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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: United States Defense Committee
(1 of 2)
Box: 27
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https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
Citation Guidelines: https://reaganlibrary.gov/citing
National Archives Catalogue: https://catalog.archives.gov/
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
December 15, 1983
Here are some additional names of conservative candidates
for the Presidential Advisory Board for Radio Marti.
Timothy F. Ashby, Idyllwild California
Completing Doctoral work in International Relations,
University of Southern California.
Dissertation on Soviet strategy in the Caribbean.
Former Special Assistant to the Minister of
State for Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government
of Grenada.
Liaison Officer to the Bolivian Delegation,
OAS General Assembly, Grenada in June of 1977.
Has had several works on Soviet strategy in
the Caribbean published by major national publica-
tions.
Speaks Spanish.
Miguel Eria, New Orleans
Vice President of Howard, Weil, Laboisse, Freidrichs
and Co., Investments.
Participated in Bay of Pigs.
Imprisoned by Castro for 22 months.
Speaks Spanish.
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Dr. Rodolfo J. Aguilar, Baton Rouge
Director of L.S.U. Center for Latin American
Affairs, Baton Rouge, whose board includes Senator
Bennett Johnston, Congressman Henson Moore,
and Woody Jenkins, Executive Director, Council
on National Policy.
Has lived in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Resident of the U.S. for 28 years.
Doctor of Civil Engineering.
Speaks Spanish.
Roger Candeleria, Durango Colorado
Speaks Spanish.
O
Choice of Senator Armstrong.
Letters of recommendation on behalf of the candidates
should be sent to the following people in the White House:
John Herrington, Director
Presidential Personnel
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
or,
Barbara McQuowen, Associate Director
Presidential Personnel
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Any other suggestions would be welcome by the United
States Defense Committee so that we can send letters of
recommendation on their behalf, also.
Please contact:
Brad Palmer
United States Defense Committee
450 Maple Ave., E. Suite 204
Vienna, Virginia 22180
(703) 281-5517
December 1983
pcB: first paras.
Dear Mr. Walther:
as drafted.
I want to thank you, General Graham, and the mem-
bers of the United States Defense Committee for your
minor changes
help in developing support in the Congress for both
in the net
my Central American policies and for the budget
items necessary to rebuild America's defenses.
mk
By flooding Congressional offices with post cards
and letters backing a strong defense, your members
are having a direct impact. Together we've been
able to win some important victories in the Congress.
The fight is far from over. But with the continued
support of people like you and General Graham, I'm
confident we will prevail in our drive to provide a
strong national defense and to secure peace and
freedom in generations to come.
Please keep up the good work. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
United States Defense Committee
3238 Wynford Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
bcc: Morton Blackwell
RR/OPL/RDC/CAD/Irc -12PMN
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 2, 1983
MEMORANDUM TO: ANNE HIGGINS
FROM:
Morton C. Blackwell
m
SUBJECT:
Response to Henry L. Walther
Attached is a letter to the President from Henry L. Walther
of the U.S. Defense Committee, one of the most supportive
organizations helping on the Central American policy and
the MX.
Attached also is my suggestion for a response.
Thank you.
MCB:jet
2 Attachments a/s
November 30, 1983
Mr. Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
United States Defense Committee
3238 Wynford Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
Dear Mr. Walther:
I want to thank you, General Graham, and the members
of the United States Defense Committee for your help in developing
support in the Congress for both my Central American policies
and for the budget items necessary to rebuild America's defenses.
By flooding Congressional offices with post cards and
letters in support of a strong defense your members are having
a direct impact. Together we've been able to win some important
victories in the Congress.
But the battle is far from over.
With the continued support of people like you and General
Graham, however, I'm confident we will prevail in our legislative
battles to provide a strong national defense.
Please keep up the good work and God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
President
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
November 28, 1983
President Ronald Reagan
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
A little over a year and a half ago, the United States
Defense Committee (USDC) was formed to help mobilize support
-- both at the grass roots level and in Congress -- for your
programs to rebuild America's defenses.
Even though we're not yet two years old, our nationwide
membership has swelled to over 97,000 members, and USDC is
starting to have real impact on Capitol Hill.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of a memo sent
to Morton C. Blackwell outlining some of USDC's activities
over the past year.
As you can see, the first year and a half has been a
busy one for USDC.
We realize that the battles we are fighting together
are far from over, and I can promise you that we at USDC
will continue our efforts to assure deployment of the MX
and to restore freedom and peace in Central America, as well
as continuing our efforts in the various other areas of vital
importance to this nation's defenses.
If ever the United States Defense Committee can be of
direct assistance to your efforts to rebuild a strong America,
please don't hesitate to ask.
With best regards I am,
Sincerely,
Dlyt With
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/tll
3938 Wynford Drive Fairfav Virginia 22031
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
November 10, 1983
Memorandum
To:
Morton C. Blackwell
From:
Huck Walther
Re: United States Defense Committee
Lobbying Effort
Morton, as I'm sure you know, the United States Defense
Committee (USDC) has had a very active year.
Just to bring you up to date on more of the details
I have outlined some of our lobbying efforts on the MX missile,
Nuclear Freeze, Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense, and Central
American Policy.
Our major efforts to help assure passage of legislation
for deployment of the MX have included:
Careful research and evaluation to determine
which Congressmen were waivering in their support
or opposition of the MX,
A special mass mailing to our members in each
of the 91 districts of waivering Congressmen,
as well as a general mailing to all other USDC
members, urging them to put the heat on their
Congressmen. This mailing alone generated over
100,000 post cards and letters from USDC members
to Congress,
A mass mailing in March 1983 urging our members
to contact their Congressman in support of total
funding for the Defense Budget, including full
funding of the MX,
Three articles exclusively on MX published in
3238 Wynford Drive. Fairfax Virginia 22031
Defense Watch, USDC's membership publication
received not only by our nationwide membership
but by all members of Congress.
All of these efforts have made the MX issue a major
one for our members; a battle that they are dedicated to
win.
USDC has also been in the forefront of the fight against
a so-called nuclear "freeze". Our projects have included:
Hard-hitting newspaper ads to alert the American
people to the dangers of the Kennedy nuclear
freeze proposal,
Two mass mailings to our members urging them
to help us defeat the Kennedy nuclear freeze,
by putting the heat on the politicians,
Hard-hitting personal letters to all the co-sponsors
of the Kennedy and Zablocki nuclear freeze resolutions,
urging them to change their position,
Special letters to select Newspaper Editors,
asking them to run editorials praising Senator
Garn's counter "freeze" resolution, S.J. Res.
74,
Five different articles in our publication,
Defense Watch, warning Americans of the dangers
of a nuclear freeze.
USDC has been working diligently for the deployment
of a satellite-based defense system capable of destroying
incoming ballistic missiles.
We followed the President's historic speech of March
23rd with:
0
A mailing to 91 Senators urging them to support
S.R. 100, introduced by Senators Laxalt and
Wallop, in support of an active missile defense,
A follow-up mailing to 86 Senators, urging them
to join the 12 co-sponsors of S.R. 100 and to
oppose S.J. Res. 28 which would ban all weapons
in space,
A mailing to 304 members of the House urging
them to support H.R. 215, in support of an active
missile defense, and to oppose H.J. Res. 120
which would ban weapons in space,
Personal visits to every Senate office urging
their support for S.R. 100 and an active ballistic
missile defense,
A survey of all House members on H.R. 215 and
H.J. Res. 120,
A mass mailing to our members urging them to
contact their representatives in support of
S.R. 100 and H.R. 215 -- including a copy of
General Graham's new book; We Must Defend America:
A NEW STRATEGY for National Survival,
O
Four articles exclusively on High Frontier and
ballistic missile defense in our publication,
Defense Watch.
Of course, one of the most important issues over the
past year has been U.S. policy in Central America. USDC
has been particularly busy on this issue.
Among some of our activities:
A fact finding trip to El Salvador for three
Congressmen, sponsored by USDC.
The Congressmen, Stan Parris (R-VA), Eldon Rudd
(R-AZ), and Bill McCollum (R-FL) were accompanied
by two senior staff members of the United States
Defense Committee and inspected efforts by the
Salvadoran army to halt Communism, and visited
hospitals and teeming displaced persons camps
in San Vincente and San Francisco Gotera,
Three action mailings to our members on Central
American policy,
The first mailing succeeded in heightening the
awareness of the issue to our members. While
the next two mailings helped generate an estimated
140,000 post cards,
An exhaustive phone survey of every House office
to find exactly who would support and who opposed
the Boland-Zablocki Bill (H.R. 2760) that would
end aid to the Contra Freedom Fighters in Nicaragua,
These vote counts were then turned over to key
House members and other conservative, veteran,
and pro-defense groups,
Hard-hitting letters to Congressmen who were
not committed or who we thought were likely
to change their vote,
Letters of support to those Congressmen who
opposed Boland-Zablocki,
Attendance at every White House Outreach Working
Group meeting on Central America, by a USDC
staff member.
As you can see, this past year has been a busy one for
USDC.
Her
HLW/tll
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
December 23, 1983
Dear Friend:
Enclosed is your complimentary copy of the United
States Defense Committee's November/December Newsletter.
I've also enclosed a copy of a letter we received
and mailed out to all our members.
Best wishes for the coming year.
Sincerely,
They L. Walthy
Henry L. Walther
Exec. Vice President
HLW/pb
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
in it you the mail. would
Just got this
want Knew The to see credit is
THE WHITE HOUSE
- Thanks
WASHINGTON
December 7, 1983
1110
yours
MY
Dear Mr. Walther:
I want to thank you, General Graham, and the mem-
bers of the United States Defense Committee for your
help in developing support in the Congress for both
my Central American policies and for the budget
items necessary to rebuild America's defenses.
By flooding Congressional offices with post cards
and letters backing a strong defense, your members
are having a direct impact. Together we've been
able to win some important victories in the Congress.
The fight is far from over. But with the continued
support of people like you and General Graham, I'm
confident we will prevail in our drive to provide a
strong national defense and to secure peace and
freedom in generations to come.
Please keep up the good work. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
Mr. Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
United States Defense Committee
3238 Wynford Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Defense
VOL. 2 NO. 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 1983
Watch
DEDICATED TO A STRONG FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
Anti-Defense Forces Cripple Some Key Weapons Systems
Congress Funds Most Weapons,
But Slows Reagan Build-up
Congress, in a blow against President
lobbying Capitol Hill the morning that the
Literally thousands of letters from
Reagan's drive to rebuild American mili-
Conference Committee met to set the final
members of the United States Defense
tary strength against Soviet aggression,
figures and hand-delivered strongly
Committee, in selected swing states and
passed a Defense Appropriations bill (H.R.
worded letters from Executive Vice Presi-
districts, played a vital role in pressuring
4185) on November 18th that appro-
dent Henry Walther, reminding the Con-
wavering Congressmen to resist further
priated some twenty-five billion dollars less
ference Committee members that, after
cuts that were pushed by anti-defense
than President Reagan had originally re-
ten months of legislative struggle, the
politicians on the Conference Committee.
quested at the start of the year.
Congress had already cut billions from
While the Defense Appropriations bill
President Reagan's original budget request.
Congress Hesitates As Soviets
does provide for increases in defense
The combined efforts of the United
spending over last year, it does not do
States Defense Committee, veterans'
Push Ahead With Space
what is necessary to equip American
groups and other pro-defense organiza-
Weapons
soldiers with the most up-to-date equip-
tions helped put the heat on Congress that
The hand-delivered letters from Henry
ment, and even jeopardizes the ability of
prevented them from chopping even more
L. Walther pushed for $19.4 million in
America to defend vital economic and
from the President's original request.
Defense Appropriations cont. on pg. 2
military interests around the world.
Of course, any refusal by Congress to
appropriate what is needed in defense
spending, sends the wrong signal to
HO
Moscow, but it is especially damaging now
with American military forces already
stretched thin around the world in an
effort to stop Soviet adventurism.
Wavering Congressmen
Pressured to Support Strong
Defense
The United States Defense Commit-
tee and other pro-defense organizations
went all out to get the best possible De-
fense Appropriations bill passed by the
House-Senate Defense Appropriations
Conference Committee that recom-
mended the final defense spending levels,
Congress, while approving defense increases
eight planes reduced down to thirty-six.
and pointed out to them the pro-defense
for most weapons systems over last year's level,
still did not go far enough in the effort to rebuild
The dual role F-15 fighter used for both air-
position on a variety of issues.
American defenses against Soviet aggression.
to-air and air-to-ground combat roles is shown
In fact, legislative staff from the United
above being outfitted with AIM-9 Sidewinder
The Air Force F-15 fighter program, for
States Defense Committee were busy
and AIM-7 Sparrow missiles.
instance, has had its original request of forty-
UNITED STATES DEFENSE COMMITTEE 3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Defense Watch
"Defense Appropriations" from pg. 1
ment of the Trident submarine, the sea-
funds for development and deployment of
based leg of America's deterrent.
an anti-satellite weapon to deter Soviet
The Peacekeeper (MX) was also voted
attacks on U.S. communications satellites
a go-ahead by Congress but at a much
linking American forces overseas with the
lower level than pro-defense forces had
Pentagon.
hoped for in the spring.
Congress did approve funds for
Funding levels for the Peacekeeper
development of anti-satellite weapons, but
(MX) are $668 million less than originally
withheld release of the funds until Presi-
requested, allowing for the initial develop-
dent Reagan presents a so-called "arms
ment of 21 rather than 27 Peacekeeper
control" proposal to the Soviet Union to
missiles.
ban satellite weapons.
