thursday for several
days of talks, a once-formidable array of obstacles to a revived
summit have narrowed to several key arms control issues, senior
U.S. officials said
"You could say the Gulf war has left the President lots of
room to maneuver," one official said.
(Robert Roth, Los Angeles Times, A8)
PLAN TO TRAIN ANTI-GADHAFI FIGHTERS FAILS
U.S. Effort Involved 600 Libyan POWs
A secret U.S. effort to train captured Libyan soldiers as
commandos to fight against Moammar Gadhafi has collapsed, with some
of the dissidents returning home and the U.S. paying Kenya to give
refuge to the others, U.S. officials said Tuesday
The Libyans originally were recruited for the operation in
exchange for freedom from prisoner-of-war camps [after being
captured during Libyan incursions into Chad] and were being trained
as an anti-Gadhafi commando force at a base near Ndamena, the
capital of Chad. They left the country after a Libyan-backed
guerrilla movement won control of Chad last December.
(Washington Post, A20)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-7
WHITE HOUSE DERAILS PROPOSED SAUDI ARMS DEAL
The Bush administration has derailed Saudi Arabia's proposed
purchase of $15 billion of high-tech U.S. weapons, and likely will
submit only a scaled-back package to Congress.
In the face of increasing congressional opposition to the
proposed arms sales, Secretary Cheney and other high-ranking
officials have abandoned earlier promises to try to push the
package through Congress quickly after the end of the Gulf war.
Instead, the Saudi request has been put on hold, and it's expected
to remain in limbo for at least several months until the White
House hammers out a new policy for dealing with the general issue
of arms sales in the Middle East.
Secretary Cheney acknowledged in a recent interview with a
group of reporters that the overall $15 billion proposal is dead,
adding that the administration will "go back and review the bidding
[to] see what is required" to protect Saudi Arabia's long-term
security
Another administration official said the review will focus,
in part, on the larger issues of encouraging arms control in the
Middle East and dealing with Israeli concerns about supplying Arab
forces with the most sophisticated U.S. missiles and ground-attack
planes.
(Andy Pasztor, Wall Street Journal, A16)
U.S. TO ASK CHINA TO HELP REDUCE ARMS EXPORTS
BEIJING -- The U.S. is seeking China's cooperation in efforts
to control arms exports to the Middle East in the aftermath of the
Gulf war, a senior U.S. official said here Tuesday.
"As we try to find some multilateral mechanism to prevent the
inflow of weapons, China's going to have to be a player, said
Richard Solomon, assistant secretary of state for East Asia
In talks with Chinese officials, Solomon said, he had
encouraging responses on several issues of common concern,
including human rights problems and China's growing trade surplus
with the U.S. He said, without elaboration, that he also offered
"some ideas" for aiding the Cambodian peace process.
(Lena Sun, Washington Post, A26)
YUGOSLAV REGIME BOWS TO PROTESTERS
Marxist Serbia Fires TV Officials, Frees Arrested Opponents
BELGRADE -- The Marxist leadership of Serbia, Yugoslavia's
largest republic, caved in Tuesday night to the power of a
boisterously peaceful anti-government demonstration that by Tuesday
evening had swelled to about 100,000 people in Belgrade's central
Republic Square.
After four consecutive days of protests that constituted the
biggest anti-communist street movement in Belgrade since World War
II, the embattled regime of hard-line President Milosevic made a
series of sweeping concessions that included the firing of five
senior editors at state-run television and enactment of a law that
guarantees objectivity in state media
The government also agreed to the creation of a multiparty
parliamentary commission to investigate the violence and to release
scores of protesters arrested over the weekend. In response to the
concessions, protest leaders said they would end the demonstration.
(Blaine Harden, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-8
S. AFRICA INTRODUCES LAND REFORM BILL
Legislation Would Be Part of Repeal Of Major Apartheid Laws
CAPE TOWN -- The government introduced legislation Tuesday to
begin opening up land- and home-ownership to all races and repeal
laws that for eight decades have provided the basis for the rigid
racial segregation of society here.
The legislation appears to meet many of the requirements of
foreign governments for lifting economic sanctions imposed five
years ago to force the white-minority government to dismantle the
apartheid system. However, the proposed legislation rejects any
redistribution of land to the victims of apartheid, as well as
state intervention to redress the lopsided apportionment of 87
percent of the land to the country's
whites
It thus places the government on a collision course with the
ANC and other black groups over probably the most emotionally
charged issue in the search for racial peace here. As one ANC
official recently put it, "Land is the one area of economic life
where white skin is an index of privilege and black skin of
deprivation."
(David Ottaway, Washington Post, A1)
HILLS WARNS U.S. TRADE IS HARMED WITHOUT FAST-TRACK AUTHORITY
U.S. Trade Representative Hills said Tuesday the Bush
administration's ability to negotiate trade deals with other
countries will be crippled if Congress fails to renew its authority
to put those talks on a so-called fast-track.
Testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee, Hills
said that congressional refusal to extend the administration's
fast-track authority when it expires May 31 "would spell the death
knell" for the current Uruguay Round of Trade negotiations by GATT.
Hills said many of the 107 nations that belong to the GATT are
waiting to see if Congress grants the White House two more years
of fast-track negotiating authority before they make any more deals
aimed at lowering barriers to international trade.
"Our (trading) partners are waiting to see if we can still
negotiate,' she said.
(Benjamin Shore, Copley)
U.S., ALBANIA TO RESUME DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AFTER 52 YEARS
The U.S. and Albania plan to resume diplomatic relations on
Friday after more than a half century of estrangement, both
governments announced Tuesday.
(Washington Post)
BUSH COOL TO MULRONEY'S 'WORLD SUMMIT' IDEA
President Bush appears ready to turn down today a bid from
Prime Minister Mulroney for a "new world order" summit aimed at
controlling traffic in military weapons by 1995.
Canadian diplomats have circulated to a number of nations
their six-page proposal for a "gathering of world leaders under
United Nations auspices to issue a statement of global political
will."
Despite official silence here, the administration was
understood to be unenthusiastic about Canada's plan, which was
considered a structure instead of an answer.
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A3)
###
NATIONAL NEWS
DEMOCRATS DUMPING ADMINISTRATION CRIME, CIVIL RIGHTS BILLS
A week after President Bush urged Congress to turn swiftly to
his domestic agenda, Democratic lawmakers are shoving aside
administration proposals on crime and civil rights in favor of
their own plans.
Bush's version of the civil rights bill was alive for barely
five hours after its introduction on Tuesday when the House
Education and Labor Committee buried it and passed instead a more
sweeping Democratic measure.
In both the House and Senate, Democrats signaled they were
prepared to push their own gun-control bills, previously opposed
by the President. They contended that Bush's anti-crime measures
didn't do enough to limit firearms.
"It's not what the President has in his legislation that I
oppose, it's what he didn't propose," said Sen. Biden
Rep. Gephardt predicted action on the House floor by April or
May. But he acknowledged that Democrats had not succeeded in
blunting Bush's argument that it would lead to quotas
Sen. Biden said Democrats are ready to support the top items
on Bush's [crime bill] agenda, including reviving the federal death
penalty and making it harder for inmates on state prison death rows
to delay their executions. But these proposals will have only a
minor impact on the nation's crime problem without provisions to
ban assault weapons, hire more police and curb violence against
women, Biden said.
"We can have a bill in 15 minutes, 15 days, not 100 days, if
there is a willingness to deal with what's not in this bill --
assault weapons, available police officers and focusing on violence
against women," he said.
(William Welch, AP)
WOMEN FOCUS OF CIVIL RIGHTS BILL
Add "women's equity" to the political dictionary that made
"quotas" the catchword of debate on a civil rights bill and its
veto last year.
The two points were raised often Tuesday as civil rights
leaders kicked off a grass-roots campaign to push their goals, two
House panels passed bills embracing those ideals and Republicans
warned of another presidential veto.
"I think that if people take a hard look at [the Democrats']
legislation, they would agree it would be good for the American
people and we may be able to get enough votes to override the
veto," Rep. Gephardt said
"Congress can choose politics over good policy. It can choose
to pass a quota bill, a political bill, a lawyers' bill, or we can
pass legislation that takes a fair and reasonable approach to the
very real problems of sexual harassment and racial discrimination,"
said Sen. Dole
"Our bill will be signed by the President and HR 1 passed in
the current form will not," said Rep. Michel. "He is committed,
as he has been all through the years, to good civil rights
legislation. He'll sign a good bill.
"The quota issue is pure poppycock," Said Ralph Neas,
executive director of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.
(J. Jennings Moss, Washington Times, A1)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-10
VETO MAY REMAIN BUSH'S KEY DOMESTIC POLICY TOOL
A senior administration official called it "domestic show-
and-tell" -- the latest in a string of efforts to prove President
Bush has a domestic policy.
At a White House meeting Tuesday, President Bush asked each
member of his Cabinet whose department deals with domestic issues
to describe his or her most important initiative
Even before the meeting began, however, White House spokesman
Fitzwater signaled that the real thrust of domestic policy will be
the same as it had been throughout Bush's presidency -- the veto.
Absent a compromise, said Fitzwater, Bush would veto a
Democratic proposal requiring businesses to give parents time off
for family emergencies; veto the Democratic version of civil rights
legislation; veto legislation barring employers from replacing
strikers permanently; and oppose several new benefits for veterans
as well as a proposal in the Senate to reinstate IRAs.
Regardless of the political capital he is thought to have
gained by his success in the Gulf war, Bush probably will spend
more in the months ahead trying to stop legislation he doesn't want
than signing legislation of his own
"A large part of our agenda is stopping the Democrats from
having the federal government take over yet more levels of control
over people's businesses and people's lives," said one official who
was asked to describe the domestic goals of the administration this
year. "Of course you have to have something affirmative to put
forward, but Republicans want less government -- remember?"
(Ann Devroy, Washington Post, A1)
LEAGUE OF CITIES PROPOSES 'OPERATION URBAN STORM'
House Panel Is Told Emergency Aid Needed
People in the nation's largest central cities have incomes
only 59 percent as high as those of people in the surrounding
suburbs, leaving many cities financially crippled, the National
League of Cities told Congress Tuesday.
"now that the liberation of Kuwait has been accomplished,"
said Ruth Messinger, Manhattan borough president in New York city,
"my colleagues and I propose that the federal government
immediately undertake the liberation of millions of Americans in
our cities trapped by the tyranny of poverty, illiteracy, hunger,
unemployment, crime and hopelessness.
"We propose, in short, Operation Urban Storm.
"
"There is a difference between Kuwait City and Detroit, New
York or Philadelphia. Kuwait has $100 billion in its bank account
to rebuild the country. But our cities are told the federal till
is empty,' Rep. Conyers said. In a later statement, he called for
massive federal aid to the cities
Conyers also called for restoration of revenue sharing
"Last week we voted $15 billion to fund an emergency in the
Persian Gulf. I see no reason why we can't declare a cities
emergency.'
A spokesmen for Rep. Horton said Horton supports the principle
and will work with Conyers to develop a proposal.
(Spencer Rich, Washington Post, A3)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-11
MAJORITY OF SENATE WOULD RESTORE IRA DEDUCTIONS;
WHITE HOUSE BALKS
The Senate is firmly behind legislation that would restore
fully deductible IRAs for all workers.
Sen. Bentsen announced Tuesday that he and 71 other senators -
- a veto-proof majority -- were introducing the bill
Despite Senate support from a majority of both political
parties, the bill faces obstacles other than the White House.
Rep. Rostenkowski is waiting to see how the provision would
be paid for. "He doesn't think we should be spending money on tax
breaks, least of all not for tax breaks for affluent people," said
a Rostenkowski aide.
(AP)
MADIGAN SWORN IN AS AGRICULTURE SECRETARY,
BACKS BUSH ON TRADE TALKS
Edward Madigan was formally sworn in Tuesday as secretary of
agriculture and joined President Bush in pushing for a hard line
in international trade talks.
With the power-brokers of U.S. agriculture looking on, Bush
lauded Madigan's farm policy expertise while stressing the
importance of the trade negotiations
"Maybe there's nothing farmers can do about drought and
natural disaster, but America's farmers should not have to fight
foreign-government subsidies that give our competitors unfair
advantage," Bush told the audience at Agriculture Department
headquarters. "I know that Ed will work just as closely as Clayton
with our trade representative, Ambassador Carla Hills, to ensure
that trade is free and fair.
"The future of American agriculture is in fairer trade and
access to foreign markets,' Madigan said. "We (are) within
striking distance. I join the President in saying that I hope we
see this through."
(Tom Webb, Knight-Ridder)
WHITE HOUSE BLASTS VETS' AID MANEUVERS
The White House aimed its most caustic language yet at
congressional opponents on Gulf military action Tuesday, suggesting
some injury. are calling for higher veterans benefits to dodge political
"Generally speaking, what we've seen is an effort by a lot of
members to get legislation in to get them on the right side of the
issue here," press secretary Fitzwater said of bills to reward
Desert Storm troops
The spokesman was angered at the swarm of measures attached
to two emergency requests to increase Defense Department
spending
Asked about the politics of such requests, Fitzwater said,
"Well, I just think there are many members who think it's important
that they be seen as supporting the veterans at this point."
(Frank Murray & Major Garrett, Washington Times, A4)
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-12
WATKINS SEES VETO IF ARCTIC REFUGE NOT OPENED TO DRILLING
Developing additional Alaska oil is so essential that
President Bush may veto energy legislation that does not include
opening a wildlife refuge to drilling, Secretary Watkins says.
Watkins told the Senate Energy Committee on Tuesday that it
would be "a tragic mistake" not to produce oil along the coastal
strip of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in far northern
Alaska.
Drilling in the refuge is essential to "any kind of a viable
energy strategy that makes any sense at all," Watkins said, adding
that President Bush might veto an energy package that does not
include it.
"It is that important," the secretary said
Environmentalists argue that the region should be protected
from further environmental harm and that oil from the refuge would
do little to reduce America's reliance on imported petroleum.
"It would only extend our addiction to oil,' said George
Frampton, president of the Wilderness Society.
(H. Josef Hebert, AP)
POLITICAL PRESSURE TO PREVENT INCREASED NATIONAL GAS TAX
Political pressure, especially from the western states and the
oil industry, will prevent any future increase in nationwide
federal gasoline taxes at the pump, a senior Energy Department
official said Tuesday.
"At this stage it may be one of those issues that is best
dealt with at the state level,' said Linda Stuntz, deputy under
secretary of energy for plans and policy.
In a news conference following an address to the annual
conference of the American Paper Institute, the official said taxes
would have to be raised 50 cents a gallon to achieve any
significant reduction in motorists' demand. (Walter Andrews, UPI)
FCC LIKELY TO UPHOLD RERUN RULES
TV Producers Seen Maintaining Control
Over the objections of the nation's television networks, the
FCC is expected to approve Thursday a new set of rules that
essentially preserves Hollywood's dominance of the $5 billion a
year market for TV program sales
Sources close to FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes said Tuesday it was
not likely the vote would be put off
The proposed rule changes
have already been endorsed in principle by three of the five FCC
commissioners, making passage all but certain.
That would be an embarrassing defeat not only for Sikes, who
has supported the networks' position, but to the Bush
administration as well. Administration officials have repeatedly
stated their opposition to any rules which, like the current ones,
prevent the networks from owning the entertainment programs they
air or from sharing in the proceeds from the sale of reruns of
shows.
(Paul Farhi, Washington Post, C1)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- A-13
LUJAN: EMERGENCY DROUGHT FOR CALIF. MUST COME FROM STATE
SAN FRANCISCO -- Despite pleas from local politicians and
urban water districts, Secretary Lujan says emergency drought
relief for California must come only from Sacramento.
"The federal government has contractual obligations with water
users which must be fully honored,' Lujan said Tuesday in a speech.
He said the federal government is obliged to deliver water to
agriculture, despite appeals from those who would divert supplies
to cities and suburbs.
(Jane Ganahl, San Francisco Examiner)
COMPUTER CHECK OF GUN BUYERS IS SOUGHT
NRA Continues Campaign Against Waiting Period For Handguns
The NRA has mounted a nationwide campaign on behalf of new
legislation that would mandate instant computer checks of gun
buyers as an alternative to a waiting period on handgun
purchases
A bill to be introduced today by Rep. Staggers would require
the Justice Department to set up a computer dial-in system that
could be reached by all firearms dealers within six months. But
the NRA-backed proposal was denounced by gun-control supporters
Tuesday as a "meaningless" plan that would take years and hundreds
of millions of dollars to install.
"I do think it shows the NRA is running scared," said Rep.
Schumer. "They need some kind of alluring-sounding alternative"
to a waiting period.
(Michael Isikoff, Washington Post, A4)
'POLITICAL CORRECTNESS' BASHED FROM RIGHT, LEFT
A conservative congressman and the ACLU joined forced Tuesday
to fight the growing repressive climate of "political correctness"
on America's college campuses.
Backed by the ACLU, Rep. Hyde introduced a 185-word bill to
amend Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to guarantee
students the right to free speech.
"What I'm concerned about, what we're concerned about, is the
fact that only politically correct ideas can be expressed on
campuses," Hyde said at a news conference.
(Carol Innerst, Washington Times, A1)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Bringing Home the FBI -- Byrd Engineered Move of
Fingerprint Center,' by Bill McAllister, appears in the Washington
Post, A1.
"Low Key Supplants Grandeur For Bush," by Andrew Rosenthal, appears
in the New York Times, A16.
"Did GB Mimic FDR In Gulf?" appears in the Washington Post, A26.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Tuesday evening, March 12)
BAKER TRIP/ISRAEL
ABC's Peter Jennings: We begin tonight with a day in the Middle
East that has required all the diplomatic skills that the Secretary
of State, James Baker, is said by many to possess. He has been
trying to convince the most right-wing government in Israeli
history and the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation that
they should both put their faith in the U.S. and face the future
realistically. He told the Palestinians and Israelis the storm is
over, it is time to pick up your lives and find hope for the
future.
ABC's John McWethy reports on the trip. To help overcome Prime
Minister Shamir's skepticism about a Secretary of State who waited
more than two years to visit, Baker tried to show he understands
and appreciates Israel's problems. Baker laid flowers on the
graves of the four women who were murdered Sunday by a Palestinian.
(Baker: "We must not allow the hope of peace to be extinguished
by murderers and terrorists. Our pursuit of peace must continue.")
Baker visited with recent immigrants from the Soviet Union and took
a helicopter tour designed to show how quickly an Arab army could
drive to the scene if the Israeli-occupied West Bank were not there
as a buffer. But it was in the private meetings where Baker laid
out for Shamir areas where Israel might consider making a gesture.
They all centered on Israel's handling of the West Bank and Gaza,
like arbitrary curfews, deportation of Palestinian activists,
detention without trial, and Israeli settlements on occupied Arab
land. An Israeli gesture in any one of these areas, officials
argue, could immediately put pressure on Arab governments and
Palestinians to make gestures of their own. Baker discussed the
same problems in a meeting with Palestinian leaders.
(Baker: "I would hope that there would be additional flexibility
on the part of all.")
The pitch to the Palestinians was that no one has more to gain by
a settlement than they do, so why not try a gesture of their own,
like condemning terrorism against civilians?
(Khalil Machshi, Palestinian activist: "We have a change of views.
We think there is a positive attribute on the part of the United
States Administration.")
American officials say Baker does not expect immediate answers from
the Palestinians or the Israelis. What he wants is for them to
consider how they can change things, and how everyone will lose if
they do not.
(ABC-Lead)
NBC's Tom Brokaw: Secretary Baker, on his first official visit to
Israel, today received a full tour of the political, geographical
and emotional strains on that region. In what is the most daunting
assignment of his diplomatic career, he came determined to find a
path to peace. As NBC's John Dancy tells us tonight, the Baker
mission still is viable after the first full day. That's a small
victory.
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-2
Dancy reports on the trip. Baker threw a couple of fastballs. He
suggested to Prime Minister Shamir that he consider giving up
occupied territory in return for peace, and dropping some of the
harsher measures against the rebellion in the occupied territories.
This afternoon, Baker told Palestinian leaders from the territories
that the U.S. is not interested in dealing with the PLO and that
leaders of the eight Arab states he met with over the weekend would
no longer sit down with Yasser Arafat, that he has lost legitimacy
because of his support for Iraq during the war. One of the
Palestinians in the meeting, Hanan Ashwari, says Baker is wrong.
(Ashwari: "The real issue is whether the PLO is capable of
representing, of leading, and of delivering. And they are. So
whether you like their position on one issue or not or whether you
feel they are a credit or discredited, to us they are legitimate.
And we give them legitimacy.")
By tonight, Baker was feeling good about the talks.
(Baker: "I'm very encouraged by the meetings that I've had here.")
Baker stopped at Karmiel, a new town in northern Israel that is
absorbing many Soviet immigrants. There he delivered his own
message to Israelis and Palestinians alike.
(Baker: "I would suggest that now it is time for all of us to take
the Psalmists' advice: 'Seek ye peace, and pursue it. '")
There was one other encouraging sign from the White House today
that things are going well in the peace process. The White House
announced that President Bush will visit the Middle East sometime
in the next several months -- something that wouldn't be possible
if the process was foundering.
(NBC-Lead)
CBS's Connie Chung: Secretary Baker today held two of the most
important meetings of his Middle East peace mission: one with
Palestinians from the occupied territories -- the first such
meeting in five years -- and the other with the Israeli Prime
Minister.
CBS's Bill Plante reports on the meetings. Intelligence sources
said today that Israel's next-door neighbor and enemy Syria had
just received about two dozen Scud-C missiles from North Korea,
more powerful and accurate than the Iraqi Scuds.
(TV Coverage: Schoolchildren cheering Baker, waving U.S. flags.)
But as the Secretary greeted schoolchildren and new immigrants at
a village in the Galilee, he was talking hope, rather than fear.
(Baker: "Everywhere, people are trying to pick up their lives and
find hope for the future. The nations of the Middle East are, I
think, very anxious to close the book of war and to open the book
of peace.
In meetings with Prime Minister Shamir, Baker discussed a list of
possible initiatives. Sources say they included a U.S. promise to
urge renewed Soviet diplomatic ties with Israel and a suggestion
that Israel offer the Palestinians some hope that land captured in
the 1967 war could be exchanged for peace. Baker did not ask the
Israelis for answers. But in a later meeting with 10 Palestinians
held at their request, he made it clear that the U.S. believes it
has some leverage.
(Baker: "We intend to use whatever enhanced credibility we might
have coming out of this crisis to work diligently for peace.")
In a visit his staff said was intended to be private, Baker went
to the graves of four Israeli women who were stabbed to death by
a Palestinian two days ago in Jerusalem.
(CBS-Lead)
-more-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-3
NBC's Ed Rabel reports on Israelis living in the West Bank.
Schools there teach children that because of your Jewishness, this
is your land -- always has been, always will be. Israel has no
right to trade this land to the Palestinians for peace, the
settlers say.
(Daniel Cohen, American-born settler: "I'm just looking that
people would cease telling us that in order for there to be peace,
we just have to get lost. We're not going to leave
If they
came to take us away -- again, I can't imagine such a thing
happening -- but if they came to take us away, they'd have to carry
us out.
Plans call for 33,000 new residents in the next two years, making
Israel as militant as the settlers about not giving up the promised
land.
(NBC-2)
Chung reports a White House spokesman said President Bush plans to
visit the Middle East soon. No date has been set.
(CBS-6)
JORDAN
ABC's John Donvan reports on post-war Jordan. Anti-American fever
is lifting from the streets of Amman, and Jordanians are talking
again about what is practical.
(Abdullah Touqan, adviser to King Hussein: "One has to be
realistic, and one has to look forward in the future, and to
Jordan's future, and to our future and the region's future. So the
United States has always played a role, and always [will] continue
to play a role.")
King Hussein set the tone in a speech last week. Jordan, he said,
throws its arms open wide to all who wish to establish friendly
relations. The anger that Jordanians felt toward the U.S. is not
all gone, but people say they realize it is in Jordan's interest
to have America's friendship -- though not entirely on U.S. terms.
(Rami Khoury, Jordanian journalist: "Certainly the government
isn't going to go and jump into Jim Baker's lap and join the cash-
register coalition. That's not going to happen.")
(Leila Sharaf, Jordanian Senate: "Again, it all depends on how the
United States is going to manage the solution and the peace
process, and how it's going to deliver, how much it's going to
deliver.")
Meanwhile, Jordan's press, anti-American during the war, is
tempering its tone, commenting favorably on President Bush's call
for dialogue in the region. And while Jordanian television shows
Secretary Baker visiting the region but not Amman, officials seem
to think it best to take the snub in stride.
(ABC-2)
KUWAIT/SCHWARZKOPF
NBC's George Lewis reports Gen. Schwarzkopf visited Kuwait city,
meeting with the Kuwaiti leadership. He also collected a souvenir.
(Gen. Schwarzkopf, filling bottle with sand: "This is sand from
the liberated beaches of Kuwait.")
Schwarzkopf's visit was kept low-profile because the Bush
Administration wants to avoid any appearance of an occupying
American army running things. Washington is promoting the idea
that Kuwait is getting back on its own feet.
(Schwarzkopf: "First of all, I'm just happy to see that their city
is liberated and that it's back in the hands of the Kuwaitis.")
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-4
Lewis continues: But a growing number of Kuwaitis don't think the
place is in anyone's hands.
(Hameed al-Juwan, opposition leader: "The only thing that's
happened is Saddam Hussein is kicked out. And that's all. And
that's not enough for the Kuwaitis now, and not enough for the area
and not enough for the peace.")
Those who endured Iraqi occupation are increasingly angry at
leaders who fled and have now returned, but are waiting for someone
else to clean up the mess. The Kuwaitis who stuck it out are now
saying that the ruling family must restore constitutional freedoms.
(NBC-3, ABC-4)
KUWAIT
Jennings reports 2,000 Kuwaitis mobbed a government center, seeking
permission to leave the country. One of those waiting called the
ruling Sabah family incompetent, unqualified, unpopular and
unwanted.
ABC's Sheilah MacVicar reports Kuwaitis say that since the Kuwaiti
government returned, food is more scarce than during the Iraqi
occupation. The Kuwaiti government has moved in thousands of tons
of food, but some rotted before it could be distributed, and
Kuwaitis who kept resistance alive through the occupation quietly
say their government now ignores them. It took days to get fresh
water trucked to the people, and there isn't enough to go around.
Kuwait City is still without electricity; generators the government
imported were not compatible with Kuwait's power supply. Kuwait's
crown prince knows his people are unhappy.
(Crown Prince: "Well, I agree with the complaints of some of the
Kuwaitis, and I say that I hope they view it alright just in a few
days' time.")
The Kuwaitis know the ruling royal family has their own water
delivered and generators for electricity, and some resent it. The
leaders of Kuwait's democracy movement say the experiences of the
last two weeks are just one more reason why the royal family must
share power with the people.
(Dr. Ahmed Bashra, democratic opposition: " The total collapse
of efficiency over the past two weeks. Obviously, they're not
competent enough to rule.")
More Kuwaitis than ever before, especially those who stayed during
the occupation, say they will accept nothing less than more
democratic freedoms.
(ABC-3)
Chung reports Kuwait's main seaport reopened today. U.S. and
Soviet freighters docked with emergency shipments of food and
water.
CBS's Martha Teichner reports tonight in Kuwait City there was
supposed to be a demonstration: people holding a candle in one
hand and an empty glass in another to demand the immediate
restoration of electricity and water. It was postponed due to a
shortage of candles.
(CBS-7)
ABC's Brian Rooney reports on the children being injured all over
Kuwait City by explosives and ammunition left behind by the Iraqi
army. Cleaning up the explosives may take months.
(ABC-5)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-5
IRAQI OPPOSITION
CBS's Peter van Sant reports on American troops still occupying
southern Iraq. Gen. Schwarzkopf issued a final warning to Saddam
Hussein, just in case he hasn't accepted defeat.
(Gen. Schwarzkopf: "Saddam Hussein had better know it's over. If
Saddam Hussein makes the mistake of starting it again, then he's
going to have a lot more trouble than he has on his hands in Iraq
right now.")
But while Schwarzkopf proudly says the war is over, these Marines
who helped liberate Kuwait City are questioning why their flights
home have been delayed.
(Marine: "Everyone wants to go home. I mean, we're done. Our
job's done. We accomplished the mission. We're ready to get out
of here.")
The flow of soldiers back home has slowed to a trickle. The
Pentagon said today U.S. soldiers are not coming home as soon as
planned because there is still a possibility of renewed warfare.
The growing unrest in Iraq, including a U.S. threat of retaliation
if chemical weapons are used, is keeping the troops on alert.
(Pete Williams, Defense Dept.: "They will remain in some number
or other -- and I don't know precisely what number, nor would we
probably say -- until there is a cease-fire. Now, I can't predict
when there'll be a cease-fire.")
For now, Marines who have been here since the crisis began are
frustrated and just killing time.
(Marine: "We've spent our time in the desert. It's time we get
back.")
(CBS-4)
Jennings reports that in Beirut, Iraqi opponents of Saddam Hussein
who live outside Iraq met for a second day, trying to work out a
common strategy for overthrowing him. There are still many
differences between various opposition factions.
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports on the battles in Iraq. The rebellion
in Basra, thought to have been put down days ago, has started again
now that government tanks have left. Pentagon officials say that
government forces appear to be gaining control of the Shi'ite holy
cities of Karbala and Najaf, although there are reports violent
opposition continues in two dozen other cities in the south and
Kurdish villages in the north. But the rebels are outgunned; so
far, almost all of the army and Republican Guards have remained
loyal to Saddam. Administration officials say U.S. forces in Iraq
will not become involved, as that would exceed the U.N. mandate and
could bog them down in a Lebanon-style civil war.
CBS's David Martin reports U.S. officials say the rebels are too
disorganized to pose a serious threat to Saddam. But Saddam's army
cannot be everywhere at once.
(State Dept. spokesman Boucher: "Cities and towns where unrest has
been suppressed by government forces often revert entirely or
partly to control by dissident elements once heavier forces depart
to deal with the unrest elsewhere.")
Iraq government released videotape showing Saddam still in control.
(TV Coverage: Video of Saddam.)
Saddam is expected to suppress his internal enemies. But he may
end up ruling a divided country that looks more like a giant
Lebanon than the Arab superpower it once was.
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-6
NBC's Stan Bernard reports that by many accounts, the battle for
Basra is costing thousands of lives. Pro-Saddam forces have
abandoned weapons, and many of the troops loyal to him -- probably
including Republican Guard members -- have been taken prisoner.