The Peacekeeper (MX) is, of course,
Henry Walther, in his letter to Confer-
vital to America's security because it is the
ence Committee members, pointed out
only U.S. land-based missile accurate
the reasons for immediate deployment of
enough to destroy Soviet missiles in their
anti-satellite weapons stating that, "The
silos in case an attack is launched against
Soviets are already active in space and are
the United States.
building an advantage.
The Minuteman missiles, now on
In fact, the Soviets already have an
station, while still an indispensable part of
anti-satellite weapon that has been
America's deterrent, are today unable to
successfully tested.
destroy the newer super-hardened Soviet
Clearly, the United States must
missile silos.
respond to the Soviet military threat in
The advantage of being able to destroy
space with more than just research and
Soviet missile silos, is that the Peace-
development."
keeper would prevent additional waves of
Further, time lost playing cat-and-
Congress approved funds for the procure-
missiles from being fired by the Soviet
mouse with the Soviets over yet another
ment of the Pershing II missile, but cut back fur-
Union.
ther research and development funds for the
so-called "arms control" agreement will
Also, unless the Peacekeeper (MX) is
missile itself.
play into the Soviet hands allowing them to
deployed, America's land-based missile
build a commanding lead.
The Pershing II, at the request of America's
force to deter Soviet aggression will
NATO allies will be deployed in Europe to
Walther went on to state: "We must
actually shrink, because in 1983 alone,
counter the Soviet build-up.
show the Soviets that America is dedi-
54 Titan II missile launchers are scheduled
cated to end-run Soviet military advances
for deactivation without any new missiles
in space by actually producing a workable
who has stated: "If Adolf Hitler and the
being produced.
anti-satellite weapon, with an eye toward
Nazi war machine had not been convinced
rapid deployment of a space-based system
that we had the capability as we did, they
USDC Continues to Put Heat
of ballistic missile defense."
would have used gas on invading troops
on Congress
at Normandy."
Walther went on to state that, "In
Congress Defeats Deployment
Walther, commenting on the battle
today's world, the Soviets have shown that
over the 1984 defense budget stated: "The
of Chemical Deterrent Needed
they will use chemical weapons wherever
United States Defense Committee is
to Deter Soviet Advantage
and whenever Soviet forces confront an
working hard now, and has worked hard
enemy without a chemical deterrent.
all year to save President Reagan's defense
The need for America to produce a
Already, tens of thousands of Afghans,
build-up against Soviet aggression.
modernized chemical deterrent to counter
Laotians and Cambodians have fallen
The United States Defense Commit-
the threat of Soviet chemical warfare in an
victim to Soviet "yellow rain" largely,
tee staff along with thousands of members
attack against American troops in Europe
because anti-Communist forces in these
have repeatedly contacted every member
was also strongly urged in Walther's letter
nations had no chemical weapons with
of Congress and are doing so right now to
to members of the Conference Committee.
which to retaliate."
hold the feet of the politicians to the fire.
The Conference Committee, however,
In the final Appropriations bill we did
stripped production funds from the De-
get most of the defense programs passed
fense Appropriations bill while agreeing to
that were targeted at the start of the year,
maintain funds for further research and
Congress Agrees to Most Funds
but unfortunately at lower spending levels
development.
for Peacekeeper (MX), B-1B
than are necessary.
The decision by Congress to deny
Bomber and Trident Subs
Together, a lot has been accomplished,
American troops a chemical deterrent
but clearly a lot more needs to be done.
against Soviet use of chemical weapons
Pro-defense forces did, however,
Beginning next year, it will be up to the
comes despite the desperate need for the
succeed in gaining development and pro-
United States Defense Committee and its
United States to modernize and deploy a
curement funds for the modernization of
members to force Congress to pass a
new chemical deterrent, which has been
America's nuclear deterrent against a
supplemental appropriations bill to restore
forcefully pointed out by Congressman
Soviet first strike including multi-year
funds cut during the course of the budget
William Dickinson, ranking Republican on
funding for the B-1B bomber designed to
and authorization process."
the House Armed Services Committee
replace the aging B-52 and for procure-
2
Defense Watch
News Media Miss Real Story of Grenada
American Action in Grenada Halts New
Soviet/Cuban Thrust
As readers of Defense Watch know,
engaged Cuban troops in pitched battle
The real story of the invasion was that
on October 25th, the United States re-
at the Salines International Airport.
President Reagan's bold move into
sponded to an urgent appeal from six of
Unfortunately, many in the media
Grenada broke an important link in the
its Caribbean allies and liberated the
were so caught up in an "adversary" role
Soviet strategic chain of control and, at
people of Grenada from a bloody and
against American policy that they failed
one stroke, put the Soviets and Cubans
chaotic Marxist dictatorship.
to report the real news.
on the defensive in the Western Hemi-
Cuban troops, backed-up by Soviet,
It was almost amusing to watch Chan-
sphere.
East German and North Korean advisors,
cellor, Rather and company, desperately
One has only to look at the statistics
had turned the beautiful and strategically
try to find even one medical student who
and map to see that the Caribbean is vital
located island into a nightmare as they
said he was not in danger.
to the United States.
tried to impose successively more radical
Geographically, the islands of the
regimes on the people of Grenada-
Grenada Would Have Been
Caribbean form relatively narrow pas-
endangering everyone on the island.
Threat to American Oil Lifelines
sages through which ships must navigate,
The American news media, however,
making it very easy for the Soviets to
by focusing exclusively on the safety of
The truth of course, was that the
threaten these "choke points."
American medical students missed the
Cuban "construction workers" turned out
Nearly two-thirds of our foreign trade
most important story of what was happen-
to be heavily armed troops.
and one-half of our petroleum passes
ing in Grenada.
They served as testimony to the fact
through the Caribbean.
They missed the long-term strategic
that the island was being converted into a
Additionally, the United States im-
blow dealt the Soviets and their Cuban
Soviet and Cuban base endangering
ports 97 percent of its manganese, 93 per-
proxies when the first American Rangers
American security in the Caribbean.
cent of its bauxite and 76 percent of its
Grenada cont. on pg. 4
Chart by United States Defense Committee
Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Mexico
Mexico
2
3
4
N
Guatemala
Grenada
Honduras
Caribbean Sea
5
Nicaragua
El Salvador
Primary Sea Lanes "Choke Points"
Guyana
in the Caribbean
Suriname
1. Yucatan Channel
Costa Rica
2. Florida Straits
3. Windward Passage
4. Mona Passage
5. Trinidad Route
Pacific Ocean
Countries under Soviet/Cuban influence
6. Panama Canal
or fighting Marxist terrorism
The chart above points out the growing
Nearly two-thirds of America's foreign trade
The liberation of Grenada denied the Soviets
Soviet/Cuban threat against Caribbean ship-
and nearly one-half of America's oil passes
and Cubans a vital air base from which to domi-
ping lanes going to and coming from America.
through geographically vulnerable choke points.
nate several key choke points and eased the
threat to Venezuela's oil fields.
3
Defense Watch
"Grenada" from pg. 3
almost a thousand miles closer to
Thus the Soviet/Cuban subversion of
nickel.
Africa than Cuba, also would have
Grenada was not simply an attempt to
Most of the required amounts of these
been a vital refueling stop for Cuban
take over a small island nation but rather
strategic minerals - essential to Ameri-
troops and supplies en route to
a part of a global Soviet strategy.
ca's aerospace and communications in-
Africa;
dustries - are supplied by Caribbean
Enabled Cuban and Soviet war-
nations through the Caribbean "choke
Grenada Action Put Soviets and
planes to threaten U.S. shipping
points."
through the vital Trinidad and
Cubans on Defensive
Soviets/Cubans Prepared
Tobago "choke points."
Encouragingly, one of the many bene-
Grenada as Air Base Against
Grenada Was Part of Global
fits of standing up to Marxism in Grenada
American Interests
has been a sudden policy reversal by
Soviet Strategy
Suriname, which has expelled its Cuban
Soviet and Cuban interests in Gre-
Ambassador, and has for now stopped its
nada were also visible in the 10,000 foot-
Since 1975, Cuba has been doing the
slide toward Soviet and Cuban control.
long runway under construction at Port
Soviets' dirty work around the world.
In addition, because the U.S. has put
Salines, that was clearly designed to pose a
In Africa, there are now more than
the Cubans on the defensive close to
threat to American interests in the Carib-
30,000 Cuban troops, fighting proxy wars
home, there is speculation that Castro will
bean and, indeed, the entire Atlantic.
in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Angola.
be forced to withdraw at least some of his
Had the Salines airport remained
At the time of America's liberation of
troops from Amca.
under Marxist control it would have:
Grenada, the Soviets, with the aid of their
Commenting on the Grenadian inva-
Been a base from which Soviet-
Cuban proxy troops, were not just turning
sion, Henry L. Walther, Executive Vice
made aircraft could target the oil-
Grenada into a Marxist colony, but were
President of the United States Defense
fields of Venezuela on the Carib-
also trying to turn El Salvador and Hon-
Committee stated: "The Soviets and the
bean perimeter, and even the lanes
duras into Marxist colonies subversion
Cubans must be told in no uncertain terms
of the supertankers in the mid-
which continues to this day.
that the Western Hemisphere is off-limits
Atlantic that carry oil to Europe and
Already, Soviet and Cuban backed
to Marxist terrorism.
the United States;
forces have captured control of Nicaragua
President Reagan's decision to liberate
Provided a convenient and close
and are actively trying to wrestle the South
Grenada is thus an important step in re-
jumping-off point for the departure
American countries of Guyana and Suri-
establishing the Monroe Doctrine and
of Cuban troops for Africa to fight
name, also on the Caribbean perimeter,
stopping Soviet adventurism."
pro-Western forces. Grenada,
into the Marxist camp.
Monroe Doctrine Ignored As Refugee Crisis Looms
Congress Cuts Back Aid Request
for El Salvador
For the second year in a row, Con-
Marxist aggression.
gress has refused to pass an Appropria-
As a result, this has had the effect of
tions bill giving aid to El Salvador and
slashing fully 25 percent from President
ducked its responsibility to uphold the
Reagan's request for military assistance to
Monroe Doctrine and deter Communist
El Salvador for fiscal year 1984.
aggression in Central America.
To make matters worse, Congress
Instead, at the last minute on Novem-
once again imposed a set of conditions on
ber 11, Congress passed a Continuing
aid that are so restrictive and comprehen-
Appropriations Resolution (H.J. Res. 413)
sive that they in effect straightjacket the
for El Salvador which only keeps funding
Salvadoran government in combating
limping along at out-of-date levels rather
Marxist/Leninist terrorism.
than approving a full foreign aid bill to help
Fred Ikle, Under Secretary of Defense
El Salvador defend itself against brutal
for Policy, has warned that current aid
levels do not give Salvadorans the ability to
Congressman Mark Siljander (R-MI) has
effectively repel continued guerrilla attacks.
forcefully pointed out that the potential refugee
Ikle stated that, unless Congress votes
problem caused by continued Marxist expan-
sion in Central America could "prove to be our
more funds, not much can be done to
nation's greatest domestic crisis."
improve the capacity of Government
forces to respond quickly, and that we
If El Salvador falls, then Marxism could
sweep north to the Rio Grande causing ten
need to provide more helicopters and light
million refugees to flood into the United States.
aircraft.
El Salvador cont. on pg. 5
4
Defense Watch
"El Salvador" from pg. 4
USDC Members Again Active During Special Elections
If Central America Falls, Refugee
Tidal Wave Will Sweep U.S.
Pro-Defense Congressman
Clearly, it is in America's interests to
support El Salvador not only because it is
Scores Victory in Georgia
pro-American, but because of El Salva-
dor's strategic position as a front line state
against Soviet and Cuban inspired adven-
The United States Defense Commit-
out for a strong defense.
turism, and to protect the Panama Canal
tee's staff, working with dedicated and
In response to membership activity in
from aggression.
concerned USDC members in the states
the district, sixteen of the candidates re-
If El Salvador collapses, the remaining
of Georgia and Washington, made a
sponded including ten candidates who
pro-American governments in Central
special effort recently to pin Congres-
answered every question correct.
America could be swept away, sending
sional candidates down on vital defense
As a result, many fine candidates had
millions of refugees across the Rio Grande.
issues for their special November 8th
to lose, but in any case it is now up to the
Most Salvadorans, like most other
elections.
members of the United States Defense
Central Americans, do not want to leave
In both the special elections in the
Committee in Georgia and other pro-
their friends, their homes and their land,
Georgia 7th and in Washington state, the
defense forces to make sure that Con-
and be forced to start over in a strange
Democrat and Republican candidates
gressman Darden casts his first and every
land where they cannot even speak the
were sent Defense Questionnaires by the
vote in favor of a strong defense.
language.
United States Defense Committee and
But that is exactly what they will be
were asked to take a stand on thirteen key
Evans Defeats Anti-Defense
forced to do if Marxist/Leninism continues
issues vital to a strong foreign policy and
to sweep northward.
national defense.
Congressman Lowry
Top experts predict that up to 10
In Washington state the outcome was
million refugees would stream into the
Georgia's New Congressman
less clear for pro-defense forces.
United States, taking jobs and overcrowd-
Supports Strong Defense
The vacancy caused by the death of
ing school systems.
pro-defense Senator Henry M. "Scoop"
The cost of relocating and educating
the refugees would, of course, be many
The special election in Georgia's 7th
Jackson was filled by ex-Governor Dan
Evans, but not before a hotly contested
times more than present aid requests for
district was called to fill the vacancy
El Salvador submitted by President
caused by the tragic death of pro-defense
race in which anti-defense Congressman
Reagan in Congress.