In Beirut, rebel leaders held up photos showing their control of
Basra and claimed victory, claiming major Iraqi defections. The
Kurds say they are in control of two mountainous northern
provinces. Iraqi TV showed members of the Revolutionary Council
touring southern towns to shore up support from Saddam loyalists,
which some believe is a last gasp.
(ABC-6, CBS-3, NBC-4)
Jennings reports Iraqi Ambassador to Spain Tawfiq has asked for
political asylum. The Spanish Foreign Ministry says it is being
considered.
(ABC-7)
TERRORISM/GREECE
Brokaw reports an American Air Force sergeant was killed in Athens
today when a remote control bomb exploded as he walked home. The
left-wing Greek terrorist group November 17 claimed responsibility.
Chung reports there was no claim of responsibility. (NBC-5, CBS-5)
U.N.
NBC's Stephen Frazier reports on the renewed role of the U.N. in
the 1990's. The U.N. agreed to confront aggression in the Gulf
with a military response for three reasons: 1) The willingness
of the Soviet Union to work with the other permanent members of the
Security Council. 2) President Bush recognized the change in
Soviet intentions, and partly because of his own experience as U.N.
ambassador from 1971-73 he viewed the U.N. as useful for
establishing the New World Order.
(U.S. Ambassador Pickering: "It is a partnership between the rule
of law and the responsible application of force. It is, to put it
bluntly, the right to say no.")
3) The skill of Ambassador Pickering, respected here for the
Mideast expertise he gained while ambassador to Jordan and Israel.
He held the coalition together for passage of more than a dozen
resolutions intended to drive Iraq from Kuwait. Many at the U.N.
believe the Security Council's success could be repeated. (NBC-6)
OPEC
ABC's Stephen Aug reports OPEC ministers meeting in Geneva agreed
to cut production of oil by about a million barrels a day. The cut
reportedly satisfies the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The Saudis and the
Bush Administration seem to agree that the price of oil should be
high enough to encourage conservation and domestic production but
low enough to encourage economic growth. The agreement is not
expected to change gas prices, but should keep oil prices high
enough that Saudi Arabia can pay off their war debt. Observers say
Saudi Arabia now virtually controls OPEC.
(ABC-11, CBS-2)
TRADE DEFICIT
Jennings: The trade deficit shrank last year to $99.3 billion, the
first time it has been under $100 billion since 1984. (ABC-12)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-7
CIVIL RIGHTS/CONGRESS
Chung reports Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill introduced
rival civil rights bills, both aimed to fight job discrimination.
Republicans say the Democrats favor hiring quotas. Democrats deny
that and say the Republican version is too weak.
(CBS-8)
NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports House Democrats were trying to regain
political momentum with a civil rights bill, which will be the
biggest domestic fight of the year.
(TV Coverage: President Bush and Republican congressmen in Cabinet
Room.)
The Republican battle cry is quotas. The Democratic bill would
outlaw quotas but strengthen a worker's right to sue for
discrimination and win big awards. Republicans say employers
threatened by lawsuits would start hiring by the numbers.
(Sen. Simpson: "Even though it was clearly said in the bill that
there will be no quotas, it was obvious that there was little
choice for the employer but to go to that to protect himself.")
The buzzword of quotas has worked before for Republicans. White,
middle-class workers resented what they saw as Democratic efforts
to give preferences to minorities, and showed their anger at the
polls.
(Sen. Dole: "It's already backfired. You can already look at a
couple of races that we may have won because of their insistence
on quotas.
So this year, Democrats are trying to wrap their proposal in the
flag. They say their bill would give equal opportunity to the
large number of blacks who fought in the Gulf. And they are trying
to portray it as a women's bill, because it would give women the
same right as minorities to sue employers for discrimination.
(Rep. Schroeder: "It opens a whole new door because for the first
time it would allow damages for sexual harassment.")
Women like Patricia Swanson, who said she was fired when she
complained about her boss at an Illinois car dealership.
(Swanson: "Two or three times a week, my boss would try to unhook
my bra. He said it was a Christmas party ritual for him to feel
all the women's breasts.")
It would also reverse recent Supreme Court decisions that rolled
back civil rights law. Black Alabama police officer Sydney
Williams was promoted after a lawsuit that could not be won under
current law.
(Williams: "All that I wanted in my case was fairness and an equal
chance to compete.")
Democrats may have enough votes to win the civil rights battle, but
they could still lose the political war by alienating a crucial
bloc of voters -- middle-class whites.
(NBC-10)
POLICE BRUTALITY
CBS's Jerry Bowen reports on the aftermath of the videotaped Los
Angeles police beating. Indictments are expected by week's end.
Others have come forward with allegations of police brutality. In
Washington, the Black Congressional Caucus met with FBI Director
Sessions to demand a nationwide probe of police brutality.
(Rep. Conyers: "We're going to go not just to respond to the
plight of this brother that was beaten, we're going to the whole
question of police brutality in America.")
(CBS-9)
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- B-8
MEASLES IMMUNIZATION
CBS's Susan Spencer reports on a Bush Administration plan to hold
up welfare benefits to any parent whose pre-schooler has not had
a measles shot. Measles rages at epidemic levels, mainly among the
inner-city poor. From 1983 to last year, cases soared from 1,500
to over 26,000, the increase blamed partly on Reagan-era cuts in
funding for vaccine programs.
(Dr. William Roper, Centers for Disease Control: "It's only right
to say to parents, we expect you to do your part. We expect you
to have your child immunized."
The Bush Administration concedes getting a measle shot needs to be
made easier for the poor, but thinks the threat of a missed check
would really force parents to act.
(Secretary Sullivan: "What is under way is a question of what is
the most effective way of assuring that we get all of the eligible
children in for immunizations.")
But opponents insist punishing the family is not the way to do it.
(Rose Anello, Citizens Committee for Children: "If you're trying
to achieve increased vacinnization and vaccinate the children,
vaccinate them at the welfare centers. But don't deny them
benefits which they desperately need to survive.")
(Roper: "We're not trying to target poor families. Unfortunately,
it's largely poor families right now that are not properly
immunized.")
Other critics wish the concern had come sooner.
(Rep. Waxman: "An Administration that called for cuts in funds,
which made it harder for poor people to be immunized, I think is
hard-put to come in and say that poor people ought to be penalized
for not being immunized.")
This year, the Bush Administration did ask for $40 million
additional dollars for immunizations, and it is expected to get
every penny. But ideas of linking welfare checks to shots could
have much tougher going on Capitol Hill.
(CBS-14)
STEROIDS/JUSTICE DEPT.
Chung reports federal criminal charges were filed today against
companies in AZ and CA selling illegal artificial steroids which
had caused seizures and comas in scores of users. (CBS-12, NBC-7)
IRAs
Brokaw reports that 72 senators, bucking White House opposition,
introduced legislation to make all Individual Retirement Accounts
fully tax-deductible. Passage, we're told, is assured. (NBC-9)
EXXON SETTLEMENT
Chung reports Exxon and the government edged closer to a billion-
dollar settlement over the Valdez oil spill. Sources say the deal
would include Exxon's agreement to plead guilty to at least one
criminal charge. However, the sources also say Exxon is having
second thoughts about the settlement.
(CBS-11)
Jennings reports the U.S. and Albania will re-establish diplomatic
relations on Friday.
(ABC-13)
-End of News Summary-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
DOMESTIC ISSUES
It Is Now Time To Change National Focus -- " [A speech President
Bush made to the American Society of Association Executives in
Washington] is significant because it seemed to be a start in
turning some of the nation's attention away from international
affairs
and back to where more of it is required, domestic
affairs
Bush said that he would propose an 'opportunity action
plan, one that would include initiatives dealing with such matters
as education, crime, jobs, homelessness and civil rights
He
pledged that the Administration will give hope to the hopeless
among us. Some opponents chalked up the promises he made in the
speech to so much rhetoric. Perhaps they are right
His aides
called Bush's remarks a 'framing speech, with details to be filled
in later. We trust they are right
What we do know is Bush is
in a much stronger position to lead.
"
(Fort Worth Telegram, 3/5)
Now George Bush Must Turn To Home Agenda --
"
President Bush must
move quickly, and with the same resolve he showed in the Gulf, to
confront very real domestic problems. He has the elements in
place: 1) The Bush 'empowerment' agenda is infinitely
preferable over the hodgepodge of special formulas and addictive
welfare handouts
2) A sweeping reform of the financial
services industry has been presented by the Bush Administration.
Rarely has a piece of legislation been so worthy of passage as
written
3) A recognition that the U.S. transportation
infrastructure is collapsing
4) A good 'supply side' energy
program
5) A clear-eyed recognition that as the nation gears
down its military commitment, it must begin to invest in basic and
applied science
What Bush must now do is tie education to
American competitiveness
and disabuse Americans of the notion
that only higher taxes can buy them back into the promised land.
(Dallas Morning News, 3/5)
Bush Has The Clout To Sell A Domestic Program -- If He Can Come Up
with One
--
"
President Bush must resist coasting for the next
two years while his campaign staff assembles film clips of jubilant
U.S. soldiers welcomed home with bands and bunting
For the
last two years, Bush has meandered only occasionally, and without
enthusiasm, into domestic affairs. He's made lame attempts to be
the 'Education President, to clean up the environment and to
vanquish the drug lords. His budget proposals so far this year
have been equally flaccid
Now, he's urging Congress to move
quickly on a transportation measure that, at its core, simply
reduces the federal share of highway spending, leaving states to
pick up the slack. He calls for quick action on his anti-crime
proposal, a clampdown on death-row inmates' rights that Congress
already rejected. Bush takes this approach because it's
politically safe.'
(Newsday, 3/8)
The President Shines On The Hill -- " The President's address to
Congress was notable for its commitment to tackle tough issues both
foreign and domestic
His call for a 'new politics at home'
ought to be heeded. "
(Christian Science Monitor, 3/8)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- C-2
TRANSPORTATION PLAN (cont'd)
The Costs of Building Roads -- "In his address to a joint session
of Congress last week, President Bush urged enactment of his $105
billion transportation plan within 100 days. That may exceed the
legislative speed limit
The crumbling infrastructure has been
talked about for a decade at least, and this plan looks like an
effort to do something about it. But looks can be deceptive when
it comes to complicated public-works programs. One thing that
tempers some of the cheering at the state level is the new cost-
sharing formula embodied in the Bush plan
Some critics of the
plan question its apparent acceptance of the country's car-culture
status quo
The Administration's plan includes criteria for
distributing funds to areas according to their level of fuel
consumption. Doesn't that pose the danger of rewarding lax
conservation?"
(Christian Science Monitor, 3/11)
Bush Proposals Seem To Ignore Urgent Attention To Mass Transit -
- "President Bush's new transportation program recognizes one of
the nation's most critical needs. Much of the road and bridge
system is in decay or near decay. But mass transit needs, while
primarily a local responsibility, are also immense. Congress may
want to adjust some of the proposal's spending ratios
The
program would continue to provide aid for up to 90% of the cost of
roadway improvements, but reduce to 60% from 80% the federal share
of capital spending for mass transit
Deep reductions in
proportion of federal capital funds could hurt commuters and
further erode highways by increasing the traffic on them."
(Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/1)
Shifting Gears On Highways --
"
What Secretary Skinner came up
with contains serious flaws
Under the Skinner scenario, states
would pay much more to build and repair roads. And older urban
states such as Maryland would lose road funds due to a new formula
that rewards underpopulated but large Western states and penalizes
heavily populated smaller states. That makes no sense
The
budget cuts mass transit general revenue outlays by $948 million,
with inadequate growth in highway trust fund spending to
compensate. Once again, the President would end operating
subsidies for 147 urban transit systems
With gridlock
threatening the lifeblood of urban areas coast to coast, that's
short-sighted
Skinner should look farther down the road."
(Baltimore Sun, 3/7)
CRIME
America's Deadly Urban Battlefield -- "In a speech last week,
President Bush expressed what's been in the back of the minds of
many New Yorkers: The battlefields in the Persian Gulf were safer
for Americans than our own streets
The President is right in
placing anti-crime legislation at the top of his domestic agenda.
Among the provisions of the proposed bill are measures that would
end frivolous appeals clogging the courts, ease restrictions on the
collection of evidence by police officers, toughen penalties for
gun-related crimes and make the death penalty mandatory in certain
cases. All these measures could help law enforcement. So could
a revamping of the welfare system."
(New York Post, 3/11)
-920m-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, March 13, 1991 -- C-3
Longer Sentences A Temporary Fix At Best --
"
Attorney General
Thornburgh is a bailer, not a fixer
The public, egged on by
Thornburgh and others, continues to blame the crime problem on the
fact that we go too easy on criminals, that the answer is to throw
more people in jail for longer times. In other words, ignore the
basic problem and bail. The irony is, the leak can be fixed
A series of studies in New York prisons demonstrated that inmates
who completed drug-treatment programs were far less likely to end
up back in jail after release The study demonstrated that
inmates who earn their high-school-equivalency degree are also less
likely to commit new crimes."
(Atlanta Constitution, 3/7)
Wait To Buy A Handgun -- "As expected, the Bush Administration's
anti-crime package ignores proposals for a national waiting period
for purchase of a handgun
Attorney General Thornburgh takes
the standard let's-not-stir-up-a-hornet's-next position that such
matters should be decided by the states. In effect, that leaves
public safety to local option. Never mind that every major law
enforcement agency in the country supports the 'Brady Bill,' which
requires a seven-day waiting period for a handgun
We think
Congress can distinguish between confiscating guns and preventing
felons from procuring them. It should mandate a waiting period,
with or without Administration support." (Scripps Howard, 3/12)
Nation Needs Stricter Gun Laws -- "'our troops will not be asked
to fight with one hand tied behind their back,' President Bush
vowed back in January
So why tie the hands of police officials
in Bush's new drive to 'silence the guns here at home'? As Chicago
Police Supt. LeRoy Martin said, following an anti-crime summit in
Washington called last week by President Bush, big city police
chiefs are 'all singing the same tune in the same pew' about the
rising plague and proliferation of handgun violence. But Bush
isn't even humming along. Stricter gun laws are a must in fighting
gangs and violence
At the very least, there should be a
minimum national waiting period for the purchase of a handgun to
start
slowing down the growing number of homicides that are
linked to those weapons
Untie the anti-crime warriors' hands,
Mr. President. Do something about gun control."
(Chicago Sun-Times, 3/10)
Mr. Thornburgh's Gun Logic -- " As the police chiefs and top law
enforcement officials in attendance at the summit session he
convened later noted, Attorney General Thornburgh's strategy is
something less than Schwarzkopfian
The attorney general
ignored years of requests from every major law enforcement
organization in the country to do something about the supply lines
to the 'enemy' -- that is, to support enactment of a nationwide
seven-day waiting period for the purchase of handguns. Missing,
too, from the plan was tougher controls on semi-automatic,
military assault-style weapons."
(Washington Post, 3/8)
Safe As Kuwait City -- "The new self-confidence from the victory
in the Gulf includes a recognition that we can take care of serious
problems if we have the resolve to get the job done. It's up to
Congress to decide if this time it's going to stand with President
Bush or continue to let crime take its toll."
(Wall Street Journal, 3/8)
-End of News Summary-
News Summary
OFFICE OF THE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1991
6:00 A.M. EST EDITION
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Bush Rebuffs ANC Leader -- President Bush sharply rebuked ANC
leader Nelson Mandela for likening Iraq to the U.S. during a
telephone call described Monday as long and angry.