Congressman Larry McDonald, who was
Mike E. Lowry scored 44 percent of the
killed by the Soviets along with 268 other
vote while Dan Evans tallied 55 percent.
defenseless passengers on KAL flight 007
Unfortunately, neither candidate re-
on August 31st.
sponded to the Candidate Questionnaire
USDC Campaigns in Defense of
The Georgia race fielded many strong-
sent to them by the United States Defense
Monroe Doctrine
ly pro-defense candidates and was even-
Committee.
tually won by State Representative
It is known, however, that Senator
As readers of Defense Watch know,
George "Buddy" Darden who (although
Evans has been more responsive on de-
the United States Defense Committee is
he answered at the last minute) did come
fense issues than Mike Lowry has been.
in the forefront of the battle to draw a line
against further Communist advance in
USDC Members Help
Central America.
Congressmen Support Strong
Looking toward the future, Henry L.
Defense
Walther, Executive Vice President of the
United States Defense Committee points
out that, "The recent action by the U.S.
Brad Palmer, Legislative Director of
the United States Defense Committee in
Congress on continued military aid to El
Salvador demonstrates that the lesson of
commenting on the results of the special
election stated that, "Thanks to the con-
Grenada was lost on many of our
Representatives.
cerned members of the USDC, the Con-
The Monroe Doctrine, invoked by
gressional victors in Georgia and the state
of Washington know that thousands of
President Reagan in sweeping a Soviet
Americans are determined to stop the
base from the Caribbean, has yet to be
really enforced in Central America.
erosion of American power, and are willing
to put the heat on the politicians."
That's why the United States Defense
Committee will launch a major new effort
in the first half of 1984 to obtain full funding
State Representative George "Buddy"
Darden, winner of the special election in the
for El Salvador as well as redoubling its
Georgia 7th district, to fill the vacancy caused
efforts on behalf of the Contra Freedom
by the tragic death of Larry McDonald, came
Fighters in Nicaragua."
out for a strong defense in answer to the USDC
candidate questionnaire.
5
Defense Watch
Funding Still Needed For Full Year
Congress Votes Aid For Freedom
Fighters in Nicaragua
The Intelligence Authorization bill
increasing military presence.
Soviets and the Cubans have turned
passed by Congress on November 18th,
While it is true that Cuba claims most
Nicaragua into a base for the subversion
while a boost for pro-American Contra
of its troops in Nicaragua to be "technical
of all pro-American governments in the
Freedom Fighters, still falls far short of
advisors;" it also true that the Cuban
region.
what is needed to stop the export of
"construction workers" in Grenada
Nicaragua, unlike the islands of Cuba
Marxist terrorism throughout Central
turned out to be heavily armed troops.
and Grenada, is physically connected to
America.
the American landmass and is an ideal
Congress, by passing the Intelligence
Soviet/Cuban Advisors Turn
starting point for the spread of a Marxist
Authorization bill, cleared the way for
"revolution without borders."
providing $19 million in continued military
Nicaragua Into Arms Depot
assistance through the first six months of
the fiscal year 1984 to the pro-American
Moreover, these "advisors" in Nicara-
USDC Backs Aid for Contra
Contra Freedom Fighters in Nicaragua.
gua have brought with them large amounts
Freedom Fighters
Most experts agree, however, that the
of military hardware, including 100 Soviet
Contra Freedom Fighters will need at least
tanks, 1,000 East German trucks, 100
The United States Defense Commit-
thirty-five to fifty million dollars per year to
anti-aircraft guns and Soviet howitzers
tee and its members played a key role in
effectively fight the Soviet and Cuban
with a range of seventeen miles.
aid for the pro-American Freedom Fighters
The Soviets have also supplied Nicara-
in Nicaragua.
supported Marxist dictatorship in
gua with bazookas, large-caliber machine
In the original vote on aid to the Free-
Nicaragua.
guns, armored personnel carriers, SAM-7
dom Fighters the full House refused to
Thus when funds run out in June,
anti-aircraft missiles and 200,000 AK-47
authorize any funds to help the Nicaraguan
supplemental Authorization and Appro-
assault rifles.
people fight the Marxist dictatorship.
priation bills will have to be passed.
The fact of the matter is that the
The Senate, however, thanks to the
The United States Defense Commit-
United States Defense Committee and
tee and other pro-defense forces are deter-
other pro-defense organizations author-
mined not to let funding run out for the
ized $19 million for the first half of 1984.
Freedom Fighters and will be working to
obtain the needed extra funds for the rest
The key battle in aid for the pro-
of fiscal 1984.
American Contra Freedom Fighters was
in a Conference Committee appointed by
the House and Senate to iron out differ-
Nicaragua is Center of
ences in the Intelligence Authorization bill.
Soviet/Cuban Campaign to
The United States Defense Commit-
Control Central America
tee recognized this and put a strong
effort into getting mass mailings into the
Any cut-off of funds to the Freedom
states of selected swing Senators on the
Fighters by Congress would, of course,
Conference Committee.
have the effect of giving protected status
As a result, the Conference Commit-
to the foreign supported Marxist dictator-
tee came out in 100% agreement with the
ship in Nicaragua, which by the way, in its
Senate version rather than cutting off or
new national anthem calls the United
compromising on funds to the freedom
States "the enemy of mankind."
fighters.
The growing military threat to Central
The most important part of the pro-
America by Nicaragua is demonstrated by
defense victory in approving aid was
the fact that it has increased its army to
played by United States Defense Commit-
over 60,000 men, and has announced
tee members who sent literally hundreds
plans to increase its army and militia forces
and in some cases thousands of cards and
to 250,000 men.
letters to the offices of individual members
Congressmen Robert Lagomarsino (R-CA)
Today, there are over 9,000 Cuban,
of the Conference Committee.
has been active in the fight to expose Soviet/
Soviet and Soviet bloc advisors in Nicara-
Cuban involvement in Nicaragua, pointing out
that foreign advisors have turned Nicaragua's
gua who are building airfields, military
armed forces into the biggest and most menac-
bases and support facilities for an ever
ing war machine ever seen in Central America.
6
Defense Watch
Graham Calls For Immediate Deployment of Missile Defense
High Frontier Strategy Boosted by Findings of
Defense Commission
Advocates of a High Frontier strategy
systems based in the satellite itself.
General Graham's appearances have
of satellite and ground-based anti-missile
In case of Soviet attack, the armed
given the High Frontier strategy national
defense received a shot in the arm, in mid-
satellites would detect the ascent into
exposure, and have drawn attention to the
October when a special commission set up
space of offensive Soviet nuclear missiles
need for the "immediate deployment" of a
by the Defense Department released its
and then launch its own non-nuclear
High Frontier strategy to defend America
findings to President Reagan on how to
missiles to shoot them down.
from Soviet attack.
defend America against a Soviet nuclear
Any Soviet missile that could avoid a
While General Graham and other
attack.
satellite-based defense would be met by
advocates of a High Frontier strategy are
The special commission chaired by
fast firing guns on the ground shooting
pleased with the boost that the special
James Fletcher, a former administrator of
waves of projectiles in the path of any
missile defense commission, headed by
NASA, and officially known as The
incoming Soviet warhead.
James Fletcher, has given to the concepts
Defense Technology Interdiction Commit-
in the High Frontier strategy, there is con-
tee," was formed in response to President
Defense Commission Boosts
cern nonetheless that the Fletcher Com-
Reagan's speech on March 23rd calling for
an active missile defense of the United
High Frontier, But Hedges on
mission has fallen short by not pushing
hard enough for immediate deployment of
States.
Immediate Deployment
a defensive system against Soviet missiles.
The commission backed-up the find-
ings of Lt. General Daniel O. Graham,
General Daniel O. Graham, President
USA (Ret.) on the feasibility of a missile
of the United States Defense Committee,
Deploying Missile Defense Must
defense for America, and cited the compo-
and other defense experts have redoubled
be Special Priority
nents of a High Frontier strategy including
their efforts on behalf of High Frontier by
satellite-based missile interceptors and
continuing to tour the nation during
Earlier, on October 11th, General
ground-based defenses as readily deploy-
November - making major addresses in
Graham and thirty-two of the top scien-
able in the near future.
New York City, Dallas, and Kansas City,
tists, physicists and aerospace engineers
Lt. General Graham, the United
Missouri.
in the country joined together in an effort
States Defense Committee and other pro-
to fight the Washington syndrome of
defense organizations in Washington,
continued studies and little action by
have, of course, strongly advocated the
releasing a 50-page report stating that the
United States has "both the technical
deployment of a defensive missile system
for America.
knowledge and the industrial capability to
deploy effective defenses" against a Soviet
nuclear attack, and must act right now to
High Frontier Would Protect
deploy a High Frontier type missile defense.
America From Soviet Nuclear
In an effort to cut through bureau-
Attack
cracy the report also went on to state that
"the defense of our nation will require
The High Frontier strategy spear-
direct Presidential action and support"
headed by General Graham is designed to
requiring "a new program office, reporting
protect America's population centers and
directly to the Secretary of Defense and
nuclear deterrent by destroying incoming
organized like the Manhattan project."
Soviet missiles before they can reach
This is, of course, the system that was
American soil.
used to develop the first atomic bomb
The High Frontier program would
during World War II, and in fact, is like the
take advantage of American technological
system used by General Graham, himself,
superiority to end-run the growing Soviet
to build the super advanced SR-71 recon-
threat to America by immediately deploy-
naissance aircraft.
ing a multi-layer non-nuclear ballistic
missile defense system.
Missile Defense Program Must
A web of 432 armed satellites would be
Tom Corcoran (R-IL) is one of fifteen co-
Cut Through Red Tape
placed in orbit constantly circling the globe
sponsors of House Resolution 215 calling for the
with one hundred armed satellites over the
development of a space-based missile defense
to defend America.
The SR-71 developed during the
Soviet Union at any given time.
1960's, and recognized as the most sophis-
Each armed satellite would house 40 to
Corcoran is advocating a High Frontier
strategy as a key issue in his campaign to re-
ticated reconnaissance plane on earth,
45 self-propelled non-nuclear missiles that
place Senator Charles Percy and become
was developed in a Top Secret project
would be targeted by advanced computer
Illinois' new Senator.
High Frontier cont. on pg. 8
7
Defense Watch
"High Frontier" from pg. 7
Defense, advisory groups are coming
deterrent.
using special intelligence funds free of the
together under Presidential direction to
If, on the other hand, the Soviets have
normal bureaucratic and Congressional
study how America can be defended
to take into account the effects of a High
red tape, and was operational in just 2½
against a Soviet first strike.
Frontier type system of satellite-based and
years at one-third of expected cost.
Rather than exposing the American
ground-based defense, the Soviets will be
The development of the SR-71 shows
population and America's land-based
faced with a problem full of uncertainties.
that by placing a special priority on the
nuclear deterrent to Soviet attack, the
The Soviets would not know how
deployment of a High Frontier type de-
United States is now moving toward
many warheads would arrive in the target
fense, the American people can be saved
development of a policy of Assured Sur-
area and even more crucial, which ones
from the usual expensive start-and-stop
vival in a move to frustrate a Soviet first
would arrive over which targets.
funding imposed by Congress on weapons
strike.
This changes the simple arithmetic
systems and from the bureaucratic
into a complex calculus full of uncertain-
maneuvering in Washington that also
Missile Defense Needed to
ties; such uncertainties are the essence of
push up costs.
Protect American Deterrent
deterrence, and a workable defense for
It is interesting that initial Pentagon
the United States.
estimates for a missile defense came in
costing three times as much as estimates
The strategic importance of moving
immediately to deploy a High Frontier
USDC Members Urged to
given by General Graham and other inde-
pendent experts.
type system of satellite and ground-based
Contact White House
defense is that America's nuclear deter-
Ironically, that is also exactly the same
ratio saved when the system of program
rent will be effective in deterring a Soviet
Henry L. Walther, Executive Vice
attack, only as long as it remains safe from
President of the United States Defense
management advocated by General
destruction from a Soviet first strike.
Graham was used in the development and
Committee in commenting on America's
The ever-improving ability of the
move toward a missile defense stated that:
production of the SR-71.
Soviet Union to track America's sea-based
Of course, in developing any new
"The United States has come a long way in
weapons project there will be widely vary-
nuclear deterrent and the questionable
less than a year toward the day when
ing disagreements on costs, but there is no
ability of the aging B-52 fleet will pose a
America is defended against a Soviet first
disagreement that any program not
grave strategic, vulnerability for the United
strike.
funded today will cost more tomorrow.
States unless something is done to install
The findings of the Fletcher Commis-
an active missile defense.
sion and the Future Security Strategy
Without a missile defense and the
Study are a start, but they do not succeed
President Reagan Still to Make
implementation of a High Frontier type
in moving fast enough to use existing tech-
Final Decision on High Frontier
system the United States will be a target
nology to put a High Frontier type system
for Soviet nuclear blackmail.
in place.
As Defense Watch goes to press,
Right now, without a High Frontier
President Reagan will recommend to
there has been no official White House
type system of missile defense, Soviet
Congress in January, funding levels for
comment on the results of the Fletcher
military planners using straightforward
research and deployment of anti-missile
Commission, nor the results of another
arithmetic can be quite sure of the results
systems.
defense strategy group advising on Ameri-
of a first strike launched against the
It is of the greatest urgency that mem-
can missile defense known as the Future
United States.
bers of the United States Defense Com-
Security Strategy Study.
By delivering two warheads a piece
mittee move immediately to contact the
Both advisory groups, however, are
against each weapon in America's nuclear
White House, the Defense Department
watersheds in the strategic thinking of the
Triad, including land-based missiles, B-52
and Congress to urge immediate deploy-
United States, because for the first time in
bombers and submarine pens, the Soviet
ment of a High Frontier type system to
over twenty years, since the days when
Union could launch an attack that would
defend America."
Robert McNamara was Secretary of
destroy virtually all of America's nuclear
Editor. John R. Crane
Defense Watch is published by the United States Defense
Committee. 3238 Wynford Drive. Fairfax. Virginia, 22031.
Phone (703) 281-5517.
President
Lt. Gen. Daniel O. Graham USA (Ret.)
Executive Vice-President
Henry L Walther
Secretary-Treasurer
Louise Tate
Legislative Director
Bradley D. Palmer
Director of Research and Publications
John R. Crane
Defense Watch
8
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
October 26, 1983
Mr. Morton Blackwell
Spec. Asst. to the President
for Public Liaison
191 Old Executive Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Morton:
Please find enclosed, as a part of our ongoing exchange
program, the following information:
1)
A letter sent to every Senator on the issue
of covert aid to the Nicaraguan "Contra" Freedom
Fighters, to urge their support for full funding
of U.S. covert operations in Central America,
when the Senate considers the FY 1984 Intelligence
Authorization Bill.
2)
A special letter to our members in Arizona,
to inform them of a statement in the Congressional
Record by Congressman Eldon Rudd.
3)
A letter to our members in states of Key Senators
on the Senate Intelligence Committee, to have
our members put the heat on these Senators to
fully support the "Contra" Freedom Fighters
in Nicaragua so that we have better odds in
conference.
4)
Our latest newsletter Defense Watch.
I look forward to our continuing exchange program.
Sincerely,
Henry L. Walthe
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/peb
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Cutott2 -F.D.17 Sent 1st Class to Senate
Patte
(List ATTACHED)
UNITED STATES
BRAD
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
10-14-83
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
October 14, 1983
The Honorable James Abdnor
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Abdnor:
As you know, the issue of covert aid to the anti-
Sandinista Freedom Fighters will again come up when the
Senate considers the FY '84 Intelligence Authorization
bill.
On behalf of the more than 97,000 members of the
United States Defense Committee, I urge you to support
full funding of U.S. covert operations in Central America.
Nicaragua, with the support of Cuba and the Soviet
Union, has become the centerpiece of the Communist plan
to undermine Latin America, and the main channel for arms
to Communist guerrillas in Honduras, Costa Rica, and El
Salvador.
Today, Communist guerrillas in El Salvador have five
times more arms than the Sandinistas had when they overthrew
Somoza.
However, Nicaraguan "Contra" Freedom Fighters, with
the help of U.S. covert aid have, in recent months, turned
the tide of the flow of arms into El Salvador.
It seems incredible that there are actually some
members of Congress calling for passage of the Boland-
Zablocki bill -- to end U.S. covert operations in Central
America -- at a time when these operations are becoming
SO successful.
We can not and must not allow Nicaragua to exist
as a sanctuary for international Marxist-terrorists!
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence recently
gave its overwhelming approval of President Reagan's request
for $19 million in aid for the "Contra" Freedom Fighters
in a 13-2 vote.
On behalf of the United States Defense Committee's
more than 97,000 members, I urge you to uphold the Senate
Intelligence Committee's recommendation for $19 million
in aid and to cast your every vote for full funding of
U.S. covert operations in Central America and against
the Boland-Zablocki bill.
If the Soviet presence in Central America continues
to expand, every vital interest of the United States --
national survival, territorial integrity, economic well-
being, and world stability -- will be jeopardized to an
extent unprecedented in our nation's history.
Sincerely,
Hany I. Walther
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/peb
Members' Phone and Room Directory
Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Senate ZIP Code: 20510
House ZIP Code: 20515
Senate
SD - Dirksen Building
SH - Hart Building
SR - Russell Building
Name, Party, State
Phone
Room
Name, Party, State
Phone
Room
Abdnor, James, R-S.D.
224-2321
SD-449
Jepsen, Roger W., R-lowa
224-3254
SR-120
Andrews, Mark, R-N.D.
224-2043
SD-421
Johnston, J. Bennett, D-La.
224-5824
SH-136
Armstrong, William 1., R-Colo
224-5941
SD-141
Kassebaum, Nancy Landon, R-Kan.
224-4774
SR-302
Baker, Howard H. Dr., R-Tenn.
224-4944
SH-522
Kasten, Bob, R-Wis
224-5323
SR-340
Baucus, Max, D-Mont.
224-2651
SD-183
Kennedy, Edward M., D-Mass.
224-4543
SR-113
Bentsen, Lloyd, D-Texas
224-5922
SH-703
Lautenberg, Frank R., D-N.J.
224-4744
SR-372
Biden, Joseph R. Jr., D-Del
224-5042
SR-486
Laxalt, Paul, R-Nev.
224-3542
SR-323A
Bingaman, Jeff, D-N.M.
224-5521
SD-536
Leahy, Patrick J., D-Vt.
224-4242
SR-433A
Boren, David 1., D-Okla
224-4721
SR-452
Levin, Carl, D-Mich.
224-6221
SR-166
Boschwitz, Rudy, R-Minn.
224-5641
SD-237
Long, Russell B., D-La.
224-4623
SR-221
Bradley, Bill, D-N.J.
224-3224
SD-253
Lugar, Richard G., R-Ind.
224-4814
SD-189
Bumpers, Dale, D-Ark.
224-4843
SD-327
Mathias, Charles McC. Jr., R-Md.
224-4654
SR-387A
Burdick, Quentin N., D-N.D.
224-2551
SH-511
Matsunaga, Spark M., D-Hawaii
224-6361
SD-564
Byrd, Robert C., D-W.Va.
224-3954
SH-311
Mattingly, Mack, R-Ga.
224-3643
SD-633
Chafee, John H., R-R.I.
224-2921
SD-523
McClure, James A., R-Idaho
224-2752
SD-368
Chiles, Lawton, D-Fla.
224-5274
SR-450
Melcher, John, D-Mont.
224-2644
SR-279
Cochran, Thad, R-Miss
224-5054
SR-326
Metzenbaum, Howard M., D-Ohio
224-2315
SR-363
Cohen, William S., R-Maine
224-2523
SD-131
Mitchell, George J., D-Maine
224-5344
SR-366
Cranston, Alan, D-Calif.
224-3553
SR-247
Moynihan, Daniel Patrick, D-N.Y.
224-4451
SR-464
D'Amato, Alfonse M., R-N.Y.
224-6542
SR-440
Murkowski, Frank H., R-Alaska
224-6665
SD-254
Danforth, John C., R-Mo.
224-6154
SR-490
Nickles, Don, R-Okla
224-5754
SD-649
DeConcini, Dennis, D-Ariz
224-4521
SD-326
Nunn, Sam, D-Ga.
224-3521
SD-335
Denton, Jeremiah, R-Alz.
224-5744
SD-547
Packwood, Bob, R-Ore.
224-5244
SR-173
Dixon, Alan J., D-111.
224-2854
SD-402
Pell, Claiborne, D-R.I.
224-4642
SR-335
Dodd, Christopher J., D-Conn
224-2823
SR-402
Percy, Charles H., R-111.
224-2152
SD-443
Dole, Robert, R-Kan.
224-6521
SH-141
Pressler, Larry, R-S.D.
224-5842
SR-415
Domenici, Pete V., R-N.M.
224-6621
SD-434
Proxmire, William, D-Wis.
224-5653
SD-531
Durenberger, Dave, R-Minn
224-3244
SR-375
Pryor, David, D-Ark.
224-2353
SR-270
Eagleton, Thomas F., D-Mo.
224-5721
SD-107
Quayle, Dan, R-Ind.
224-5623
SR-286
Easi, John P., R-N.C.
224-3154
SD-553
Randolph, Jennings, D-W.Va.
224-6472
SD-302
Exon, J. James, D-Neb
224-4224
SD-34:
Riegle, Donald W. Jr., D-Mich.
224-4822
SD-105
Ford, Wendell H., D-Ky.
224-4343
SR-355
20th, William V. Dr., R-Del
224-2441
SH-104
Garn, lake, R-Utah
224-5444
SD-5(x)
Eudman, Warren B., R-N.H.
224-3324
SD-458
Glenn, John, D-Ohio
224-3353
SD-22
sarbanes, Paul S., D-Md.
224-4524
SD-245
Goldwater, Barry, R-Ariz
224-2235
SR-353
Sasser, Jim, D-Tenn.
224-3344
SR-298
Gorton, Slade, R-Wash.
224-2621
SD-35-
simpson, Alan K., R-Wyo.
224-3424
SD-457
Grassley, Charles E., R-lowa
224-3744
SR-24E
Specter, Arlen, R-Pa
224-4254
SR-360
Hari, Gary, D-Colo
224-5852
SR-233
Stafford, Robert T., R-Vt.
224-5141
SH-133
Hatch, Orrin C., R-Utah
224-5251
SR-135
Stennis, John C., D-Miss
224-6253
SR-205
Hatfield, Mark O., R-Ore
224-3753
SR-497
Stevens, Ted, R-Alaska
224-3004
SR-147
Hawkins, Paula, R-Fla.
224-3041
SD-147
Svmms, Steven D., R-Idaho
224-6142
SR-480
Herht, Chic, R-Nev.
224-6244
SR-297
Thurmond, Strom, R-S.C
224-5972
SR-218
Heflin, Howell, D-Ala
224-4124
SD-357
Tower, John, R-Texas
224-2934
SR-176
Heinz, John, R-Pa.
224-6324
SR-469
Trible, Paul S. Jr., R-Va.
224-4024
SH-517
Helms, Jesse, R-N.C.
224-6342
SD-409
Tsongas, Paul E., D-Mass.
224-2742
SR-394
Hollings, Ernest F., D-S.C.
224-6121
SR-125
Wallop, Malcolm, R-Wyo.
224-6441
SR-210
Huddleston, Walter D., D-Ky.
224-2541
SD-262
Warner, John W., R-Va
224-2023
SR-405
Humphrey, Cordon 1., R-N.H.
224-2841
SD-603
Weicker, Lowell P. Jr., R-Conn
224-4041
SR-315
inouye, Daniel K. D-Hawaii
224-3934
SH-722
Wilson, Pete, R-Calif
224-3841
SD-613
tackson, Henry M. D-Wash
224-3441
SH-711
Zorinsky, Edward, D-Neb.
224-6551
SR-443
DAY EVANS
COPIBIGHT 1983 CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERIY INC
Expreduction
grahbited
whole
1
except
by
administ
claim
April 2, 1983-PAGE 67
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
Dear United States Defense Committee Member:
You may recall that last July, Arizona Congressman
Eldon Rudd, Congressman Stan Parris of Virginia, and
Congressman Bill McCollum of Florida participated in a
fact finding tour of El Salvador sponsored by your United
States Defense Committee.
Accompanied by two senior staff members of the United
States Defense Committee, the group met with high Salvadoran
Government officials, visited refugee camps, hospitals
and met with private business leaders.
I thought you might be interested in the comments
Congressman Rudd delivered to his colleagues in Congress
upon returning from El Salvador.
Enclosed for you is a copy of those excellent remarks,
taken from the Congressional Record, which I hope you
will take time to read.
But in addition, I would like to ask you to take
just a few minutes to draft a letter.
It seems all too often the only time Congressmen
in Washington hear from the folks back home is when people
want to complain.
That's why I'd like to ask you to write a personal
note to Congressman Rudd, to thank him for taking a lead
in the fight against Communist aggression in Central America.
And urge him to keep up the good work. I know Congress-
man Rudd would appreciate hearing from people like you
who are dedicated to a strong America.
Sincerely,
Henry L. Wattler
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/peb
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Congressional Record
United States
of America
PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
98
CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION
Vol. 129
WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1983
No. 104
House of Representatives
Mr. RUDD. Mr. Speaker, last week-
ragua. The tremendous election turn-
erties of 100-500 hectares-or 247 to
end. I had the distinct pleasure of,
out, amidst gunfire by guerrillas,
1,235 acres-but are caught up in a. bu-
joining our colleagues, Mr. McCoLLUM
during last year's elections proved
reaucratic nightmare, as we Americans
of Florida, and Mr. PARRIS of Virginia,
that. The Salvadoran people want
can understand.
on a 3-day visit to El Salvador.
these terrorists thrown out of the
Problems with the land reform up to
We were invited by a private, Wash-
country-nothing less. This must be
this point have been in compensating
ington-based group, the United States
accomplished before they can hope for
the former landowners. The Govern-
Defense Committee, to take a first-
true social and economic reforms.
ment cannot afford, nor can it admin-
hand look at El Salvador's crippled
My discussions with the Salvadoran
ister swiftly enough, compensation for
economic sector, the government's
Defense Minister, Gen. Carlos Engenio
many of the owners, and for this
struggle with the guerrilla-terrorists.