(Washington Times)
Wiesel: Don't Force Israel's Hand -- President Bush said Monday
the U.S. wants "to seize the moment" to resolve age-old Middle East
conflicts, stating the goal moments after Nobel Peace Laureate Elie
Wiesel urged him not to pressure Israel into a settlement.
(Washington Times, Washington Post)
Soviet Vote Supports Two Rivals -- Political rivals President
Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin both appeared Monday to be in a
position to claim political victories in a nationwide referendum
on the future of the Soviet Union, the first such vote in the
country's history.
(Washington Post, Toronto Globe & Mail, AP)
NATIONAL NEWS
Bush Signs Bill Improving Veterans' Benefits -- President Bush
signed legislation Monday that improves employment and health
benefits for veterans who served in the Gulf during Operation
Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
UPI)
NETWORK NEWS (Monday evening)
SOVIET REFERENDUM -- Gorbachev
and Yeltsin are both claiming
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
A-1
victory in the Soviet Union's
first-ever national referendum.
NATIONAL NEWS
A-10
MIDDLE EAST PEACE -- Secretary
NETWORK NEWS
B-1
Baker's trip may have
demonstrated the administration's
FOREIGN MEDIA
C-1
new clout, but it showed just as
clearly how far the Middle East
is from real peace.
IRAQ/CEASE-FIRE -- The President
said members of the U.N. Security
Council are about to start work
on a permanent cease-fire.
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 REBUFFS ANC LEADER
President Bush sharply rebuked ANC leader Nelson Mandela for
likening Iraq to the U.S. during a telephone call described Monday
as long and angry.
"This is our position," the ANC deputy president told Bush
during the call just days after a cease-fire began, according to
a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
"OK! This is OUR position," Bush fired back after hearing
Mandela's litany and criticisms of what he called U.S. belligerence
during the fighting, the official said.
"President Bush didn't like the ANC statement that put Iraq
and the United States in the same unfavorable light. Mandela read
him the statement. He was firm with Mandela about the about the
Gulf and where he stood on it," the official added
The brief report by Simon Barber in Monday's "Business Day"
[which broke the story] was headlined "Mandela attacks U.S. during
call to Bush. It quoted well-placed administration officials as
saying Bush was stunned by what was described as "an attack on the
U.S. triumph in the Persian Gulf."
According to the report, "Bush was said to have been visibly
angered by Mandela's remonstrations.
A knowledgeable diplomatic source in Washington said the
episode was a not unexpected consequence of the President's bent
toward telephone diplomacy.
"I don't think they're going to speak very often in the
future, the diplomatic source said of Bush and Mandela, suggesting
that there was a wide gap between talking informally with British
Prime Minister Major and "someone who doesn't share European or
North American business culture or diplomatic culture."
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A1)
BUSH, AFTER BRIEFING BY BAKER, SAYS U.S. WILL PRESS FOR PEACE
President Bush and Secretary Baker met Monday to review
Baker's trip to the Middle East, and Bush later said the U.S. would
do all it could to prevent the new climate for peace there from
being lost.
Bush reported that Baker had returned from 10 days in the
Middle East, Turkey and the Soviet Union more hopeful about the
prospects for moving the peace process forward. "We're not going
to miss this opportunity," Bush said.
But the President warned that he does not want the American
people "to think you can wave a wand and solve all" the problems
there.
Bush said the first priority in the region is to bring about
a permanent cease-fire in the Gulf and that the environmental
damage caused by Iraq's destruction of Kuwait's oil facilities was
another reason the Iraqis must pay reparations as part of a cease-
fire agreement
Bush said there could be some action at the U.N. this week on
a cease-fire resolution. "We've got to
get common ground between
the coalition partners, but broadly speaking, people know what is
required," he added.
(Dan Balz, Washington Post, A25)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-2
Wiesel: Don't Force Israel's Hand
President Bush said Monday the U.S. wants "to seize the
moment" to resolve age-old Middle East conflicts, stating the goal
moments after Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel urged him not to
pressure Israel into a settlement.
"I don't think the American people ought to think that you can
wave a wand and solve all of these very difficult problems at
once, Bush said, ticking off the Israeli-Palestinian standoff,
Lebanon, and the overall Gulf security issue including Israel's
relations with coalition Arab states.
"I think the climate for fulfilling some of these hopes is
probably better than it's ever been," Bush said after Secretary
Baker reported on his postwar visit to the Middle East
"We are confident that persuasion rather than pressure, trust
rather than suspicion, will continue to govern your relationship
with Jerusalem, whose prophetic message of peace is at the heart
of its legitimacy," said Wiesel, who presented Bush with the Elie
Wiesel Humanitarian Award
"Thanks to you, Mr. President, small nations feel more secure.
Thanks to you, evil has been dealt a dramatic blow,' he said
Israeli ambassador Zalman Shoval said Monday, "No opportunity
for peace in the area should be neglected, even where a country
like Syria is concerned."
(Frank Murray, Washington Times, A3)
RESULTS SHOW GORBACHEV WINNING
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT ON FEDERATION
MOSCOW -- President Gorbachev's vision of a renewed Soviet
federation won the approval of more than three-quarters of voters
in the country's first referendum, the national legislature was
told Tuesday.
Vladimir Orlov, chairman of the Supreme Soviet's referendum
committee, said 82.2 percent of eligible voters cast ballots on
Sunday. he said 77 percent voted "yes," although the total was
higher in some individual republics
Orlov said that nearly 90 percent of the voting districts from
the Bering Sea to Byelorussia had reported their results by
telephone to Moscow officials.
Despite the overall strong support for Gorbachev, the results
were contradictory. He appeared to have won strong backing in
rural and eastern republics but weaker support in key cities such
as Moscow, Leningrad and Kiev.
In addition, voters in the Russian and Ukrainian republics
endorsed not only the union but also measures that favor autonomy
put on the ballot by the president's toughest critics.
(Ann Imse, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-3
Soviet Vote Supports Two Rivals
MOSCOW -- Political rivals President Gorbachev and Boris
Yeltsin both appeared Monday to be in a position to claim political
victories in a nationwide referendum on the future of the Soviet
Union, the first such vote in the country's history.
Preliminary results from Sunday's balloting indicate that,
despite strong opposition in Kiev, Moscow, Leningrad and other
major urban centers, a clear majority of voters favored preserving
the union. Gorbachev is now likely to use the results of the non-
binding referendum to put pressure on all 15 republics to sign a
new treaty that would give them limited sovereignty. The Kremlin
would retain decisive power.
Six republics that favor outright independence -- the three
Baltic states, Armenia, Georgia and Moldavia -- refused to
participate in the balloting. Early vote counts showed that
support for the referendum question was over 90 percent in the
traditionally conservative Central Asian republics, 82 percent in
Byelorussia and 70 percent in the Ukraine. There were no
comprehensive figures yet for Russia or Azerbaijan.
But Yeltsin's apparent victory on an additional question on
the referendum ballot in the vast Russian republic is likely to
take some of the luster off Gorbachev's victory. Russian voters
appeared to favor by an overwhelming majority the creation of a
popularly elected republican president, a position that Yeltsin
could win easily and use as an even stronger power base from which
to challenge Gorbachev.
(David Remnick, Washington Post, A1)
Soviet Vote Not The Ringing Success Gorbachev Sought
MOSCOW -- As an exercise in democratic nation-building, Soviet
President Gorbachev's national unity plebiscite was not a ringing
success
Preliminary returns indicate that a majority of those who
voted Sunday responded to his call for unity by voting "yes," but
it was not the kind of big victory that would enable Gorbachev to
deal with rebellious republics from a stronger political position.
On the contrary, reports reaching Moscow on Monday suggest
that the plebiscite only heightened interethnic tensions in some
areas, including six republics where governments organized boycotts
of the vote.
Moreover, the voting was marred by numerous allegations of
irregularities and fraud. Long-dead residents in the strike-bound
Kuzbass coal-mining region reportedly were included on lists of
registered voters
The Soviet Interior Ministry rushed a detachment of security
troops from the strife-torn Nagorno-Karabakh mountain district of
Azerbaijan to the placid, sun-drenched boulevards of Kiev. Their
mission was simply to vote "yes" for unity and "no" on a second
plebiscite question posed by Ukrainian officials -- that the
Ukraine should sign a new constitutional agreement with Moscow only
on the basis of full guarantees of sovereignty.
(Jeff Sallot, Toronto Globe & Mail)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-4
WHITE HOUSE NOT ENCOURAGED AFTER FUTILE TALKS IN MOSCOW
President Gorbachev is increasingly hamstrung by economic
catastrophe and the growing influence of hard-line military
officers, Bush administration officials believe after a weekend of
largely unproductive talks in Moscow.
The twin pressures are resulting in a slowdown in the free-
market economic reforms that Washington advocates and a bleak
future for arms control, at least in the short term, they said.
Officials also left Moscow convinced that the Soviet Union has
different ideas from the U.S. about the need for continued
sanctions on Iraq and peacekeeping forces in the Gulf. Those
differences could surface next week when the Security Council
begins debating a cease-fire resolution
Officials said the Bush administration has not written off the
CFE pact or other arms control efforts. But they could not point
to any promising signs.
"Nobody's looking for this around the corner," an official
said.
(Warren Strobel, Washington Times, A7)
ARMY OFFENSIVE REPELLED, IRAQI OPPOSITION SAYS
Rebel Spokesmen Dispute Saddam's Claim
To Have Snuffed Out Insurgency In South
DAMASCUS -- Iraqi Shiite Muslim opposition forces Monday
claimed they have repelled a three-pronged attack by Iraqi
government forces, disputing Saddam Hussein's claims to have
crushed all resistance in southern Iraq.
Within four hours of the president's televised speech
Saturday, government troops reportedly were driven from the city
of al-Kut, about 100 miles southwest of Baghdad on the Tigris
River, according to Bayan Jabour, representative of the opposition
Superior Council for the Islamic Republic.
Speaking at a news conference here organized by the
opposition's five-man joint-action committee, Jabour sid guerrillas
hold Karbala and expect government troops to retreat from the city
of Basra within "the next two days." He added that the rebels have
forced the army to withdraw from a key military camp
So confident were the opposition speakers Monday that they
pointedly said they needed no outside military help and would not
ask for any in the future. (Jonathan Randal, Washington Post, A25)
IRAQ REPORTED USING SOVIET MISSILES AGAINST REBELS
ATHENS -- Troops loyal to Saddam Hussein have begun deploying
Soviet-made FROG missiles against a strong insurgency in northern
Iraq, and unrest in the south was spreading, Iran's official
Islamic Republic News Agency said.
Quoting Iraqi refugees, the news agency said Monday that Iraqi
government troops bombarded cities to the north and northeast of
Baghdad with FROG surface-to-surface missiles, killing or wounding
many people.
(Ralph Joseph, UPI)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-5
BONN TO ASK ABOUT CUTTING WAR PAYMENT
BONN -- The German government plans to send a delegation to
Washington in the coming days to discuss whether the U.S. really
needs the entire German contribution to the cost of the Gulf war.
The move comes as a result of a call by the German opposition
Social Democrats for Bonn not to complete its pledged $11 billion
donation to the war effort.
(Washington Post, A25)
SENATE WEIGHS ARMS-SALE BAN
FOR COUNTRIES OWING WAR AID TO U.S.
The Senate is set to spend up to $15 billion in taxpayers'
money on the Gulf war, but angry lawmakers are also ready to hit
hard at countries that have not delivered on pledges to pitch in.
In a bill up for debate today, senators would halt arms sales
to nations whose war contributions to the U.S. have fallen short
of their promises
"If the promisor nation has money to buy arms from us, it can
first use that money to fulfill its pledge to help defray some of
our costs," Sen. Byrd wrote in a report accompanying the bill.
(Alan Fram, AP)
NEW U.S. REGULATIONS RESTRICT EXPORT OF CHEMICALS,
TECHNOLOGY TO GULF
The Bush administration has issued regulations that restrict
the export of chemicals, industrial equipment and missile
technology to countries such as Iraq, but the action may be little
more than symbolic.
Critics charge that without stronger international controls,
warlords such as Saddam Hussein can easily get weapons-related
technology from other countries.
Business representatives say the regulations will hurt
American exports, even of such seemingly harmless items as peanut
butter processors, thus worsening the U.S. balance of trade.
Moreover, while limiting the spread of missile technology, the
restrictions ignore combat jet aircraft, which can wreak much
greater damage at longer distances than missiles
Critics of this piecemeal approach say it's likely to spur a
new arms race in the Middle East as countries scramble to acquire
long-range jets instead of missiles.
John Pike, an arms control expert with the Federation of
American Scientists, said there was a "glaring inconsistency
between very tight controls on some technology (for ballistic
missiles), and yet a 7-Eleven approach to airplanes. "
"If you have to go through a lengthy licensing process at
Commerce, then we're going to get locked out of a lot of business,"
said Randolph Stayin, a lawyer [who] represents many
manufacturers of food-processing equipment.
(David Evans, Chicago Tribune)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-6
HAVING HURRIED UP TO WIN, GIs NOW WAIT
Logistical Puzzle of Pulling Out 545,000 Troops And Materiel
Delays Return Home
HAFIR AL BATIN -- With a huge American army of occupation
still entrenched in Kuwait and Iraq, boredom and homesickness have
become adversaries almost as formidable as the Iraqi army.
Known as Phase Echo, the redeployment of 545,000 U.S. troops
participating in Operation Desert Storm officially began March 10.
Military authorities say they hope to escalate the flow of
returning soldiers until at least 4,000 a day are going home by
early May, but the precise timetable remains a closely guarded
secret -- and many troops have resigned themselves to being in the
Middle East for months.
"There's something the whole world needs to understand," Lt.
Gen. John Yeosock, commander of Army forces in the operation, said
in Riyadh recently. "I've been pulling things over here at a max
rate for six months, so don't think you can take it back in three
days
Forty or 50 ports throughout the world loaded [the
materiel] to get it here but I will in essence be backloading it
through two ports."
(Rick Atkinson, Washington Post, A1)
SHAMIR RULES OUT TALKS WITH PALESTINIANS BAKER MET
JERUSALEM -- Prime Minister Shamir said Monday his government
is not willing to talk with the 10 Palestinian leaders from the
occupied territories who met here last week with Secretary Baker
as part of Baker's efforts to stimulate a new Middle East peace
process.
Shamir and several cabinet ministers also repudiated a
statement made in Washington Sunday by Health Minister Ehud Olmert
suggesting that Israel might be willing to negotiate with Syria
about the Golan Heights
The two statements, apparently made in response to pressure
from hard-line members of Shamir's cabinet, appeared to confirm the
government's continuing resistance to making any concessions in
order to start a new diplomatic exchange in the region.
(Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A25)
SYRIA CONDEMNS SHAMIR, URGES U.S. TO PRESSURE ISRAEL
DAMASCUS -- Damascus Tuesday condemned Israel's right-wing
Prime Minister Shamir for ruling out the return of the occupied
Golan Heights to Syria
The official Syrian daily Tishreen urged the U.S. to press
Israel to abandon its territorial claims for the sake of peace.
"If Arabs, rather than others, are called upon to confront the
Zionist enemy's plans, the world community especially the U.S.,
should shoulder their responsibility in forcing Israel to abandon
its expansionist plans," Tishreen said
The paper reaffirmed Syria's view that any peace settlement
in the region should be based on full Israeli withdrawal from all
occupied Arab territories and the guaranteeing of the rights of the
Palestinian people.
(Reuter)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-7
SHAMIR'S UNEXPECTED RESTRAINT
Forgoing Retaliation Ended Long Tradition
JERUSALEM -- In less than 36 hours following the first Iraqi
Scud attack on Israel on Jan. 18, Prime Minister Shamir led his
right-wing cabinet to one of the most dramatic policy reversals in
Israel's history: A decision to forgo retaliatory military action
against Iraq
One the crisis began, Shamir defied the conventional wisdom
about his own political potential as well as that of his
government. Within a few hectic hours, the prime minister scrapped
longstanding Israeli security doctrine, rejected the demands of the
hard-line hawks in his cabinet and, most significantly, yielded to
appeals from a U.S. administration that previously had been unable
to get its way with Jerusalem.
The story of the restraint policy thus offers an intriguing
example for the Bush administration as it seeks to involve Shamir's
government in a postwar Middle East peace process
"Shamir surprised a lot of people because he showed that on
some issues, he is willing to go very, very far to accommodate the
U.S.," a senior U.S. official said. "But that his linked to the
fact that on other issues, such as territory, he is not willing to
budge at all."
(Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A21)
ISRAEL BACKERS UPBEAT ON U.S. ATTITUDE
The Bush administration, enjoying the domestic fruits of its
successful prosecution of the war against Iraq, appears to be in
better standing with American-Jewish supporters of Israel than it
was a year ago.
The tone of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's
annual policy conference Sunday and Monday was palpably different
from last year's.
"Definitely, the atmosphere is changed and upbeat, and missing
the undercurrent of hostility toward Bush and Baker we saw at least
year's conference," said B'nai B'rith International Affairs
Director Dan Mariaschin.
"No question, every speaker we had has lauded the Bush
administration," said Michael Glasser, a lawyer from Norfolk.
"Bush is an American hero and a hero to AIPAC.
AIPAC Executive Director Thomas Dine set the conference tone
Sunday night, saying that "George Bush's crisis leadership was
masterful and will be studied in the universities and think tanks
for generations to come."
Dine also laid down some cautionary markers. He condemned the
pursuit of "evenhandedness," saying it was wrong to equate
democratic Israel with "despotic" Arab nations that promote
international terrorism.
(Ralph Hallow, Washington Times, A10)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-8
YUGOSLAV POLITICAL TURMOIL BROADENS
Collective Presidency Rejects Action BY Marxist Serbia Leader
BELGRADE -- Yugoslavia's central government began fighting
back Monday against an attempt by Serbian President Milosevic to
disenfranchise the Yugoslav collective presidency, which commands
the army and mediated disputes among this hybrid country's six
constituent republics.
Speaking for the eight-member presidency, the republic of
Macedonia's representative on the body, Vasily Tupurkovski, called
Milosevic's action an "extremely serious" disruption in the
decision-making power of the Yugoslav government and insisted that
the Serbian leader's combative techniques would fail. "Nobody can
legally block the work of the presidency," Tupurkovski said.
(Blaine Harden, Washington Post, A21)
Yugoslav Leadership Shows Clear Sign of Crumbling
BELGRADE -- This nation's leadership crisis took a turn for
the absurd Monday when a member of the embattled federal presidency
refused to accept Serbia's refusal to recognize its authority.
Yet in a clear sign that the presidential authority has
crumbled, the same official disclosed that the ruling body that is
supposed to command Yugoslavia's armed forces had not been heard
from the Communist-controlled high command for three days.
Yugoslavs continued to show up at their schools and factories
despite the army leadership's angry warning Friday that it might
take unilateral action after failing to get presidential permission
for a state of emergency. (Carol Williams, Los Angeles Times, A12)
ITALY TO SEEK EXTRADITION OF ACHILLE LAURO FIGURE
Italian authorities said Monday they will ask Greece to
extradite a Palestinian terrorist convicted in absentia in 1986 for
plotting the hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro.
Abdul-Rahim Khaled, 56, who was sentenced to life imprisonment
for his role in the 1985 hijacking, was arrested March 5 in Athens
during a police search of a friend's home that turned up dynamite
and a gasoline bomb.
"He was arrested on something else and then we found out who
he was," an Athens police official told the AP.
(George Lardner, Washington Post, A22)
ISRAELI GENERAL PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD INVOLVING U.S. AID
JERUSALEM -- Israeli military prosecutors have charged that
several employees of U.S. defense contractors, including a manager
of General Electric, conspired with an Israeli air force general
to divert millions of dollars in U.S. government aid to their
personal bank accounts, according to court documents published
Monday
The air force's former chief of equipment, Brig. Gen. Rami
Dotan, pleaded guilty to 12 criminal counts, including bribery and
fraud, and admitted to misappropriation of funds totalling $12
million.
(Jackson Diehl, Washington Post, A21)
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-9
U.S. ENVOY BACK IN KENYA REGIME'S DOGHOUSE
NAIROBI -- And now, the affair of the "sinister" schoolbooks.
U.S. Ambassador Smith Hempstone is under attack here for
donating a package of textbooks, including autobiographies of some
seminal American black figures, to a dirt-poor government school
during a tour of the Kenyan countryside in late January.
The books have been seized by the local police and termed
"sinister" by the area's member of parliament. They have become
the occasion for a new outburst of anti-U.S. rhetoric from the
nominally pro-American Kenyan government. As before, the main
target is the outspoken ambassador.
The latest outburst apparently heralds the beginning of a
larger campaign. American diplomats here have already been warned
by Kenyan government sources to expect a sustained barrage of
criticism from lawmakers after parliament opens its 1991 session
today
Hempstone
appears to be a stand-in for what is really
bugging the government of President Moi: American officials'
increasing criticism of Kenya's human rights record and a
congressional move to freeze American aid to the country for the
same reason.
(Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, A12)
CONSERVATIVE SPECIALIST ON AMERICA IS NEW SOVIET ENVOY
Viktor Komplektov, an experienced specialist on American
affairs, is Moscow's choice as the new Soviet ambassador here,
administration officials say.
His selection, due to be made public soon, puts a diplomat
with a hard-line reputation in the key post as U.S.-Soviet
relations are tested in the Middle East and the Baltics
"He is generally viewed as somewhat humorless and as a hard-
liner, even occasionally polemic," a U.S. official said.
(Barry Schweid, AP)
###
NATIONAL NEWS
BUSH SIGNS BILL IMPROVING VETERANS BENEFITS
President Bush signed legislation Monday that improves
employment and health benefits for veterans who served in the Gulf
during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
Among other things, the new law requires health insurance
carriers to. reinstate coverage without imposing a waiting period
and beefs up current re-employment protection for reservists on
active duty for more than 90 days.
The law also provides more protection for families of service
personnel who pay rent for their living accommodations and gives
military doctors a break on malpractice insurance premiums.
Other benefits offer provisions to protect credit ratings and
extend legal authority for families of those listed as missing in
action.
(UPI)
THE TEMPTATION OF CUTTING SOCIAL SECURITY PAYROLL TAXES
When there's a penalty-free tax cut available, not many
politicians are likely to say no.
That may present the White House with a dilemma this spring.
An unlikely assortment of Democrats, conservative Republicans and
business interests will be pushing for a cut in Social Security
payroll taxes, and the administration opposes the move
Sponsors in both parties are pushing the cut as an anti-
recession measure, saying it would stimulate consumer spending and
jobs.
Opponents, in and out of the administration, counter that
cutting revenues now will force other tax increases later. They
also argue the move could threaten future Social Security
benefits
Moynihan's measure would cut the tax rate by one percent on
both workers and employers by 1996. At the same time, the wage
base subject to the tax would go up annually, to $82,200 in 1996.
So wealthier Americans will be paying the lower rate on a bigger
portion of the incomes.
GOP co-sponsors are less enthusiastic about the latter feature
than about the rate reduction, and hostile to other proposals for
even sharper increases in the wage base. "Once again, the pro-
envy crowd wants to sock it to the rich," said Sen. Kasten.
(News Analysis, Walter Mears, AP)
INFLATION SHOULD MODERATE THIS YEAR, ECONOMISTS SAY
Inflation, which surged in 1990 to a pace not seen in almost
a decade, will be much better behaved this year, economists
believe.
The Bush administration is counting on this forecast coming
true and thus giving the Federal Reserve the maneuvering room to
fight the recession with additional declines in interest rates.
Economists' predictions of a significant improvement in
inflation is based on a belief that world oil prices will average
[around $20 a barrel.]
(Martin Crutsinger, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-11
TWO HILL LEADERS STRESS NEED TO ADDRESS POOR CHILDREN'S PLIGHT
Two influential members of Congress Monday urged President
Bush to make America's poor children his top domestic priority and
offered some ideas about how to raise funds and restructure
programs.
"If I were president, I'd focus on children. They've been in
the dark cellars of policy debate for too long, Rep. Rostenkowski
said in a speech to the National Association of Children's
Hospitals and Related Institutions. "Their problems are stark.
They cannot plead their own case and kids are a good investment.
If we help them today, they'll strengthen our economy tomorrow."
Rostenkowski said he is "not afraid" to consider new taxes
earmarked especially for children's programs, but added that no
revenue measure could move through Congress without the President's
blessing.
Sen. Rockefeller, addressing the same group, said it was
"fundamentally amoral" that children have become the poorest group
in society and that one child in five is now growing up in poverty.
(Paul Taylor, Washington Post, A6)
FDIC OFFERED MORE BORROWING AUTHORITY THAN IT SOUGHT
The Bush administration is offering the FDIC even more added
borrowing authority than it requested to stand behind the dwindling
insurance fund for bank deposits.
The administration borrowing plan, which likely will be
forwarded to Congress this week, would provide an additional $25
billion if needed. That is $10 billion more than the $15 billion
requested three weeks ago by FDIC Chairman Seidman
"It's very good. They took our plan and they improved it,"
Seidman said Monday. "The fact that we're actually borrowing money
and raising funds to pay it back at the same time is something that
ought to appeal to all those who want to protect the taxpayer "
Joseph Coyne, a spokesman for the Federal Reserve, said
officials there had no immediate comment on the plan. However, a
senior official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the
Fed board likely would reluctantly go along.
"Obviously we're not too pleased to be pulled into this, the
official said. "And some people will raise questions about whether
it's appropriate for us to be pulled into it. One question is:
Why isn't Treasury financing it?"
(Dave Skidmore, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-12
SULLIVAN'S SERMON: RESPONSIBILITY
HHS Chief Stresses Individual Behavior
In Countering Social Problems
Secretary Sullivan disagrees with those who believe that the
problems of the underclass can be alleviated only by greater
investment in social programs.
Sullivan says social spending is but a part of the solution
and in recent years has become the apostle of what he calls a
"culture of character.'
"I couldn't be more supportive of the secretary" in
emphasizing personal conduct and responsibility, said Eddie
Williams, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic
Studies, a think tank on social issues affecting blacks. "I hope
he keeps it up." Williams said Sullivan's message of
responsibility "is consistent with the views of black leaders and
black scholars."
"But in the same breath we also emphasize governmental
responsibility. Government must play a role, and that role
inevitably involves expenditure of dollars
Douglas Besharov, resident scholar at the American Enterprise
Institute and a specialist in children's problems and social
indicators said it is important for someone to [represent the
viewpoint Sullivan has taken.]
"More people have to say what he's saying. We've had a
discussion of only one side of the problem of the poor: 'social
victimology.' The other side is some degree of personal
responsibility. Both sides must be heard."
(Spencer Rich, Washington Post, A17)
ALEXANDER TO DISCUSS WILLIAMS' CONGRESSIONAL APPEARANCE
Barely in office, Secretary Alexander already is in a tug-
of-war with a congressional committee.
The former Tennessee governor
is undecided about whether to
allow Assistant Secretary Michael Williams to testify before a
House Government Operations subcommittee on the Bush
administration's policy on race-specific scholarships
"He's been invited to testify. If he does not show up, we
will subpoena him. We're hoping he'll show up voluntarily," said
a congressional official, who asked for anonymity.
The official said the panel has information that the [ban on
race-based scholarship] policy may have been developed by "an
organization outside the government with influence inside the
government." The source declined to name the organization, citing
the sensitivity of the information
"I'm not sure about whether he will appear before the
committee,' said Alexander. "There won't be much for him to say
except that we're in the midst of developing the policy."
(Tamara Henry, AP)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-13
LOUISIANA GOVERNOR IS A NEW VIP IN THE GOP
Republicans paraded their latest major convert, Gov Roemer of
Louisiana, around the nation's capital Monday, touting him as a new
standard-bearer in a politically realigning South.
Roemer was greeted with all the perquisites of a party in
power: A meeting in the Oval Office with President Bush, a
reception with top administration officials and a news conference
in the shadow of the White House.
The governor, who announced last week that he was joining the
Republican Party, said, "I do not come to trash" the Democrats.
But he proceeded to describe the Republicans as the party "open to
new ideas" and said he had tried for years to bring "economic
sanity" to the Democrats.
Republicans tried to cast Roemer as the most visible of a wave
of defections in recent years, saying that 237 Democratic
officeholders have switched parties since President Bush took
office. "I think it sends a message that's been sent for quite a
while about which party better represents mainstream America,
especially the mainstream in the South," said B. Jay Cooper,
director of communications for the RNC
But Ron Brown, chairman of the DNC, scoffed at the claims and
professed to be unperturbed by a day that seemed choreographed to
torment Democrats.
"The fact is there are more Democratic elected officials at
every level now than there were in 1980 and 1988 -- more governors,
more senators, more House members, and more mayors," said Brown.
"So while they continue to talk about Republican realignment,
there's just no evidence of that."
(Robin Toner, New York Times, A16)
GROUPS CALL FOR SIX-YEAR CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS
Two citizens groups called for six-year term limits for
members of Congress and 12-year limits for senators, and announced
plans for ballot initiatives to accomplish that in at least nine
states.
Group leaders said Monday momentum is gaining for the "citizen
legislature" movement
"We are well aware we're not going to get a lot of support
from those in power," said Cleta Mitchell of Oklahoma, a director
of Americans to Limit Congressional Terms. She said the activists
focus on ballot initiatives rather than legislation.
"Congress has lost sight of its mission" by allowing large
budget deficits, pork-barrel politics and hefty pay raises for
members, said Paul Beckner, director of Citizens for Congressional
Reform.
"Those who serve have turned (their offices) into a re-
election machine,' he said.
(Teresa Simons, UPI)
-970m-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-14
DEMOCRATS PLAN DRIVE ON WASTE
Government Evils Target of Task Force
Democrats have decided it is time to show the American public
that they, too, care about the evils of waste, fraud and abuse in
the federal government.
"Republicans have put us in a position that we appear as the
party that only cares about spending. We need to change that
perception. We have to show that we care about making programs
work,' said Rep. Dorgan, chairman of a new Democratic task force
on government waste.
And, Dorgan added, "we have to be aggressive." With the
exception of investigation of the Defense Department, "where we
have been swaggering cowboys on waste, " Dorgan said Democrats have
been "wallflowers on everything else" when it comes to rooting out
waste in government
A Democratic House aide said he wondered how effective
Democrats could be in taking up the waste issue. "The Democrats
are up against a much bigger problem now: how to identify
themselves with anything -- much less opposition to waste."