Vides Casanova, indicate that the gov-
reason phase 2 has been slowed indefi-
and that nation's progress in moving
ernment troops, while poorly equipped
nitely.
toward democratic reforms and eco-
and undermanned, have the edge in
Together with the war, the land
nomic recovery.
this war. They have about a 3-to-1 ad-
reform has placed the Salvadoran
We spoke with a variety of Salva-
vantage, manpowerwise, but in guerril-
economy in shock. Farm managers,
doran officials-in and out of govern-
la warfare, you need to do better than
once operating productive lands with
ment. We spoke with military leaders,
that. It takes about a 10-to-1 ratio to
hundreds of workers, have been dis-
fighting men, merchants, industrial-
have a confident degree of control
placed, leaving a large portion of these
ists, and farmers. And I must say.
over terrorists. To return control over
once rich operations now ill-managed,
these men and women from many
to police authority for criminal activi-
if in production at all. The cutoff of
walks of life are not the brutes that so
ty rather than war-the responsibility
key transportation routes-due to de-
many outsiders paint them to be.
of the Armed Forces.
stroyed roads and bridges-and com-
This is not a conclusion that sur-
Our helicopter tour last weekend
munication in the rural areas remain
prises me. I spent some 11 years of my
took us through three of the more em-
key obstacles for full production and
FBI service throughout Latin America
battled provinces east of San Salva-
reform.
on diplomatic assignment. San Salva-
dor-San Vicente, Ouscatlan, and Mor-
We met with Monsignor Fredy Del-
dor, among other cities in the region,
azan. In these heavily mountainous re-
gado, Secretary General of the Salva-
as well as in the countries of Mexico,
gions, the guerrillas are conducting a
doran Bishops' Conference (CEDES),
Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Costa
very effective, hit-and-run style attack
who is a prominent member of the na-
Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala.
on isolated national guard units. They
tion's human rights commission. We
I have traveled extensively through-
wait in the brush, wait patiently or
were assured that while violence con-
out Latin America, spoken their lan-
seek out, undermanned guard units,
tinues-as it does in any war-the Gov-
guage. learned their cultures, studied
and then jump them when they have
ernment is committed toward resolv-
their histories and experienced their
advantage in numbers by 5-to-1.
ing unsolved murders and other
growth pains in developing credible
I was most impressed with the train-
abuses, whether they are linked to
governments and fighting wars as indi-
ing and quality of the officers. One in
military officials or the several bands
vidual nations.
particular, Col. Jorge Alberto Cruz,
of leftist guerrillas. The commission
Contrary to popular belief, the Cen-
whose command is headquartered at
acts positively and has had a great
tral American nations are not so-called
deal of success.
San Francisco Gotera in the Morazan
banana republics. El Salvador pro-
Province, was an officer of superior
A peace commission has been formed
duces coffee, cotton and sugar. Each
caliber who exemplified the fine train-
by the Government, composed of
and every country has its own distinct
background, and the country of El Sal-
ing the United States is offering the
Catholic leaders and civilian indepen-
dents, to develop an amnesty program
vador has had a history and evolution
Army.
for captured guerrillas and other
of its own ever since it gained
It is evident that our modest amount
measures to bring all political factions
independence from Spain in 1821-and
of assistance in this country is not
into the Presidential elections later
that is as true to this day as it ever
only critical but should be increased.
this year. This is a Salvadoran Gov-
The soldiers remain short on arms,
was.
ernment program, not an American
The Salvadoran people are true pa-
equipment. and well-maintained weap-
effort, that demonstrates this nation's
triots with a common goal. They are
onry. They are in need of aircraft.
efforts to achieve tranquility through
all anxious to throw out Communist-
The Salvadoran leaders do not want
a stable government to a country that
backed guerrillas-terrorists-restore
American troops. But they do want
is plagued with terrorism.
tranquility and get back to the busi-
more than our sympathy. That means
What is emerging here is not what
ness of rebuilding their once-prosper-
increased military aid, more basic
we have in the United States in terms
ing economy.
equipment and supplies, medical help,
of a judicial process and firmly estab-
Most Americans are not aware that
more training for their officers and
lished republic based upon the princi-
El Salvador once had-prior to the
commanders to get the job done.
ples of our Founding Fathers-no
Communist invasion-the most indus-
We had the good fortune of speak-
nation on Earth has that; no nation on
trious, best managed, and most pros-
ing with some of the political leaders,
Earth has had our history of centuries
perous private sector in Central Amer-
including President of the Republic,
of building a democracy. But what we
ica. One of the smallest nations geo-
Dr. Alvaro Magana Borja, who is not
saw in El Salvador is a start. It is clear
graphically in the region. El Salvador
expected to be a candidate in the up-
that the Salvadoran people want a
is densely populated-about 5 million
coming elections.,
basis for freedom; it is evident that
people-but it at one time was able to
We spoke with Roberto D'Aubuisson
they want an independent nation with
outproduce its neighbors in a wide
who may be a prime contender for the
peace and the chance for prosperity.
array of agriculture goods and was
Presidential race, as well as others
This trip convinced me more than
well on its way to developing a strong
often mentioned as candidates for the
ever that the United States has a role
industrial base.
Presidency to be determined by elec-
in El Salvador in stopping the Marx-
Today, the Salvadoran people are
tions, to be held soon.
ists-Communists and in containing the
watching their farms, their businesses,
The Salvadoran people, their elected
aggressions of Soviet agents-Nicara-
their roads and bridges-their entire
National Assembly, and the Govern-
gua and Cuba-who are seeking com-
infrastructure-being burned to the
ment leaders :re pressing forward
plete domination in the totalitarian
ground by terrorists who seek not
with the land 'reform program and
pattern of their puppet regimes. We
peace or reconciliation, but power and
human rights matters. The first phase
must step up our military assistance,
domination of El Salvador.
of the agrarian program, dealing with
continue to pressure and interdict the
You do not win the allegiance of the
the distribution of properties in excess
unending flow of armaments from the
Salvadoran people by destroying their
of 500 hectares-or 1,235 acres-and
Communists and, equally important,
livelihood. There is no support for the
over, has been completed with Govern-
offer enough economic aid and techni-
Communist guerrillas or a grassroots
ment assistance. They are now in the
cal expertise to help El Salvador
desire to go the of Cuba or Nica-
process of phase 2, involving the prop-
remain free from Communist slavery
July 21, 1983
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD - HOUSE
and want.
torial integrity, economic well-being, and
people out so that they could bring
Let me share with my colleagues a
world stability-will be jeopardized to an
the Government to its knees and
communication from the U.S. Defense
extent unprecedented in our nation's histo-
assume power. That goal is still in
ry.
Committee. I believe it correctly as-
On behalf of the United States Defense
place and what they would like to do is
sesses the serious threat faced by the
Committee's more than 86,000 members, I
to be able to tell the Government
entire Western Hemisphere, and I in-
strongly urge you to support Presiedent
itself that we have beaten you now
clude it at this point:
Reagan's full aid request for El Salvador
and all we want you to do, if you want
U.S. DEFENSE COMMITTEE,
and to oppose the Boland-Zablocki bill, H.R.
to hold elections, that is fine, hold
Fairfax, Va., July 15, 1983.
2760, and instead support aid to the
them. but let my little army over here.
Hon. ELDON RUDD.
"Contra" Freedom Fighters in Nicaragua.
the head of this little army, have a se-
House Office Building,
If the United States is unwilling to sup-
cretaryship or an administration posi-
Washington, D.C.
port the cause of Democracy in Central
America, how can we expect the people of
tion or a department within the Gov-
DEAR CONGRESSMAN RUDD: Today we are
facing the greatest threat to the security of
the region to risk their lives for it?
ernment, and this fellow who has a
the Western Hemisphere that our nation
Sincerely,
little army and who has provided, and
has ever seen.
HENRY L WALTHER,
who is a terrorist to have another
The Soviet Union and Cuba are carrying
Executive Vice President.
little encroachment into the Govern-
out a well-orchestrated plan of terrorism
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague
ment, and take over the Government
and aggression in our Hemisphere by pro-
from Florida (Mr. McCoLLUM) and my
in that way. Or if they cannot do that,
viding weapons and military aid to commu-
other friend and colleague from Vir-
then they will topple the Government
nist guerrillas in Central America.
ginia (Mr. PARRIS) for the contribution
completely as the Sandinistas did and
Just last year the Soviet Union's ship-
ments of military equipment to Cuba tri-
they have made here today and for
take over.
pled.
their companionship on the trip to El
We must remember that is what is
Cuba now boasts 225,000 men under arms.
Salvador.
happening. And as the gentleman has
200 MiG fighters, 650 tanks and 90 helicop-
I think we should focus in on one
so ably pointed out, my friend, the
ters.
area. Why is El Salvodor in this condi-
Government with good and superior
The Marxist-Leninist government of Nica-
tion?
training, is putting military forces into
ragua has declared that they are building a
Obviously El Salvador is in this con-
areas where they are going to send the
250,000 person armed force.
Compare this with Honduras' total mili-
dition because it was targeted by the
children back to school, open the busi-
tary force of 20,000 and El Salvador's force
Soviet Union for toppling and for
nesses, and remove the scourge from
of 32,000.
takeover, for the establishment of a
the land in this manner. the Soviet
There are now over 10,000 "advisors" from
Communist government. Where they
Union through Cuba and Nicaragua
Cuba, the Soviet Union, East Germany, Bul-
have had success in Cuba, which is the
are attempting to communize El Salva-
garia, North Korea and the PLO advising
first mistake that our country made in
dor for their own purposes, which
the Sandinistas in Nicaragua.
not doing something about that at the
poses a danger to us and we have
Clearly this mammoth scale of armament
time that Fidel Castro came in, we
talked about that problem and what
cannot be justified in terms of self-defense.
The reality of the situation is that Cuba
made a mistake in Nicaragua, without
they are doing in El Salvador to try to
has become the base from which the Soviets
question, and there were many of us
stave this off. But the problem is this:
are launching, through Nicaragua, the over-
here in Congress who were crying and
What do we intend to do to prevent
throw of pro-Western governments in EH
pleading with the Congress and with
this? And I think that the course that
Salvador, Hónduras, Guatemala and Costa
our Government to do something
the administration has taken is the
Rica.
about the Communist takeover that
course that should be taken, if I may
In response, the Reagan Administration
was taking place in Nicaragua.
say 80.
has developed a comprehensive plan for pre-
I think the news media itself has fi-
The training of these individuals has
venting further communist takeovers in
Central America.
nally decided that they missed the big-
proven to be an outstanding event, but
Incredibly, there are those in Congress
gest story of all because of their
they do not want our troops as you
who are obstructing the President's plan by
hatred for the Somoza regime in Nica-
well know, and as you well know, my
calling for passage of the Boland-Zablocki
ragua, that they missed the other
friend from Florida, they want not our
bill, H.R. 2760, and by opposing the Admin-
story, which was that the Communist
sympathy, they want that too, but
istration's full request for military and eco-
regime, in the name of the Sandinis-
they need more than that, they
nomic aid for El Salvador.
tas, walked in, took over, and now in a
need assistance in the form of mater-
Passage of the Boland-Zablocki bill would
give the Soviet leaders a free hand in the in-
brutal manner are governing for them-
iel, in the form of training for their
ternal affairs of Central American Nations
selves and have dominated completely
personnel. We have been able to pro-
and a green light to the Marxist-Sandinista
and enslaved, if you will, the people of
vide that so far, but only a trickle.
government of Nicaragua to aid leftist
Nicaragua.
only a trickle, if you will.
rebels in overthrowing the Democratic gov-
But the target now is El Salvador.
They do not even want more advi-
ernment of El Salvador.
They have provided the arms and
sors or anything like that. But the
In effect. the U.S. Congress would allow
equipment from the Soviet Union,
training programs that would be of-
Nicaragua to exist as a sanctuary for inter-
national Marxist-terrorists.
from Bulgaria, from the Iron Curtain
fered to them, they need and want and
And not only is Nicaragua being used as a
countries, funneling it from Cuba into
they have said so time after time
base for fomenting Marxist-Leninist revolu-
Nicaragua, Nicaragua in turn funnel-
throughout the area.
tions in Central America. the Sandinista
ing it on the unprotected border of
Let me add one thing to show the
government has stolen the revolution from
Honduras and around through sea-
dedication of these people for the
the Nicaraguan people who fought for De-
ways and into San Salvador.
cause that they serve.
mocracy.
We must remember that the country
For example. my friend from Florida
It has imposed a new dictatorship, refuses
of El Salvador, whose capital is San
mentioned Col. Alberto Kruze, the
to hold free elections that It promised-in
Salvador, that the country of El Salva-
writing-to the Organization of American
commander in San Francisco Gotera.
States, and has initiated heavy censorship
dor, until the attack that was institut-
He struck me as an individual totally
of the media.
ed as soon as the Sandinistas took over
dedicated to restoring peace and tran-
In short, the people of Nicaragua today
in-Nicaragua, was targeting the econo-
quility to his country for his family.
are denied the basic human rights cf inter-
my of El Salvador, and El Salvador
The family unit is very important
national law by a government sworn to the
had the best economy, the most suc-
there.
totalitarian doctrines of Marxism-Leninism.
cessful industry, farming techniques,
Also he was a dedicated officer for
It is essential that the U.S. provides the
and every inch of the land was under
government. of El Salvador with the aid
the command of his troops to make
they need to put down the communist guer-
cultivation, and the merchant class
sure that the children got back to
rillas and restore economic stability.
was producing and providing market-
school, to make sure things were
A vote against President Reagan's request-
ing for the industry. for the farming
proper.
ed aid would be a setback both to the pro-
throughout the world, and also they
He indicated to us at that time there
American government of El Salvador and to
had the finest roads and the best
would be an initiative made by his
the morale of the Salvadoran people, many
equipment and transportation, and
troops at a later time. I will tell you
of whom risked their lives to cast a vote for
the smoothest working organism to
without revealing the time, the date
Democracy.
take what the product of the people
and all of that, that I received infor-
In recent years we have stood by and
was and market it around the world of
watched Grenada, Suriname, and Nicaragua
mation from El Salvador, at my re-
fall into communist control.
any of the other neighboring countries
quest, confirming that that did take
We must not let El Salvador be the next
around El Salvador in Central Amer-
place and that confirmation really
victim of the Soviets.
ica and perhaps in Latin America.
struck me as something that showed
If the Soviet presence in Central America
So the idea of the encroachment
the complete and total dedication and
continues to expand, every vital interest of
from the Communists was to scourge
honesty of the people involved.
the United States-national survival, terri-
the land, burn the homes, chase the
URGENT
URGENT
URGENT
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
October 20, 1983
Dear USDC Member:
Will you take just a few moments to send one of the
post cards I've enclosed to Senator Lloyd Bentsen.
And please ask your friends and neighbors to send
in the extra cards I've enclosed.
Because we're coming to a critical vote
in Congress on Central America.
Nicaragua is now like a communist cancer
in the heart of this vital region.
The Soviets and Cubans hope this cancer
will spread and affect all of Central
America and Mexico as well.
If this happens, the U.S. would not only be swamped
with refugees, but for the first time would be forced
to defend its 1,933 mile border with Mexico.
This would force us to draft and station 1/2 million
to 1 million U.S. troops on the Mexican border, just for
our own protection.
We cannot allow the communist cancer to spread.
That's why it's important you send the enclosed post
card to Senator Bentsen at once or better yet send him
a personal letter.
Please ask him to cast his every vote in favor of
full support for the Pro-American Contra Freedom Fighters
so that we can cut the cancer out.
Your actions can make a difference.
Sincerely,
Henry L. Watcher
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/tll
P.S. I've enclosed for your information the letter I
sent to every member of Congress on this issue.
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
October 14, 1983
The Honorable Lloyd Bentsen
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Bentsen:
As you know, the issue of covert aid to the anti-
Sandinista Freedom Fighters will again come up when the
Senate considers the FY '84 Intelligence Authorization
bill.
On behalf of the more than 97,000 members of the
United States Defense Committee, I urge you to support
full funding of U.S. covert operations in Central America.
Nicaragua, with the support of Cuba and the Soviet
Union, has become the centerpiece of the Communist plan
to undermine Latin America, and the main channel for arms
to Communist guerrillas in Honduras, Costa Rica, and El
Salvador.
Today, Communist guerrillas in El Salvador have five
times more arms than the Sandinistas had when they overthrew
Somoza.
However, Nicaraguan "Contra" Freedom Fighters, with
the help of U.S. covert aid have, in recent months, turned
the tide of the flow of arms into El Salvador.
It seems incredible that there are actually some
members of Congress calling for passage of the Boland-
Zablocki bill -- to end U.S. covert operations in Central
America -- at a time when these operations are becoming
so successful.
We can not and must not allow Nicaragua to exist
as a sanctuary for international Marxist-terrorists!
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence recently
gave its overwhelming approval of President Reagan's request
for $19 million in aid for the "Contra" Freedom Fighters
in a 13-2 vote.
On behalf of the United States Defense Committee's
more than 97,000 members, I urge you to uphold the Senate
Intelligence Committee's recommendation for $19 million
in aid and to cast your every vote for full funding of
U.S. covert operations in Central America and against
the Boland-Zablocki bill.
If the Soviet presence in Central America continues
to expand, every vital interest of the United States --
national survival, territorial integrity, economic well-
being, and world stability -- will be jeopardized to an
extent unprecedented in our nation's history.
Sincerely,
Henry L. Watther
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/peb
Defense
VOL. 2 NO. 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1983
Watch
DEDICATED TO A STRONG FOREIGN POLICY AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
Congressional Red Tape Strangles Pentagon Procurement
Congress Held Responsible For
Mandating Waste in Defense Spending
Pro-defense forces in the fight to
Committee chaired by Senator John
combat Congressionally mandated waste
Tower (R-TX).
in the defense budget and rebuild Amer-
Although often misrepresented in the
ica's military deterrent received two
national media, pro-defense forces are
important boosts in recent weeks from
actually in the forefront of efforts to make
both the Grace Commission on govern-
sure that defense dollars are wisely spent
ment waste and from the Senate Armed
in the effort to deter Soviet aggression and
Services Committee.
maintain America's commitments around
Those two boosts, of course, are the
the world.
recent findings of the Grace Commission
It is service men, after all, who have the
on cost control that cited Congress as the
greatest interest in making sure that every
principal culprit in the mis-spending of
penny spent by Congress on defense
defense dollars, and by the start of an on-
should go to maintaining and upgrading
going series of oversight hearings on waste
the weapons and support systems neces-
conducted by the Senate Armed Services
sary to counter a Soviet attack.
Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger
Blue Ribbon Commission Blames
pointed out in hearings on Capitol Hill that
Congress is to blame for inefficiency imposed
Congress for Waste in Defense
upon the Pentagon.
Spending
Congressional mandates are also to blame for
many cost overruns and the squandering of
scarce defense dollars.
In fact, Senator Tower's oversight
hearings on the organization and manage-
ment of the Defense Department has
USDC Gears Up Campaign to Rebuild American Deterrent
already received compelling testimony
from Secretary of Defense Caspar Wein-
Public Outcry Pressures Congress
berger, who pointed out that Congres-
sional mandates are to blame for most of
the inefficiency imposed on the Pentagon,
to Pass Defense Authorization
and for the needless squandering of scarce
defense dollars.
Thanks to pressure generated from a
The setback suffered by anti-defense
Citing a series of examples ranging
flood of mail by members of the United
forces gives a boost to supporters of the
from Congressional foot-dragging in insti-
States Defense Committee and other con-
Peacekeeper (MX) and advocates of a
tuting a more orderly and cost effective
cerned pro-defense citizens across the
modernized American chemical deterrent
budgetary cycle for purchasing weapons
country, anti-defense forces were de-
as the Senate on September 13th, passed
to Congressional refusal to close unneces-
feated in attempts to derail the 1984
the Defense Authorization bill 83 to 8 while
sary military bases, Weinberger placed the
Defense Authorization bill which in
the House concurred by a narrower mar-
question of waste in defense spending
September passed both the House and
gin of 266 to 152 on September 15th.
squarely on the shoulders of Congress.
Senate.
Defense Budget cont. on pg. 5
Congress Mandates Waste cont. on pg. 2
UNITED STATES DEFENSE COMMITTEE 3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Defense Watch
Congress Mandates Waste cont. from pg. 1
Further, the testimony of Secretary
Weinberger, contrary to the image pro-
jected by the national media, is fully sup-
ported by a report issued on June 30th by
the Presidential Commission on Cost
Control established by President Reagan
18 months ago and headed by J. Peter
Grace, which stated that 80 percent of the
waste in defense dollars found by the com-
mission falls under Congressional man-
dates which govern the defense budget.
Weinberger and Joint Chiefs
Continue Drive to Eliminate
Waste
Pro-defense forces also recognize,
however, that any organization with the
Senator Kennedy and other anti-defense forces
If America is to swiftly build the weapons of
globe girdling responsibilities of the Penta-
citing "budgetary reasons" have made the B-1B
the future, the Pentagon must be allowed to
bomber and other vital defense systems favorite
break out of the Congressional red tape which
gon, (employing over two and one half
targets of attack, imposing red tape and time de-
has strangled defense projects, and be given
million people and responsible for the
lays which have pushed up the cost of the defense
permission to reinstitute the management
development and procurement of some of
budget and hindered American military readiness.
process that produces the best weapons in the
shortest amount of time for the least cost.
the most advanced technological systems
on earth) is bound to have some institu-
procurement, and economic production
By refusing to fully fund cost efficient
tional waste.
rates for the B-1B bomber, M-1 Abrams
production rates for weapons, and multi-
Secretary Weinberger and the Joint
Main Battle Tank, the Patriot anti-aircraft
year contracts, Kennedy and other anti-
Chiefs of Staff are conscious of that fact
missile, and the Air Force F-15 and Navy
defense forces are also dealing a severe
and over the past two years have aggres-
F-14 fighter planes.
blow to the very industrial base upon which
sively moved to eliminate remaining waste.
Senator Kennedy's position was in
America depends to produce weapons.
But in any case, whatever institutional
effect a move not only against a stronger
Today, because of uncertain funding
waste does exist, is peanuts compared to
defense, but also a stand in favor of institu-
provided by Congress, defense contrac-
what Congress has forced upon the
tionalized waste by continuing a series of
tors have often been forced to neglect the
Pentagon.
disastrous policies from the past which
modernization of facilities necessary to
Virtually all pro-defense experts are in
have strangled the procurement process
produce America's defense needs.
agreement with the Grace Commission
of almost all American weapons systems
Even Congressman Lee Hamilton
and have long argued that Congress has in
and escalated the cost of defending the
(D-IN), usually a defense critic, has stated
effect robbed the defense budget over the
United States against foreign aggression.
that the failure of Congress to agree on
years by imposing erratic funding, red tape
Unfortunately, Senator Kennedy and
multi-year funding, and economic produc-
and misguided management on the Penta-
the anti-defense forces in Congress have
lion rates "confuses our defense industry
gon resulting not only in waste but also in
been all too successful not only in ham-
and gives them little incentive to invest in
the undermining of American military
stringing the Pentagon budget by imposing
plants and train their skilled labor force."
readiness against Soviet adventurism.
wasteful stop-and-go funding for weapons
systems, but also in imposing arbitrary
Kennedy Position Would
guidelines that demand an almost endless
Congress Hamstrings Pentagon
Squander Scarce Defense Dollars
series of reports and studies for anything
Plan to Save Billions
that the Pentagon does.
Ironically, the chief architects of Con-
In fact, Paul Thayer, former Chairman
The position taken by Kennedy then,
gressionally mandated waste in defense
of the Board of the LTV Corporation, a
has not only wasted defense dollars, but
spending are often the very same anti-
major defense contractor, stated recently
also undermines an across-the-board
defense forces, led by Senator Kennedy
that "forty cents out of every dollar we
effort by Secretary of Defense Weinberger
and others, who are constantly calling for
charge for every airplane delivered to the
to reduce Congressionally mandated
sharply reduced defense spending for
government is attributable to bureaucratic
waste and save 29.7 billion dollars in de-
"budgetary reasons."
red-tape, paperwork and duplication."
fense spending between 1981-1988 by
Most recently, in hearings by the
setting a new course for management and
Armed Services Committee on the 1984
Industrial Base for American
procurement policies in the Pentagon.
budget authorization for defense, Senator
Defense Eroded by Uncertain
Secretary of Defense Caspar Wein-
Kennedy and his cohorts tried to slash
Funding
berger has stated that:
funds necessary to fully support multi-year
Congress Mandates Waste cont. on pg. 3
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Larry McDonald and the 268 other
innocent men, women and children murdered by the Soviets on KAL Flight 007.
2
Defense Watch
Congress Mandates Waste from pg. 2
Special high priority programs such as
funds free of the normal bureaucratic and
The Pentagon could save 4.5 billion
the SR-71 reconnaissance plane, devel-
Congressional red tape, and was opera-
dollars in defense spending if Con-
oped in the mid-1960's and recognized as
tional in just 2½ years at one-third of
gress would allow multi-year pro-
the most sophisticated reconnaissance
expected cost.
curement contracts for military
plane on earth, was developed in a Top
hardware.
Secret project using special intelligence
Congress Mandates Waste cont. on pg. 6
A more efficient use of contractor
plant capacity through increased
production rates, if allowed by
Congress, would not only help
Larry McDonald
American industry but also save
2.6 billion.
A streamlining of guidelines issued
1935-1983
by Congress and other savings in
the cost of operations could save
As Defense Watch readers know, on
champion of a cause: the cause of freedom
10.4 billion dollars.
August 31st, the Soviets murdered 269
and the worth and dignity of the individual
The closing of redundant or un-
defenseless men, women and children on
in an age increasingly ravaged by totali-
necessary military facilities in Con-
KAL flight 007.
tarianism.
gressional districts would save
Defense Watch readers are also aware
Larry was not afraid to take a tough,
additional billions.
of the lies and the cover up attempt by the
uncompromising stand even if it meant
Almost all the savings recommended
Soviets to escape the blame for their
risking the loss of votes in his home dis-
by Secretary Weinberger, however, have
brutal act.
trict, because he came to Congress not to
run into stiff Congressional opposition by
The United States Defense Commit-
serve himself but his country.
anti-defense forces intent on blaming the
tee grieves for the families of the murdered
On many occasions, he helped to
Pentagon for Congressionally mandated
passengers.
inspire and lead a sometimes small band of
waste while refusing to relinquish defense
But, we also have a special grief,
pro-defense Congressmen on the House
related jobs in their own districts or states.
because Congressman Lawrence Patton
floor in standing up to an often ill-informed
McDonald was not just a name among
and tyrannical majority.
Congress Forces High Prices in
many on the passenger manifest, he was a
Larry did not look for fights, he just
friend; a good friend.
stood by his belief in freedom and pointed
Weapons Development and
out the responsibilities America has as the
Procurement
arsenal of democracy and as the bulwark
of the Western world against totalitarianism.
Perhaps the single most costly, and
He lost many of those skirmishes on
important area of waste today, and one
the House floor, and yet he never gave up.
which has been largely mandated by Con-
Larry was a force for what he believed
gress, is the length of time needed to pro-
was right, and always held fast to the good.
duce new weapons systems.