(Maralee Schwartz, Washington Post, A17)
W. VA. PROJECT GROWS WITH BYRD'S PUSH
Training Center Gets Big Tourist Facility
Sen. Byrd, who had boasted that he would bring $1 billion in
federal projects to his state, has used his position to transform
a modest proposal for a wildlife worker training center into what
officials say will be a "world class, state-of-the-art" tourist
attraction in West Virginia's eastern-most county.
Government officials say Byrd, chairman of the Senate
Appropriations Committee, is the driving force behind the
unannounced project that would have the federal government build
a multimillion dollar tourist-oriented wildlife center near Harpers
Ferry.
An official familiar with the project said it suddenly
appeared in a mid-1989 Senate Appropriations report as a one-line,
$4.9 million appropriation for a "training center" for the Fish and
Wildlife Service and since has grown to something that will cost
more than $60 million.
(Bill McAllister, Washington Post, A1)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- A-15
GUESS WHO'S COMING TO LUNCH?
It's Eazy-E Dinin' With The GOP to Hear
the Rap of the Chief, Beyond Belief
In an amazing twist of fate bordering on farce, a notoriously
foul-mouthed rapper from Los Angeles named Eazy-E found himself in
the huge and stuffy Omni Shoreham ballroom Monday afternoon, dining
with 1,400 Republicans and the president of the United States.
Eazy-E was a perfect gentleman.
Attitude, it seems, is fickle. Comes and goes.
"I do support the President's policy in the Persian Gulf,"
Eazy said meekly after the fund-raising luncheon. "I'm not against
anything, really, that he's doing."
As of last month, Eazy-E has been a member of the Republican
Senatorial Inner Circle
"Somebody from Texas invited me," he said politely. "A
senator, I think. "
The National Republican Senatorial Committee had no immediate
comment. But by late afternoon, an official statement was issued
by Wendy Burnley, director of communications.
"This is clear and convincing evidence of the success of our
new Rap-Outreach program. Democrats, eat your hearts out."
(Martha Sherrill, Washington Post, C1)
EDITOR'S NOTES: "New Education Chief Srtesses Commitment," by
Karen De Witt, appears in the New York Times, A21.
-End of A-Section-
NETWORK NEWS
(Monday evening, March 18)
SOVIET REFERENDUM
NBC's Katherine Couric: For the first time in its history, the
Soviet Union has had a nationwide referendum, a vote on whether to
keep that country together -- in essence, a vote on Mikhail
Gorbachev's rule. Indications are that it will go Gorbachev's way.
But what does that mean?
NBC's Bob Abernethy reports on the vote. The first partial returns
showed a clear victory for Mikhail Gorbachev. The vote was non-
binding, but a majority favored "preserving a renewed union of
sovereign states." But six of the republics refused to participate
in the vote. And in Moscow, the referendum carried by just barely
50 percent. Gorbachev called the referendum to get backing in his
campaign to create a new union in which the republics would have
more independence, but the central government would still be in
control. Gorbachev and his supporters see a new union treaty as
the first step to economic change.
Meanwhile, the big winner yesterday was Gorbachev's rival,
Boris Yeltsin, whose fellow voters agreed that their republic, the
Russian Federation, should have an elected president. Yeltsin
would be the clear favorite in such an election.
Couric reports reaction to the vote in Washington was tempered,
with the White House saying it wants to wait and see.
CBS's Ed Bradley: Mikhail Gorbachev and his chief rival Boris
Yeltsin are both claiming victory as returns come in from the
Soviet Union's first-ever national referendum.
CBS's Anthony Mason reports on the vote. Fifty-six percent of Kiev
and 62% of Sverdlovsk, Yeltsin's home city, said no. The Central
Asian republics were the most loyal to Gorbachev; he won nine out
of ten votes in that area. In Moldavia, people gathered outside
the government-set up polling stations, aggressively discouraging
anyone who tried to vote. One man claimed Soviet officials invited
him to stuff the ballot box. "They offered me as many ballots as
I wanted," he said.
(NBC-Lead, CBS-Lead, ABC-7)
LITHUANIA
ABC's Ted Koppel reports Soviet troops detained the head of the
Lithuanian Defense Ministry, reportedly for possessing a handgun.
They released him 12 hours later on orders from Moscow. (ABC-8)
E. GERMAN PROTESTS
Bradley reports East Germans are back in the streets, protesting
the unemployment and poverty that have come with capitalism and
Germany unity. Tens of thousands marched in several cities
tonight, and vowed to be back every Monday until Chancellor Kohl
brings them economic relief.
(CBS-2)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-2
MIDDLE EAST PEACE
Bradley: President Bush says he's determined to press for a
breakthrough toward peace before the Middle East reverts to its
status quo.
CBS's Randall Pinkston:
(TV Coverage: Secretary Baker outside White House.)
Fresh from an upbeat report from Secretary Baker on his talks with
Mideast leaders, President Bush told a group of American Jewish
leaders today that it's time to seize the moment in pursuit of a
lasting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
(President Bush, with Jewish leaders: "I think the climate for
fulfilling some of these hopes is probably better than it's ever
been, and I'm talking about on all sides out there.")
But in nearly the same breath, the President downplayed
expectations for easy solutions to the Palestinian question, strife
in Lebanon, and remaining problems in the Persian Gulf.
(President Bush: "I don't think the American people ought to think
that you can wave a wand and solve all three of these very
difficult problems at once.")
One reason for the President's caution: Israel's continued
hardline stance on direct contact with Palestinians. Today, Prime
Minister Shamir rejected talks with the same Palestinian leaders
who last week met with Secretary Baker to discuss possible dialogue
with Israel.
(Rep. Hamilton: "It gives you a sense of how intractable all these
problems are. We have to be modest about all of this; we can't
achieve miracles even though we've won the war.")
And that may explain why the President has not publicly floated any
specific peace plan. Baker's trip may have demonstrated the
Administration's new clout, but it showed just as clearly how far
the Middle East is from real peace.
(CBS-5)
IRAQI UNREST
NBC's John Cochran: The President said members of the U.N.
Security Council are about to start work on a permanent cease-fire
agreement -- and it won't be easy.
(TV Coverage: President Bush with Jewish leaders.)
The President admitted it will be hard to get coalition partners
to agree on cease-fire details like reducing the flow of arms into
the Gulf area.
(President Bush: "But there are a lot of other, there are a lot
of other principle points. Iraq must pay reparations or pay
damages. And the more one looks at the environmental terrorism
that they embraced, that they brought about, the more the world
understands that they have got to do something about that.
The President said Iraq still has plenty of money, both to pay
reparations and to help itself.
(President Bush: "And now we've got to see that they use their
resources for helping their own people, and that's a little
complicated, given the three areas of contest right now. Almost
combat right now -- south up to the north, and then some in Baghdad
itself.")
Saddam Hussein is taking his worst losses in the north, where
Kurdish dissidents claim big gains. And today, the U.S. State
Department confirmed Kurds apparently control large areas.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-3
Cochran's report continues:
(TV Coverage: Secretary Baker outside White House.)
Secretary Baker left the White House after briefing the President.
Bush then met with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, who presented
him with an award as a humanitarian.
(TV Coverage: Wiesel presenting award to Bush.)
Bush promised to press harder for peace throughout the Mideast.
(President Bush: "I think the United States is in a stronger
position, a more credible position, to be the most important
catalyst for peace. And that has been reinforced by what Secretary
Baker has told
The U.S. has also privately warned Kuwait to stop abuse of
Palestinians accused of collaborating with Iraqi forces. Kuwaiti
officials promised more protection. The U.S. says it wants to help
the Palestinians in Iraq primarily for humanitarian reasons. But
there's also a hope here -- a very faint hope -- that the
Palestinians will show their appreciation by seriously working for
peace with Israel.
(NBC-2)
CBS's Jim Stewart reports from the Pentagon on the Iraqi unrest.
The Kurds appear to be making some major gains in northern Iraq,
and for the first time some of Saddam's best troops appear to be
heading for that fight. Kurdish opposition leaders are also
claiming that Saddam's forces have used tactical surface-to-
surface missiles against five Kurdish towns in the region, but
there has been no verification of the claim.
(State Department spokesman Boucher: "Heavy fighting between
government forces and Kurdish dissidents, which continues in
northern Iraq. Kurdish dissidents now appear to control large
portions of predominantly Kurdish areas of northern and
northeastern Iraq.")
And just two days after Saddam claimed his forces had smashed
opposition in the southern portion of the country, more fighting
was reported there as well, with particularly heavy damage in
Karbala, home to Shi'ite holy sites.
(Boucher: "We can't confirm that. Unfortunately, both holy
shrines in Karbala have been damaged in the recent fighting
there.")
Saddam is getting no relief either on the diplomatic front, as
President Bush pointed to continuing oil fires in Kuwait as more
evidence of why Iraq must pay war damages.
(President Bush: "Iraq must pay reparations or pay damages. And
the more one looks at the environmental terrorism that they
embraced, that they brought about, the more the world understands
that they have got to do something about that.")
Officials at the Pentagon have been saying for weeks that they
believe Saddam has the military muscle to survive this, but the
rebels show no sign of giving up.
(CBS-3)
Koppel: As usual, there are conflicting reports tonight about the
fighting by insurgent forces inside Iraq. Iraq today said it had
crushed the revolt in the southern part of the country. Iraqi
television showed pictures which it said were from the holy city
of Karbala, showing a damaged hospital and people killed by what
it called saboteurs.
(TV Coverage: Footage of damage.)
None of this can be confirmed independently.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-4
ABC's Brian Rooney reports on accounts of the unrest by refugees'
at the border with Kuwait. Two men said today that the Iraqi army
used mustard gas against the rebels. They say they saw the bodies,
which looked like they died from the gas because they'd been
suffocated. Two other men say thousands have died in the southern
cities. Refugees have little food or water and are suffering.
They are getting little or no help -- not from the Iraqi
government, nor from the occupying Americans.
(ABC-3)
WEAPONS SALES
Koppel: The Bush Administration announced new plans today for
helping sell American weapons overseas. It is something the U.S.
did until the late 1970s, using government money to underwrite arms
sales. That policy ended because too many customers didn't pay
back their loans. Now, the Administration is trying to revive the
system, to help revive the defense industry.
ABC's Bob Zelnick reports on the plan. With its budget shrinking,
the Pentagon will stop buying a number of weapons systems,
including M1 tanks and F-15 fighter planes. The companies that
make them must then find customers overseas. To help them, the
Administration has asked Congress to guarantee up to a billion
dollars in loans from the Export-Import Bank to foreign governments
so they can buy the weapons.
(State Dept. spokesman Boucher: "The program is designed to give
U.S. defense exporters the same kind of opportunity that's given
to other exporters -- in a sense, to level the playing field, vis-
a-vis their foreign competitors.")
Most of the weapons the U.S. exports now go to NATO countries or
special friends like Israel and Egypt. And President Bush has said
he doesn't want another arms race in the Middle East. But many who
oppose the Administration's proposal say it could do just that.
(Rep. Moody: "It can help fuel the arms race in the Third World,
and the President would like to be able to sell, to subsidize with
Ex-Im money arms sales to any country that he deems necessary in
the national interest. Well, who's gonna be next year's Iraq?")
Opponents also fear that channeling loan guarantees into military
sales could create hardships for American companies trying to sell
commercial jets, computers and other civilian products. (ABC-6)
KUWAIT/POLLUTION, REBUILDING
Koppel reports the pollution in Kuwait from the burning oil fields
has reached its worst level ever. Visibility at high noon was
limited to less than 500 yards, and the temperature was an
unseasonably cool 60 degrees.
(ABC-4)
Bradley reports that among those breathing the pollution were
several U.S. congressmen checking on the prospects for economic
recovery and democratic reform in Kuwait. Economic damage is now
put at $20 to $30 billion, somewhat less than earlier estimates.
ABC's Jim Bitterman reports on the disparities in Kuwait city. In
a city where running water is almost non-existent, there is one
place it flows from golden faucets. In a country where the
electric system is in shambles, there is one place where the lights
burn all day long. That place is the soon-to-be home palace of the
emir and his government.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-5
Bitterman continues: While the cleanup elsewhere is only inching
forward, at the palace 4000 workers, some under the supervision of
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are working day and night to
repair the damage and replace the stolen fixtures, right down to
the last toilet-paper holder. The head of Kuwait's emergency
recovery planning says everybody has a duty to do. But opposition
leaders say privately that far more attention and money has been
lavished on the comforts of the country's rulers than on the basic
needs of the people who live here.
(ABC-5, CBS-4)
NORFOLK/TROOP RETURN
Bradley reports Norfolk's Navy Base turned out today to welcome
the first ship home from the Persian Gulf, the USS Sylvania with
430 sailors aboard.
(TV Coverage: Troops greeted by cheering crowds.)
The battleship Wisconsin and the carrier John F. Kennedy are
expected to return to Norfolk next week.
(CBS-6)
GULF SOLDIER/SHOOTING
Couric: Two weeks ago, President Bush said a U.S. soldier actually
may have been safer in Operation Desert Storm than on the streets
of his hometown. For one GI, just back from the Gulf War, the
President, unfortunately, was right. Army specialist Anthony Riggs
was helping his wife move to their new apartment in Detroit early
today when someone approached him, shot him and killed him. He was
22 years old.
(NBC-3)
ABC's Chris Bury reports on the shooting. Riggs was with the
Army's Delta 343rd Patriot missile group, helping to man the
Patriot system which protected Riyadh. He had just received two
weeks' leave to visit his wife in Detroit. Just last night Riggs
had joked with relatives about the danger of gunfire in Detroit,
saying, "I just came back from where they were shooting missiles
over my head. Those bullets ain't gonna scare me, not right now."
So far this year, 128 people have been murdered in Detroit; 125
were killed in action during Desert Storm.
(ABC-2)
CBS's Jacqueline Adams reports on the shooting. Welcome home. A
new federal study confirms that young black men were safer in the
sands of Iraq and Kuwait than they are on the streets of America's
cities. This weekend, the number of homicides in Washington, D.C.
topped 100. Most of the victims were black, most of them male.
(Rev. Calvin Butts: "Discrimination still lives. Crime still
lives. Homelessness still lives. Drugs still live. In America.
And no matter what we did to Saddam Hussein, we have not won the
victory at home.")
(CBS-7)
L.A. POLICE BEATING
Koppel: The evidence is new, dramatic and devastating to those
Los Angeles police officers involved in the March 3rd beating of
that black motorist. The incident, as you no doubt have seen, was
videotaped by a private citizen. The new evidence, released today
by the L.A. Police Department, reveals graphically how the police
officers involved told some of their fellow officers what happened.
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-6
ABC's Judy Muller reports on the evidence. On of the two officers
who wielded the batons that evening relayed a message after the
arrest to another car, saying, "Sounds almost as exciting as our
last call. It was right out of 'Gorillas in the Mist. Response:
"Ha ha. Let me guess. Who be the parties?" Car 1 again: "Oops.
I haven't beaten anyone this bad in a long time." Car 2: "Oh, no.
Not again. I thought you agreed to chill out for while." That
transmission suggests the beating was not an isolated incident.
On another transmission, the supervising sergeant said, "You just
had a big time use of force. Big time."
Meanwhile, Police Chief Daryl Gates arrived at work to a
rousing reception: hundreds of police department employees lined
the route to Gates' office in support. The news media had been
alerted at least a day in advance.
(TV Coverage: Pro-Gates demonstration.)