As Larry was always fond of saying: "If
In an era which adds 30 percent to the
you don't stand for something, you will fall
overall cost for a weapons system for each
for anything."
year it goes beyond schedule, any delay is
Larry's legacy will not, however, be
catastrophic in terms of funding.
that of prophet wandering in the wilder-
Yet, the logjam in development and
ness; instead it will be the record of an
procurement is not due to the complexity
organizer, an achiever, a motivator.
of new technologies, but is the result of
In his capacity as a principled cham-
bad Congressional policy and bureau-
pion of freedom, Larry helped and was an
cratic red tape.
active member in virtually every pro-
In the 1950's, for example, the cycle to
defense, pro-free enterprise and pro-
develop and produce a weapon averaged
family group with which he came into
six years or less.
contact.
The Polaris missile, the original foun-
Larry always gave of his time freely,
dation for the sea-leg of America's nuclear
and in fact, did far more for each organiza-
deterrent, was developed under President
tion he dealt with, than they did for him.
Eisenhower in only 3.8 years.
On August 31st, Larry McDonald (D-GA) and
Yet, in spite of all his activities Larry
Now, the time it takes to decide upon,
two hundred and sixty-eight other passengers
were killed by the Soviets on KAL Flight 007.
still found time to be a loving husband and
develop and procure any major new
to look after and be a caring father to five
weapon has been dragged out to well over
This act, once again shows the brutality of the
fine children.
10 years.
Soviet regime and the need for a strong Ameri-
can defense.
The United States Defense Commit-
Just the decision to go ahead with a
tee mourns with the McDonald family over
needed program often takes six years.
Larry was one of those rare people,
the murder of Larry.
However, even today, development
who moved by the strength of his convic-
It is always hard to lose a friend, but
and production can move quickly if the
tions, could inspire the best within his
especially hard to lose Larry, because
"normal" procedures mandated by Con-
compatriots.
when the Soviets killed him, they took one
gress can be bypassed.
He was a natural leader, and the
of the very best.
3
Defense Watch
USDC Calls For Safeguarding American Technology
Leaks to Soviets Continue to Erode
American Technological Edge
As Defense Watch goes to press, pro-
Department to both export and restrict
will offer amendments that would, in fact,
defense forces are using every opportunity
goods has resulted in confused priorities,
weaken the bill even more.
to close loopholes in the Export Adminis-
which would best be solved by the creation
The United States Defense Commit-
tration Act that have given the Soviet
of a single office to protect America's
tee has called on pro-defense Senators to
military machine access to advanced
technological superiority.
actively oppose such amendments.
American technology.
The letter stressed the necessity of
As Defense Watch readers know, the
USDC Lobbies Senate to Plug
preventing Soviet bloc access to American
Export Administration Act expired on
Hi-Tech Leaks
technology that can be used to develop
September 30th, but Congress did not act
sophisticated weaponry.
in time and instead passed a short-term
The United States Defense Commit-
extension.
tee and other pro-defense organizations
Soviet Theft of Technology
Pro-defense groups are closely moni-
are now actively lobbying the U.S. Senate
Endangers American Security
toring the progress of the Export Adminis-
to amend the Garn-Heinz resolution on
tration Act, which regulates the sale of
the Senate floor.
In fact, Jack Verona, of the Defense
American technology to foreign countries,
Intelligence Agency, during his testimony
and on the Senate side are, with some
before the Senate Governmental Affairs
reservations backing the Garn-Heinz bill,
subcommittee on Capitol Hill, pointed out
979).
that the Soviet Union "taps into the results
The Garn-Heinz bill unfortunately is a
of United States research and develop-
compromise measure which falls short of
ment so often that one must wonder if they
what many pro-defense experts would
regard U.S. research and development as
like, but it does promise to move America
their own national asset."
closer to the day when the flow of vital
The United States has been forced, in
technology to the Soviet Union is stopped.
effect, to finance two defense budgets; our
own, and a sizeable portion of the Soviet
Committee Compromise
Union's.
Weakens Pro-Defense
As a result, the United States has
Opportunity
been pushed to develop new weapons
systems and strategies to counter Soviet
Pro-defense forces regard the expira-
weapons which probably could not have
tion of the Export Administration Act of
been built without assistance from the
1979 as a chance to close loopholes in the
United States.
Act and make the changes necessary to
Senator William Armstrong (R-CO),
preserve America's technological edge by
notes that if it weren't for the leak of Amer-
way of amendments and bills proposed in
ican technology, we likely wouldn't need
Senator Garn's initial measure, (S. 434).
the MX missile or the B-1 bomber to
Unfortunately, many of the key provi-
counter the Soviet weapons we helped the
Senator Bill Armstrong (R-CO) has been in the
sions of the original Garn bill, were gutted
Russians build."
forefront of efforts to stop the hemorrhage of
when the compromise with Senator Heinz
American technology into Soviet hands.
Thus, in a very direct way, because of
was struck.
Of particular concern to Armstrong and
lax security and weak legislation on the
One provision eliminated in the com-
other pro-defense Senators is the use of Ameri-
can technology to build Soviet weapons.
problem of technology export, the United
promise was a measure creating an Office
States has been responsible for helping
of Strategic Trade that would have had the
In a hard-hitting letter sent to every
the Soviets to create the very weapons
single responsibility of controlling the
Senator, Henry L. Walther, Executive
that are now threatening American security.
export of sensitive American technology.
Vice President of the United States De-
The Department of Commerce cur-
fense Committee, staked out a firm pro-
Soviet Technological
rently has responsibility for handling sensi-
defense position calling for Members of
Breakthrough Aided by American
tive technology, but is unable to perform
Congress to propose amendments that
Research
the task acceptably, because the Depart-
would strengthen the effectiveness of the
ment's major job is, in fact, to promote the
Garn-Heinz bill.
United States intelligence officials also
transfer of goods, not to restrict such
Incredibly, it is expected that some
point out that the development of the
transfer.
Senators, under pressure from organiza-
Soviet's new generation of ICBM's, de-
The dual function of the Commerce
tions and individuals with export biases,
ployed in the early 1970's, was aided by the
4
Defense Watch
access of Soviet scientists to research
facilities at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology and tours of U.S. hi-tech
defense facilities.
The Russians also obtained American
microprocessors, which are key to the
development of missile guidance systems,
and computers which can be used to
design nuclear warheads.
The sale of hi-tech ball bearing grinders
in 1972, allowed the Soviets to develop a
new navigation system that was the final
step in producing their new ICBM's.
In addition, this American technology
gave the Soviet Union the ability to install
multiple warheads on their missiles for the
first time.
Transfer of U.S. technology has not
only resulted in the modernization of
The export of advanced American technology
pictured above, have relied heavily on imported
Soviet missiles, but also in the improve-
has allowed the Soviet Union to build many of
technology.
the weapons that now threaten the United States
ment of the Soviet Navy, and the develop-
and Western Europe.
In fact, the sale of ball bearing grinders by the
ment of anti-submarine systems, and new
United States in 1972 allowed the Soviets to de-
radar design technologies, which threaten
Soviet missile forces including the Frog-7 tacti-
velop the SS-18 missile that now threatens
cal nuclear surface-to-surface missile battery
America's land-based nuclear deterrent.
major parts of America's nuclear deterrent.
U.S. Financing of Communist
military machine only emboldens the
Bonker Bill Threatens to Sweep
Aggression Must Stop
Soviet Union to push ahead with their goal
Aside Safeguards Against
of complete military superiority over the
Hi-Tech Export
The United States Defense Commit-
United States and further military adven-
tee opposes these efforts and others which
turism throughout the world.
Yet, despite the danger posed to
have the effect of financing Communist
The transfer of American high-tech-
American security by the leak of high tech-
aggression around the world through the
nology to enemies of our country must
nology, efforts are right now underway in
easy transfer of valuable technology to the
stop if the United States is to remain safe
Soviet Union.
Congress to open a floodgate of technical
and free."
trade to the Soviet Union.
In fact, America fell headlong into this
trap during the early seventies when
Defense Budget cont. from pg. 1
Ignoring vital security needs of the
United States, Congressman Don Bonker
authorization was given to supply the
The flood of mail received by Con-
(D-WA), Chairman of the House Foreign
Soviet Union with so-called non-military
gress calling for a stronger defense, com-
Affairs subcommittee on International
technologies necessary to build the mas-
bined with the horror and outcry at the
sive Kama River Truck Plant.
Economic Policy and Trade has already
Soviet murder of 269 defenseless men,
shepherded through his committee H.R.
While the plant was intended, sup-
women and children on KAL 007, resulted
3231.
posedly, to produce only civilian vehicles,
in a blitz that threw anti-defense forces
the Department of Defense reported in
off balance.
This bill would actually eliminate exist-
ing guidelines that help prevent KGB front
February that Kama River trucks are in
organizations and companies in countries
fact being widely used in the oppressive
Anti-Defense Forces Stall for
friendly to the United States from receiv-
and ruthless Soviet invasion of Afghanis-
Time in Effort to Slash Defense
ing sensitive American technology and
tan, making a mockery of the export of
then promptly re-exporting it to the Soviet
non-military technologies.
Despite the victory on the 1984 De-
Union.
In further exploitation of so-called non-
fense Authorization bill, however, pro-
The Bonker bill, which is a seriously
military technologies, the Soviets are right
defense forces still have other legislative
flawed rewrite of the original Export
now, sending hundreds of trucks to help
obstacles to hurdle in order to avoid
the Communist controlled Sandinista
Administration Act also moves to tie the
further cuts in defense spending.
Junta establish firm control over the
hands of the President in prohibiting the
Passage of the Defense Authorization
export of vital technology to unfriendly
Nicaraguan countryside.
bill is, of course, an important step in the
nations of American companies.
USDC Urges Congress to
legislative process because it approves the
In an attack on the President's execu-
spending of funds for defense in 1984.
Safeguard American Technology
tive authority to use economic export as a
But, it is the Defense Appropriations
foreign policy weapon, the Bonker bill
Brad Palmer, Legislative Director of
bill that actually releases the funds.
denies the President the unilateral right to
the United States Defense Committee
As a result, anti-defense forces still
choke off trade from subsidiaries of Ameri-
stated that: "Congress must be made to
have their knives sharpened in a drive to
can companies suspected of acting against
realize that the hemorrhage of American
slash defense, and have an array of legisla-
United States interests.
tive delaying tactics and tools that can be
technology into the hands of the Soviet
Defense Budget cont. on pg. 6
5
Defense Watch
Congress Mandates Waste cont. from pg. 3
Defense Budget cont. from pg. 5
certain defense project is a great loss of
Red Tape Allows Soviets Time to
time, breaking the management and tech-
used to derail the 1984 Defense Appro-
Outrace U.S.
nical continuity of a project and requiring
priations bill.
new people to be trained.
House Speaker Tip O'Neill, Congress-
The most serious consequence for
Private industry, on the other hand,
man Joseph Addabbo, (D-NY), Chairman
America's security is that the drawn out
keeps its project teams together to de-
of the Appropriations subcommittee on
development and procurement cycles not
velop and produce advanced state-of-
Defense, and other anti-defense forces are
only assure weapons obsolescence but give
the-art aircraft such as the Boeing 757 and
already playing games with the nation's
the Soviets time to develop counter
767 in just a few years time.
security by stalling for time in hopes of
weapons.
gathering more votes to defeat the Peace-
The B-1B bomber, designed to replace
Gen. Graham Calls on Congress
keeper (MX) and the production of a new
the B-52 as the front line of America's air-
to Free Defense From Red Tape
chemical deterrent.
borne deterrent against Soviet aggression,
Anti-defense forces, hoping to ride out
has been under development since 1962.
Lt. General Daniel O. Graham, USA
the storm of indignation at the Soviet
The decision to procure the B-1B took
(Ret.), President of the United States
downing of KAL 007 and the pressure
8 years between 1962-1970, while the pro-
Defense Committee has stated that: "The
from pro-defense groups, will drag out for
curement process has been underway
Pentagon if it is to produce the weapons of
as long as possible, consideration of a
since 1970 with the first B-1B scheduled to
the future, must be allowed to break out of
Defense Appropriations Bill for 1984.
be on station in 1986.
the Congressional red tape strangling
Meanwhile, the Soviets have taken the
weapons development, and be given the
Liberals Target Defense
intervening 24 years to develop the Back-
permission to reinstitute the management
Appropriations Bill for Deep Cuts
fire Bomber, which resembles the B-1B
process that produces the best weapons
itself.
in the shortest amount of time for the
In fact, the Defense Appropriations
Another result of the drawn out build-
least cost.
bill for 1984 should have been passed
ing cycle mandated by Congress is to
Stop-and-go funding at uneconomic
before the new fiscal year started on
insure that the teamwork required for
production rates mandated by Congress
October 1st.
hi-tech projects cannot be maintained.
is bleeding the defense budget of valuable
By stalling and forcing Congress into
The loss of many knowledgeable and
dollars, and reduces American readiness
passing a continuing resolution on Sep-
experienced people familiar with any
against possible Soviet aggression."
tember 30th, anti-defense forces have
succeeded in holding defense spending for
1984 below the spending levels that had
been approved only two weeks earlier.
The continuing resolution lasts for 41
Congress Delays Weapons - Boosts Costs
days and is a stopgap funding bill that puts
off Congressional action on a Defense
Appropriations bill until November 10th.
The resolution also rolls back earlier
pro-defense victories on the rapid pro-
16 Years
curement of the Peacekeeper (MX) and
the modernization of America's chemical
deterrent, by denying funds until a final
Appropriations bill is passed.
Even the passage of a Defense Appro-
priations bill for 1984 is in jeopardy as anti
defense forces plan new strategies for
8 Years
slashing defense.
It will take concerted efforts by pro-
defense groups and continued pressure
from the folks back home to guide the 1984
1½ Years
Defense Appropriations bill through the
1 Year
Congressional maze.