Gates said the demonstration reaffirmed his decision to stay on the
job. Gates said he wishes Rodney King, the victim of the beating,
the very best, adding:
(Gates: "I hope perhaps this will be the vehicle for really moving
down the road to a good life instead of the life that he's been
involved in for such a long time.")
King was on parole for a 1989 robbery conviction when he was beaten
by the officers, who had no knowledge of that record.
Koppel: Late this afternoon, Chief Gates expressed concern that
the remark about "Gorillas in the Mist" could be interpreted as a
racial slur.
(ABC-Lead)
CBS's Jerry Bowen reports the union that represents all Los Angeles
policemen defended the other 11 officers at the scene of the
beating, saying that by doing nothing, they did exactly as they
were trained to do.
(Det. Cliff Ruff, L.A. Police Detective League: "Anybody who
challenges the authority of superior officers is severely dealt
with in a disciplinary system. We're a paramilitary organization,
and we're taught to follow orders."
But an expert on police behavior says the fact that the officers
simply stood by suggests something more ominous.
(Jerome Stolnick, U. of Calif. at Berkeley: "It suggests that the
police officers who are around watching this were expecting this
kind of thing to happen, did not find it utterly offensive, and
were prepared to lie about it.")
Transcripts of radio police traffic after the beating indicate
officers were aware the altercation was not routine. "You just had
a big-time use of force -- tased and beat the suspect of CHP
pursuit big-time," said one unit. "Oh, well. I'm sure the lizard
didn't deserve it -- ha ha," said the second unit. In another
conversation, one of the officers who beat the man said, "I think
he was dusted," an apparent reference to the suspect being under
the influence of drugs, though there's no evidence to support that
allegation.
(CBS-9, NBC-5)
KHALED CAPTURE
Couric reports that terrorist Abu Khaled, wanted for the 1985
Achille Lauro hijacking, has been captured. Greek police said they
have arrested him, and he may be extradited to Italy, where a court
convicted him in absentia.
(NBC-8)
-erom-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-7
SCHOOL PRAYER
Koppel reports the Supreme Court has decided to tackle the
question: Is using the word God in an invocation at a public
school graduation a violation of the Constitutional requirement of
separation of church and state? One federal appeals court ruled
it illegal, and another federal court ruled it legal.
(ABC-9)
NBC's Carl Stern reports on the debate. The lower courts ruled
that prayer to God during commencement ceremonies violated the
separation of church and state, and the matter might have ended
there. But five states and the Bush Administration urged the board
of the school in question to appeal to the Supreme Court. Utah
supplied $10,000; the Bush Administration helped the school board
find a big-name lawyer. That lawyer, Charles Cooper, says school
boards have made prayers at graduation an American tradition.
(Charles Cooper: "Actually, I think this is a decision for the
local school officials, the local representatives of the people to
make; not the Constitution, and not the federal courts.")
But now, the highest federal judges will hear the case next fall,
with a decision in time for the graduating class of '92. (NBC-11)
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
Koppel reports the system which is supposed to protect the rising
number of unemployed Americans is falling short: only 37% of
America's jobless are receiving unemployment benefits, the lowest
ever during a recession. Even those who are eligible are having
trouble getting it.
ABC's Sheila Kast reports on the problem. In Indiana, claims are
soaring, but the state has the same unemployment offices and staff
it did during the 1982 recession. That's because the federal
government cut back the money it sends states to run the offices,
even though more than a billion dollars sits in a federal trust
fund for just that purpose. Critics charge the government is not
spending it in order to make the budget deficit look smaller.
Congress is about to send the states a small part of the fund --
less than $200 million. State officials see that as only a stopgap
solution. And benefits for jobless workers often run out before
they can find new jobs. In previous recessions, jobless workers
could have been eligible for more benefits, sometimes a year's
worth or more. But the rules were tightened during the 1980s, and
unemployment in a given state must reach a much higher level before
the state can qualify for the federal money which pays extended
benefits. So far, only four states have.
(Rep. Downey: "It's a little hard to say to somebody who's
exhausted their 26 weeks of benefits, 'Well, we're sorry, we're not
gonna pay any benefits; there's only eight billion dollars in the
account. '")
Strict new budget rules say the trust fund cannot be spent unless
some other program is cut or the unemployment tax paid by employers
is raised.
(D.J. Fribbon, National Association of Independent Businesses:
"One of the last things you want to do in a recession is make
hiring people more expensive.")
And many Republicans argue that this recession is not deep enough
to justify a change.
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-8
Kast's report continues:
(Rep. Shaw: "This, I believe, the money that we have got to
protect, so it will be there if we do get into a much deeper
recession. With unemployment figures well up above six percent,
that's a reason for concern, but it's not a reason for panic as
yet.")
But workers running out of benefits are starting to panic.
(ABC-10)
POLLUTION/GRAND CANYON
NBC's Roger O'Neill reports on increasing pollution at the Grand
Canyon. During winter, the canyon cannot be seen clearly through
the haze 80 percent of the time. The EPA, after years of ignoring
a never-used provision of the Clean Air Act, is now ready to
enforce the law at Grand Canyon, and will force a nearby power
plant, the biggest polluter, to clean up.
(Bill Rosenberg, EPA: "There is no question that the American
public wants action, and we intend to provide that action.")
The EPA wants the plant to reduce its sulfur dioxide emissions by
70 percent by 1995. But at a public hearing in Phoenix today, the
public said it wants a 95 percent cleanup. Visibility at the
national parks is a national problem; more than 70 parks have views
obscured by haze.
(NBC-6)
CALIF. OIL SPILL
Couric reports that off the California coast, a ship's anchor
ruptured an underwater pipeline, fouling the exclusive beaches
around Malibu and Santa Monica.
(NBC-10, CBS-11)
MARIJUANA/PAIN
CBS's Frank Courier reports on the issue of legalized marijuana to
ease the pain of health problems. Mae Nutt, who some call the
"Marijuana Grandma," is a volunteer at a Michigan hospital cancer
ward. She provides marijuana to patients torn by nausea and weight
loss from chemotherapy and wracked by pain from glaucoma. For 12
years she has been fighting to legalize it for the seriously ill.
She lost two sons to cancer. One of them smoked away his pain with
pot and convinced Nutt that the government's marijuana policy is
wrong. Today, the government's war on drugs ignores the benefits
of pot and classifies marijuana in the same league with heroin and
LSD.
(Dr. Herbert Keber, National Drug Control Policy Office:
"Marijuana does have many dangers. And there's no compelling need
for it as a medicinal agent.")
The only exception is marijuana grown on one government-owned pot
farm in Mississippi, available legally to fewer than 25 patients
nationwide whose doctors petitioned the FDA. Thirty-four state
legislatures have approved marijuana for greatly ill patients. But
the laws are meaningless without federal legislation. Still, Mae
is determined as she awaits a decision which will be made in the
coming months by judges and politicians in Washington.
(Nutt: "I will never give up. I think the government's waiting
for me to die so that they've got one less person to be bothered
with. I'm not going to do it. I'm gonna stick around forever.")
(CBS-12)
-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- B-9
EAZY-E AND THE GOP
CBS's Bob Schieffer: If you're cool, you know the center of
attention at Washington's National Airport last night was that hot
new rapper, Eazy-E, whose rap is a little, well --
(Teenage girl: "It's a little on the dirty, 2 Live Crew side, but
not quite to that extent. Not like abusing women. It has a couple
swear words in it.")
(TV Coverage: Video of N.W.A. rap song.)
More than a couple, it turns out. And his biggest hit is so
controversial the FBI protested. We couldn't broadcast it on a
dare.
(Eazy-E: "The name of that record? '[Bleep] tha Police. '")
Which is why you might not have guessed that Eazy-E -- Eric Wright
is his real name -- would be among this group of well-off
Republicans who paid $1,250 to become members of something called
the Republican Inner Circle, who were waiting in line today to hear
law-and-order man George Bush at a private, members-only reception.
(TV Coverage: President Bush in limousine.)
You would have been surprised because Eazy-E's group is not exactly
the Voice of the Establishment.
(Schieffer: "What is your group now?" Eazy-E: "N.W.A."
Schieffer: "And what does that stand for?" Eazy-E: "'Niggas With
Attitudes.
So why was Eazy-E there? Mainly because he was invited. Like many
Americans, he received a fund-raising letter from Sen. Gramm
inviting him to join the elite Inner Circle -- for a thousand
bucks, of course. In a follow-up note, Sen. Dole pointed out his
fellow members would include Arnold Schwarzenegger and George
Shultz. Before the Republicans realized it was a computer foul-
up, Eazy-E just sent in the money, and was made an official member.
(Schieffer: "Do you think that Sen. Phil Gramm and the other
members of the Republican Inner Circle know who Eric is and what
he does?" Jerry Heller, Eazy-E's agent: "No, no, I don't think
so. I think that probably they would be shocked to find out who
he really is. But as for us, we're happy to be here.")
Whatever else all this means, Eazy-E says he thinks it's cool, and
it does seem to underline one truth that applies to politicians of
both parties these days: If you've got the money, they've got the
time. Bob Schieffer, CBS News, just outside the Inner Circle.
(CBS-13)
-End of B-Section-
FOREIGN MEDIA REACTION
MIDDLE EAST TRIP
"Baker Fails To Consign Arafat To The Dustbin"
"The Americans billed it 'new thinking,' but James Baker's
trip to the Middle East turned out to be mostly the same old faces
playing the same old game. Once again, a U.S. Secretary of State
toured the region with an initiative to resolve the intractable
Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Once again he asked the Palestinians
who spoke for them. They said the PLO. He said come up with
somebody else. It was back to square one, or nearly."
(Sunday Times, Britain)
"New Realities After The War"
"Baker
made a useful start last week by talking to
Palestinians and not alarming Israel.' (Financial Times, Britain)
"Millimeter By Millimeter Toward Peace"
"The different positions excluding each other did not change
much. The 'window for peace' which James Baked claimed to have
seen is still being kept shut by Premier Shamir, and President
Assad does not even consider scrapping his weapons. If President
Bush really wants peace, he must make himself the spokesman of the
Palestinians, because only he has the power to push through a
territorial compromise."
(Die Tageszeitung, Germany)
"No Breakthrough"
=
Although he did not achieve a direct breakthrough
James Baker managed to bring about the acceptance of political
priorities which could make a regional peace conference more
realistic. However, in view of the Israelis' strict refusal to
exchange land for peace and hold a dialogue with the Palestinians
under PLO participation, much to Washington's dismay
the window
of opportunity was not opened far.
(Handelsblatt, Germany)
"Baker, A Disappointing Trip"
"
Secretary Baker gave the impression to his interlocutors
that little has changed in the U.S. position on the Middle East.
Baker discovered in Moscow that U.S.-USSR differences may emerge
on Mideast problems
Previous line-ups may be resumed: Soviets
on one side and Western nations on the other." (La Stampa, Italy)
"Baker's Successful Tightrope Act"
"After his meetings
Baker now seems quite content, and
even optimistic
It is nice that Baker had such an impression
from his difficult contacts. This means that the parties have
given a 'chance,' if not to peace, to U.S. diplomacy through the
person of the Secretary. Indeed, Baker's diplomatic ability and
capability played a big role in this
He succeeded in holding
contacts masterfully, like a tightrope acrobat, even pleasing
everybody and offending nobody."
(Milliyet, Turkey)
-more-
White House News Summary
Tuesday, March 19, 1991 -- C-2
"Peace Is Not At Hand"
"After a week of the usual intensive talks, (Secretary Baker)
called on Arabs to end the boycott of Israel 'to pave the way for
peace talks' rather than peace itself. But this call includes
'reciprocal' Israeli moves like halting deportations
It seems
a deal is possible if Israel agrees to reciprocate. That is where
the buck stops."
(Saudi Gazette, Saudi Arabia)
"Bush's Two Scales"
"President Bush, unlike his Secretary of State Baker, is
weighing the Middle East crisis with two different scales
He
is putting the Israeli and Zionist interests above Arab interests
and above concern for justice, respect and legitimate rights
More surprising than Bush's position is the silence of all Arab
governments, Egypt's. We heard no objection on Bush's statement
denying a Palestinian state
The stability sought by the U.S.
in the Middle East will not be achieved until the Palestinian
problem is settled. And a settlement is possible only through an
independent Palestine state."
(al-Wafd, Egypt)
"No Change In U.S. Policy"
"The French position on the Mideast, as expressed by President
Mitterrand during his summit with Bush, was exemplary. Too bad it
is not shared by the U.S. side, which tried to remind everyone that
the U.S. resolution did not indicate acceptance of a 'Palestinian
state.
There has been no real change in U.S. policy
We
had hoped for more from the U.S. President." (Le Temps, Tunisia)
"self-Determination And Chaos"
"Palestinian Arabs in Judea, Samaria and Gaza have a right to
have their political status clarified after having been held in
limbo for so many years. But the world has to examine very
carefully whether self-determination applied in this case might
become the sort of tinderbox it now fears may emerge in Eastern
Europe and the collapsing Soviet empire. (Jerusalem Post, Israel)
"Arabs Are Prepared To Make Peace, Not Territorial Concessions"
"
At best, the Arabs may have undergone a sobering-up
process concerning the need to put up with Israel's existence
If Shamir realized this, there are grounds for optimism. But if
he thinks that the 'encouraging signs' discerned by Baker indicate
that the Arabs are prepared to give up some or all of the occupied
territories there is no point in going to the negotiating
table. " It would be better to start getting ready for the next
war.
(Davar, Israel)
"Time For The U.S. To Heed The Arabs"
"
Many have said the influence of the PLO is on the decline.
But what organization other than that can represent Palestinians?
The U.S. forced Iraq out of Kuwait. Now it should heed the Arabs,
who have been asking for justice for the people deprived of their
land for more than 40 years."
(Asahi, Japan)
-End of News Summary-
EDITORIALS/COLUMNISTS
OPERATION DESERT STORM
The Civilized World Unites Against Hussein -- "Time ran out for
Saddam Hussein Wednesday night
Was the attack truly a last
resort? Yes. Fully five months elapsed after President Hussein
brazenly seized neighboring Kuwait in what President Bush termed
an act of 'naked aggression.
I
Rarely has a despot been given
so many opportunities to change his mind
The world could wait
no longer
A brave precedent has been set for cooperative
enforcement of international law. No renegade nation can stand
against a world united.
(Dallas Morning News, 1/17)
What The Bombs Said --
"
Saddam Hussein could not have missed,
or misunderstood, the messages that the rest of the world has sent
him repeatedly since his troops devoured Kuwait last August. He
surely cannot have missed the message delivered Wednesday night by
the waves of bombers and missiles. It is a just message on behalf
of honorable goals. They are not to destroy Iraq or to kill
thousands of civilians
They are to free Kuwait, as President
Bush said gravely Wednesday night; to insure stability in the
region; to avert Saddam's chokehold on the world's energy supply,
and to manage the crisis in a way that establishes a resolute,
decent precedent for maintaining collective security in the post-
Cold War world.
(New York Times, 1/17)
War "
The American people should unite not only in support of
our fighting forces but in pursuit of the higher principles
motivating our intervention
This is not just a conflict over
oil
It is not just a struggle to restore a feudal emirate to
power in Kuwait
Rather, it is a fight for the rule of law in
a world all too vulnerable to lawlessness
It is a struggle for
peace, stability and order
This is a moment for prayer, for
steadfastness, for belief in the rightness of our nation's cause.
We go to war reluctantly but resolutely."
(Baltimore Sun, 1/17)
Saddam Bears Blame For War In The Gulf -- "Today
the nation
should have no doubt where the blame belongs. The villain is not
a U.S. President thirsty for blood. Nor an oil industry hungry for
profits. Nor a military eager to flex its muscles. The one to
blame is a tyrant named Saddam Hussein who thumbed his nose at the
world, daring its forces to attack
The nation and its allies
are fighting for a principle: that
no
nation
has
the
right
to
erase another from the map. If the world failed to uphold that
ideal, it would invite aggression." "
(USA Today, 1/17)
The Battle Begins
--
"
The start of war does not
extinguish our
conviction that President Bush switched too soon from embargo to
war
But Bush chose otherwise, concluding, as he told the
nation, that 'only force will make him leave. And he did so after
Congress had passionately debated all the options and given him the
clear authority to do so. Not even his critics will be able to say
that he exceeded his constitutional authority
This is a time
to pray that nations will build a just and lasting peace on the
ashes of this war."
(Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/17)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, January 18, 1991 -- C-2
The Bush Coalition --
"
Saddam Hussein's armor crushed Kuwait on
August 2
But something else happened on Aug. 2: President
Bush ordered an economic embargo against Iraq. And he stated a
clear goal: 'This will not stand. George Bush hasn't stopped to
look back since
The effort alone has to stand as a remarkable
exercise in political leadership. One might indeed differ with or
oppose Bush's strategy in the Gulf, but we think he deserves
admiration for his success in unifying the nation and world behind
his policy
All of this does not ensure success in the days
ahead. But to the many people in the world who still look to the
U.S. for leadership, it is reassuring to have been witness these
past months to a President who has the political skills to achieve
serious goals.'
(Wall Street Journal, 1/17)
The War Begins
"
President Bush, to us, made a compelling
case
Questions about the U.S. share of the burden and the
timing of the military action now begun will probably outlive the
beginning of hostilities. But politically, these questions have
been addressed in the best way
..
over a period of months, Bush
submitted his choices to two separate but worthy partners in
policy, the U.N. and Congress
The studied and common judgment
was that Saddam had left no feasible and acceptable alternative to
the fateful war now underway."
(Washington Post, 1/17)
War
"
As President Bush said Wednesday night, 'This conflict
started on Aug. 2'
Desert Storm is a counteroffensive, and
Saddam Hussein bears full responsibility for its consequences. He
left the world with no choice but to respond with massive force.
Bush put it well in what was perhaps the best-crafted, most
eloquent speech of his Presidency
:
'While the world talked
peace and withdrawal, Saddam dug in
Saddam met every overture
for peace with open contempt
Given more time, Saddam only
becomes more dangerous."
(Richmond Times-Dispatch, 1/17)
War In The Cradle of Civilization --
=
Saddam Hussein last August
ordered his armies to invade and occupy Kuwait. They did so --
ruthlessly, committing horrifying atrocities in the process. Then
Saddam annexed it to Iraq. Kuwait had been, as they say in police
states, 'disappeared.' And the war began. All the diplomacy since
then has been an act of forbearance on the part of the U.S. and
other members of the U.N. who responded to the appeal for help put
out by Kuwait's unlovely, but legitimate, government
Saddam
spurned every attempt. The allied attack was not really the start
of the war. It was a counterattack."
(Chicago Tribune, 1/17)
Waging War With The End In Mind -- " Let us be clear where
responsibility for the collision with Iraq lies, first and
foremost. It is Saddam Hussein who put himself and his people in
their current precarious position, and it is he who rejected every
single opportunity for extrication
It is no wartime bluster
to say that we fight for a just cause against evil personified
Still, we must not allow ourselves to be swept up in a fury over
punishing blows from Iraq, if any come, to expand our mission --
say, to destroy Iraq as a capable participant in the region's
postwar affairs
America has entered this war without anger
but with purpose. We must fight it that way, too."
(Atlanta Constitution, 1/17)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, January 18, 1991 -- C-3
Time To Close Ranks -- "And so once again the dogs of war have been
unleashed
It is a sad, heartrending day for mothers, fathers,
brothers and sisters
Sometimes there is no other way,
however
Now is the time to put rancor behind and to close
ranks behind the troops
Saddam Hussein will be watching
carefully for signs of American division, because it is his only
hope
President Bush did not start this war. Saddam started
it
This newspaper does not think American soldiers, sailors
and airmen go forth in vain. We also don't think that those who
pay the last full measure of devotion should die wondering whether
their own people supported them. Our cause is just, our resolve
fierce."
(Detroit News, 1/17)
A Fateful Decision -- "There was a choice that had to be made
between the patient pursuit of tough diplomacy and an early rush
to arms. President Bush has made his choice
Through the
modern miracles of communication, we will now see the horror of
modern war and sense its ancient cost in human lives
At this
moment we stand stunned, grief-stricken and dismayed
The world
will hold the U.S. accountable
Many
will question Bush's
assertion that there was 'no choice, that 'the world could wait
no longer. That said, all Americans pray for our men and women
in the field."
(Boston Globe, 1/17)
Now That War Has Begun --
"
Now that the war has begun, the goal
should be to end it within weeks and bring our soldiers back home
by summer. That outcome is possible only if Saddam Hussein is
forced out of Kuwait
Toward that end, President Bush deserves
the full support of the American people
[However], this
conflict is particularly tragic because the shooting may have been
avoided and because U.S. survival was not at stake. America's
military engagement in the Gulf became inevitable when Hussein and
Bush over-personalized the conflict by trading insults, by
demonizing each other
Let's hope
Bush's objective is not to
annihilate Iraq, but to persuade it to mend its ways.
(Hartford Courant, 1/17)
Don' Count On Quick Victory
--
"
We urge Americans to be
prepared for the possibility -- even the likelihood -- that victory
over Saddam Hussein will not be quickly or easily achieved
We
warn, too, against its corollary -- that if Saddam hasn't
surrendered in a few weeks, we have made a woeful miscalculation
and face an endless bloody quagmire. There is a large space
between a lightning victory and a lengthy stalemate. Americans
should know at the outset that the absence of the first doesn't
mean the second." "
(New York Post, 1/17)
The War Nobody Wanted --
"
The time for debating the wisdom of
war against Iraq is over
Now there must be only one immediate
concern: Driving Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait, God willing quickly
and at minimal loss of life among the allied forces and the
noncombatants
There will be time later to examine this war's
causes and its consequences
For now, let all Americans resolve
to agree on this: We're in it. Let's win it.
(Miami Herald, 1/17)
-End of News Summary-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, January 16, 1991 -- A-9
NEW ARMY REPORT WARNS OF HIGH U.S. CASUALTIES
IN WAR WITH IRAQ
A war to drive Saddam Hussein's army from Kuwait will probably
be "hideously expensive" in terms of American lives, an ominous new
assessment by the U.S. Army has concluded.
If, as Army experts predict, Iraqi forces don't buckle under
a massive aerial bombardment, a protracted ground war will "exact
a high price on the winners as well as the defeated,' said a final
draft of the report released Tuesday by the U.S. Army War College's
Strategic Studies Institute.
U.S. ground forces "will be required to confront the Iraqi
army and either dig or drive it out of Kuwait," concluded the 120-
page report, written by Stephen Pelletiere and Lt. Col. Douglas
Johnson, Middle East experts assigned to the war college.
The Iraqi military will fight for Saddam so long as he
"respects their dignity," the report said.
"If they perceive that a military challenge from the U.S.
threatens Iraq's vital interests, they will not hesitate to fight
with great tenacity," it said. "They will wrap themselves around
Kuwait and force us to pry them loose -- a hideously expensive
prospect, in lives as well as in resources.
(Mark Thompson, Knight-Ridder)
MIDDLE EAST EXPERTS PUZZLE OVER U.S. LONG-TERM GOALS
The Bush administration, preoccupied with planning for a
military showdown with Iraq, appears to have given insufficient
thought to what would happen after a war, some Middle East experts
warn.
"The question of long-term implications should be as important
as how we are going to handle the immediate conflict," said Herman
Eilts, director of international studies at Boston University and
former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
"At the same time,' he said, "I get the very distinct feeling
that the people who are making the decisions
have not really had
a chance to think very much in longer-range terms.
"
James Akins, a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, quoted a
high government official in an Arab nation that is part of the
anti-Iraq coalition as telling him that the upshot of any U.S.
military strike against Iraq would be that the U.S. will be "cursed
for the next 800 years" throughout the Arab and Muslim world
"While Iraq will be defeated and suffer vast damage, it is
important that Iraq be preserved and eventually rebuilt because to
cut Iraq to pieces would create another power vacuum, said Robert
Neumann, a Middle East expert at the Center for Strategic and
International Studies and a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
"That would give the upper hand to both Syria and Iran.
I. William Zartman, a Middle East expert at the Johns Hopkins
School of Advanced International Studies, said complete destruction
of Iraq's military capability would create "a gaping hole" in the
Gulf area and "we'll have Syria and Iran vying for leadership of
the region, neither of whom has lasting interests that are
coincident with ours.
Eliminating Saddam may appear enticing, but would risk
tremendous long-lasting enmity against the U.S. among Arabs,
Zartman said.
(Marcus Stern, Copley)
-
White House News Summary
Wednesday, January 16, 1991 -- A-10
STAKE FOR BUSH: PRESIDENCY AND POLITICS
President Bush Tuesday night confronted a decision that could
change the face of domestic politics, the map of the Middle East,
the realities of bigger-power relationships and the world economy
for years or decades to come
Nothing a President does so affects his reputation as his
conduct of war
The decision made by Bush
is likely to make or break his
presidency as well
"If the war is over in two or three weeks, he will be made,
his re-election insured," said Arthur Schlesinger, historian and
biographer of Franklin D. Roosevelt. "If the fighting lasts five
or six months, casualties are high, terrorists roam the world, he's
finished, in my view.
"He thought he could overpower Saddam psychologically, but it
hasn't worked," said James MacGregor Burns, a leading historian of
the presidency. "Now he may have misgivings, like many presidents
on the eve of war, but he's left himself no exit."
(R.W. Apple, New York Times, A1)
PRESIDENT SEEN AS RESOLUTE SINCE AUGUST
'There Was Always An Inevitability
About This,' Close Aides Say
As the nation braced Tuesday for possible war, President Bush
was described by friends and aides as unwavering in his resolve to
implement a decision that he really made more than five months ago
-- that the U.S. would take the lead in driving Iraqi forces out
of Kuwait, if not by the threat of war, then by war itself.
"Given who George Bush is," said a close aide, "he made the
intellectual decision quite easily that this was something worth
going to war over. This week the abstract of August turned into
the reality of January, but there always was an inevitability about
this."
In recent days Bush has looked tired and preoccupied in his
public appearances after having long seemed unaffected -- publicly
at least -- by the Gulf crisis.
But a senior official and longtime Bush aide noted, "I think
he has been prepared since he sent the first huge contingent there
in August
for war
The tension is actually a little less now
than it was in the first few days" after that initial decision
because "we were all petrified, the President included, that Saddam
would attack before we were ready." The official added, "we're
ready now, so that worry is off the list."
The image of Bush compiling a mental list of diplomatic and
political moves and then crossing them off one by one is offered
by several aides in describing the President's approach to the
crisis over the past five months.
(Ann Devroy & Dab Balz, Washington Post, A1)
-more-
White House News Summary
Friday, Sept. 6, 1991 -- B-4
Engberg continues:
Justice Department officials say indicting the foreigners is more
than grandstanding.
(Robert Mueller, Justice Department: "We have had problems in
extraditing an individual from Colombia itself. If that person
travels, we could very well obtain extradition from another
country.")
The government revealed that BCCI's top brass worked to help
Noriega hide $23 million in payoffs from U.S. officials. While
Justice Department officials say today's charges are another step
in a well-run investigation, a congressional report chides all of
federal law enforcement for not pushing harder.
(Rep. Schumer: "An undercover operation plan targeted at BCCI was
recommended to top management officials at IRS in 1986. It was
rejected.")
The congressional report finds no evidence that anyone in
government was trying to protect BCCI. Rather, the critics say,
many different agencies had a piece of the BCCI puzzle, but no one
in Washington thought to put the pieces together.
(NBC-8, ABC-5, CBS-Lead)
DRUG WAR
Jennings: We return to the drug epidemic -- the difference between
what they're saying about it in Washington and what is happening
out in the country. It was two years ago today that President Bush
called the problem America's gravest domestic threat, and he asked
Congress for $8 billion to deal with it. Today, the man who was
supposed to carry out the Administration's campaign against illegal
drugs said that there had been great progress. In fact, he
actually said: The fog is lifting. But the weather report on the
streets is not quite so encouraging.
ABC's Beth Nissen reports on the drug war.
(Gov. Martinez: "The point is, we've made tremendous progress, and
it's no time to quit when we have those culprits on the run that
sell drugs to American youth and American citizens.")
But in poor urban areas, the drug trade is becoming more
entrenched. Washington admits a nation full of neighborhoods and
6 million hard-core users still need help. There is some sharper
focus on treatment. The federal government is funding some
promising programs, but such programs are rare and small. And
despite calls for more treatment, there are few programs available
to addicts who have no insurance. The Administration is not
calling for treatment on demand, only blaming Congress for not
approving the President's drug-control budget.
(TV coverage: President Bush in Oval Office.)
In turn, leaders of Congress blame the President. They say Bush
has simply not made the drug crisis a priority.
(Sen. Biden: "The President has to say, looking into the camera,
talking to the Congress: This is what I need and this is what we
dare try. He has to do that in the same way he did in the Persian
Gulf.")
And, critics say, the so-called war on drugs lacks a commander of
Schwarzkopf ideas. proportions. They say Martinez has developed few new
(TV coverage: President Bush with Martinez.)
-
White House News Summary
Friday, Sept. 6, 1991 -- B-5
Nissen continues:
Leaders at the state and city level want more help converting those
people for whom drugs is a way of life and a living, more help for
people trying to recover from years of ruin, more help protecting
a generation of children from becoming new casualties. (ABC-13)
Rather reports Martinez today said, "Victory is within our grasp.
He offered no new figures to back up that claim. He also
acknowledged there has been no major reduction in violent crime.
(CBS-3)
ECONOMY
Brokaw reports the Labor Department said worker productivity rose
.5 percent in the second quarter. And the Commerce Department
predicted business spending in new plants and equipment will rise
only about 1.5 percent this year.
(NBC-5)
MEASLES EPIDEMIC
CBS's Edie Magnus reports health officials say the failure to get
children vaccinated against measles is contributing to a resurgence
of the epidemic. Measles has cropped up with a vengeance on the
East Coast, primarily in inner cities, where many people struggle
to get access to basic medical care. Critics charge the government
isn't getting the message that public funds are needed to increase
access for the poor.
(CBS-13)
BLACKS/CONSPIRACY
CBS's Richard Threlkeld reports on the belief held by some that a
conspiracy is underway to rid society of blacks. In a recent CBS
News-New York Times poll of blacks in New York City, six out of 10
said it might be true the government is deliberately making drugs
available in the inner city to hurt black people. Almost a third
said the AIDS virus might have been deliberately invented in a lab
to infect black people. Those thoughts aren't limited to the man
and woman on the street. Even some educated blacks think there's
a conspiracy.
(CBS-14)
-end of B-Section-