USDC Puts Heat on Congress to
B-47
B-1B
B-47
B-1B
Support Strong Defense
Decision to Produce Bomber
Time to Produce Bomber
In a strong counter-attack against the
The chart above shows how Congressionally man-
of American weapons once deployed.
efforts mounted by anti-defense forces,
dated red tape and delays in developing weapons
The B-47 bomber was deployed in 2½ years,
Henry Walther, Executive Vice President,
systems vital to America's defense have not only
while America's new airborne deterrent the B-1B
of the United States Defense Committee
given the Soviet's a chance to race ahead of the
has been under consideration and development
United States, but also insured the obsolescence
for over 20 years.
prepared for the start of the fall session of
the 98th Congress by announcing on
September 6, a new lobbying campaign on
Defense Budget cont. on pg. 7
6
Defense Watch
Defense Budget cont. from pg. 6
zero funding for Binary Chemical weapons
United States Defense Committee and a
Capitol Hill and nationwide to preempt
are now the centerpieces of an intensive
team of the best scientists and aerospace
further efforts by anti-defense forces in
lobbying campaign by anti-defense forces.
engineers in the country have studied the
Congress to kill the production of wea-
In the case of the Peacekeeper (MX),
problem of America's vulnerability and
pons vital to America's defense.
it is a vital part of America's deterrent
have concluded that there are no technical
The first phase of the campaign by the
strategy against the Soviet Union.
obstacles to prevent America from deploy-
United States Defense Committee has
The fact of the matter is that the
ing non-nuclear strategic defensive sys-
been a series of special mailings to USDC
Peacekeeper (MX) is America's only offen-
tems which could safeguard America's
contributors and thousands of other pro-
sive weapon accurate enough to destroy
land-based deterrent.
defense activists in 91 key Congressional
Soviet missile silos in case an attack is
An in-depth defense consisting of
districts across the country, to mobilize
launched against the United States.
satellite-based missiles and an active point
"the folks back home" to put the heat on
By being able to destroy Soviet missile
defense around American silos combined
waivering politicians.
silos, the Peacekeeper would also prevent
with Minuteman and Peacekeeper missiles
As a result, over 100,000 cards and
additional waves of missiles from being
would provide America with both defen-
letters sent by members and friends of the
fired by the Soviet Union.
sive and offensive capabilities necessary
United States Defense Committee have
The Minuteman missiles, while still an
to meet the Soviet threat.
flooded Congressional offices all over
indispensable part of America's deterrent
Capitol Hill.
are today unable to destroy the newer
Chemical Deterrent Needed to
This flood of mail coupled with mail
superhardened Soviet missile silos.
generated by other pro-defense groups
Prevent Soviet Aggression
Also, unless the Peacekeeper (MX) is
and intensive personal lobbying efforts by
deployed, America's land-based missile
The battle to modernize America's
United States Defense Committee staff
force to deter Soviet aggression will
chemical deterrent is also important to
members and others are having an impact.
actually shrink, because in 1983 alone,
American security, because it has only
The effects of the lobbying campaign
fifty-four Titan II missile launchers are
been the prospect of retaliation by the
can be successful, however, only if indi-
scheduled for deactivation without any
United States that has prevented the use
vidual members of the USDC continue to
new missiles being produced.
of chemical weapons against American
contact their Congressmen and demand
troops.
that they cast their every vote in favor of
the Peacekeeper (MX).
Active Missile Defense is Key to
Congressman William L. Dickinson
Defending Against Soviet Attack
(R-AL) said, when pointing out the need
for rebuilding America's chemical deter-
USDC Members Flood Congress
rent: "If Adolf Hitler and the Nazi war
With Mail
The answer to America's increasing
machine had not been convinced that we
strategic vulnerability is, of course, deny-
ing the Soviets the ability of successfully
had the capability as we did, they would
The United States Defense Commit-
launching either a first or second strike.
have used gas on invading troops at
tee is pleased to report that in a vote on
General Graham, President of the
Normandy."
September 15th, the Peacekeeper (MX)
Defense Budget cont. on pg. 8
received 266 votes, its biggest number
ever in the House of Representatives.
The September 15th vote follows
directly on the heels of another Peace-
keeper vote in which the Peacekeeper was
almost defeated in a close 220-207 vote.
The most recent vote includes a pick-
up of twenty Congressmen who earlier,
voted against the Peacekeeper, but then,
after feeling the heat and hearing the facts,
changed their votes.
Of the ninety-one Congressmen tar-
geted by the United States Defense Com-
mittee in September, sixty-seven voted for
the Peacekeeper.
The victory of the Peacekeeper (MX),
and the Defense Authorization bill is
particularly impressive, because in August
anti-defense forces were confident of de-
railing both the Peacekeeper (MX) and
America's modernized chemical deterrent.
Pro-defense forces are battling to make sure
Authorization bill.
Peacekeeper (MX) Needed to
that American soldiers, like the one above with
Bolster American Deterrent
the TOW anti-tank missile system, have the
Even worse, in the emergency Continuing
best weapons available to deter a Soviet attack.
Resolution which runs until November 10th,
Congress has forced the Pentagon to tempor-
Defeat of the Peacekeeper (MX) and
Congress, however, has cut funds for various
arily stop procurement plans for all new wea-
weapons including the TOW in the 1984 Defense
pons systems.
7
Defense Watch
Defense Budget cont. from pg. 7
ica's chemical deterrent, have chosen to
modernize America's chemical deterrent
Warned Dickinson, "if we do not have
ignore the Soviet use of chemical weapons
will be determined by the amount of pres-
a chemical deterrent then our only re-
and the fact that 90 percent of America's
sure members of the United States De-
sponse to the Soviet use of chemical
chemical deterrent has deteriorated with
fense Committee and other pro-defense
weapons would be nuclear war."
age and that no new chemical weapons
organizations can bring to bear on the
The United States Defense Commit-
have been produced by the United States
politicians.
tee, in a hard-hitting letter to every mem-
since 1969.
Congress will not act unless the
ber of Congress, has pointed out that right
American people prod their Congressmen
now tens of thousands of Afghans, Lao-
USDC Fights to Prevent
into action.
tians and Cambodians have fallen victim
Congress From Making
America needs a Defense Appropria-
to Soviet "yellow rain" largely, because
American Defense Second Best
tions bill and it is up to the members of the
anti-Communist forces in these nations,
United States Defense Committee to go
had no chemical weapons with which to
Brad Palmer, the Legislative Director
all-out in this effort and let the politicians
retaliate.
for the United States Defense Committee
know that the American people will not
Yet anti-defense forces, in their at-
stated that "the battle to approve deploy-
accept a defense that is only second best."
tempts to kill the modernization of Amer-
ment of the Peacekeeper (MX) and to
Action Items
Nicaragua
El Salvador
House:
House:
(H.R. 2968) Intelligence Authorization bill: Continued assistance to
(H.R. 2992) Foreign Aid bill: Military Assistance to the pro-American
pro-American Contra Freedom Fighters.
Salvadoran government.
Status: Anti-defense forces have attached much of the wording
Status: Forty-one day Continuing Appropriations Resolution
from Boland/Zablocki bill onto Intelligence Authorization bill,
(H.J. Res. 368), on Foreign Aid passed on September 30th with
cutting off aid to Freedom Fighters.
spending levels less than those requested by the Administration.
Expected Action: House will act on bill after October 18th.
Expected Action: Congress must act by November 10th, when the
Members Urged to: Contact House Members and urge them to
Continuing Appropriations Resolution runs out, to continue fund-
drop the Boland/Zablocki language from the Intelligence Authoriza-
ing aid for El Salvador.
tion bill.
Members Urged to: Write Congressmen and urge full funding for
the pro-American government in El Salvador in either a new
Continuing Appropriations bill or a regular Foreign Aid bill.
Senate:
Senate:
(S. 1230) Intelligence Authorization bill: Continued assistance to
(S. 1347) Foreign Aid bill: Military Assistance to the pro-American
pro-American Contra Freedom Fighters.
Salvadoran government.
Status: Senate Select Committee on Intelligence approved $19
Status: Forty-one day Continuing Appropriations Resolution
million for pro-American Contra Freedom Fighters for the first six
(H.J. Res. 368), on Foreign Aid passed on September 30th with
months of 1984.
spending levels less than those requested by the Administration.
Expected Action: Further action will depend on legislative activity
Expected Action: Congress must act by November 10th, when the
of the House, but will probably be resolved in a vote on a House/
Continuing Appropriations Resolution runs out, to continue fund-
Senate "Conference Report".
ing aid for El Salvador.
Members Urged to: Contact Senators and urge their every vote in
Members Urged to: Write to your Senators and urge full funding for
favor of support to the pro-American Contra Freedom Fighters.
the pro-American government of El Salvador in either a new
Continuing Appropriations bill or a regular Foreign Aid bill.
Editor. John R. Crane
Defense Watch is published by the United States Defense
Committee. 3238 Wynford Drive. Fairfax. Virginia, 22031.
Phone (703) 281-5517.
President
Lt. Gen. Daniel O. Graham USA (Ret.)
Executive Vice-President
Henry L. Walther
Secretary-Treasurer
Louise Tate
Legislative Director
Bradley D. Palmer
Director of Research and Publications
John R. Crane
Defense Watch
8
December 7, 1983
Dear Mr. Walther:
I want to thank you, General Graham, and the mem-
bers of the United States Defense Committee for your
help in developing support in the Congress for both
my Central American policies and for the budget
items necessary to rebuild America's defenses.
By flooding Congressional offices with post cards
and letters backing a strong defense, your members
are having a direct impact. Together we've been
able to win some important victories in the Congress.
The fight is far from over. But with the continued
support of people like you and General Graham, I'm
confident we will prevail in our drive to provide a
strong national defense and to secure peace and
freedom in generations to come.
Please keep up the good work. God bless you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
United States Defense Committee
3238 Wynford Drive
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
bcc: Morton Blackwell
RR/OPL/RDC/CAD/Irc -12PMN
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army. Retired
August 3, 1983
The Honorable Charles H. Percy
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Percy:
On behalf of the United States Defense Committee and its
more than 86,000 members, I would like to request that I, Henry
L. Walther, have the opportunity to testify as a public witness
at the upcoming hearings scheduled for September 20th, concerning
the Kennedy-Hatfield Nuclear Freeze Resolution.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
HugLWatthy Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/peb
Advanted Cordon Am. VA
Dan Burton
MCB. MCB- 7YI 7yI
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
November 28, 1983
President Ronald Reagan
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
A little over a year and a half ago, the United States
Defense Committee (USDC) was formed to help mobilize support
-- both at the grass roots level and in Congress -- for your
programs to rebuild America's defenses.
Even though we're not yet two years old, our nationwide
membership has swelled to over 97,000 members, and USDC is
starting to have real impact on Capitol Hill.
Enclosed for your information is a copy of a memo sent
to Morton C. Blackwell outlining some of USDC's activities
over the past year.
As you can see, the first year and a half has been a
busy one for USDC.
We realize that the battles we are fighting together
are far from over, and I can promise you that we at USDC
will continue our efforts to assure deployment of the MX
and to restore freedom and peace in Central America, as well
as continuing our efforts in the various other areas of vital
importance to this nation's defenses.
If ever the United States Defense Committee can be of
direct assistance to your efforts to rebuild a strong America,
please don't hesitate to ask.
With best regards I am,
Sincerely,
With
Henry L. Walther
Executive Vice President
HLW/tll
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
UNITED STATES
DEFENSE COMMITTEE
Lieutenant General
Daniel O. Graham
United States Army, Retired
November 10, 1983
Memorandum
To:
Morton C. Blackwell
From:
Huck Walther
Re:
United States Defense Committee
Lobbying Effort
Morton, as I'm sure you know, the United States Defense
Committee (USDC) has had a very active year.
Just to bring you up to date on more of the details
I have outlined some of our lobbying efforts on the MX missile,
Nuclear Freeze, Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense, and Central
American Policy.
Our major efforts to help assure passage of legislation
for deployment of the MX have included:
Careful research and evaluation to determine
which Congressmen were waivering in their support
or opposition of the MX,
A special mass mailing to our members in each
of the 91 districts of waivering Congressmen,
as well as a general mailing to all other USDC
members, urging them to put the heat on their
Congressmen. This mailing alone generated over
100,000 post cards and letters from USDC members
to Congress,
A mass mailing in March 1983 urging our members
to contact their Congressman in support of total
funding for the Defense Budget, including full
funding of the MX,
Three articles exclusively on MX published in
3238 Wynford Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Defense Watch, USDC's membership publication
received not only by our nationwide membership
but by all members of Congress.
All of these efforts have made the MX issue a major
one for our members; a battle that they are dedicated to
win.
USDC has also been in the forefront of the fight against
a so-called nuclear "freeze". Our projects have included:
Hard-hitting newspaper ads to alert the American
people to the dangers of the Kennedy nuclear
freeze proposal,
Two mass mailings to our members urging them
to help us defeat the Kennedy nuclear freeze,
by putting the heat on the politicians,
Hard-hitting personal letters to all the co-sponsors
of the Kennedy and Zablocki nuclear freeze resolutions,
urging them to change their position,
Special letters to select Newspaper Editors,
asking them to run editorials praising Senator
Garn's counter "freeze" resolution, S.J. Res.
74,
Five different articles in our publication,
Defense Watch, warning Americans of the dangers
of a nuclear freeze.
USDC has been working diligently for the deployment
of a satellite-based defense system capable of destroying
incoming ballistic missiles.
We followed the President's historic speech of March
23rd with:
A mailing to 91 Senators urging them to support
S.R. 100, introduced by Senators Laxalt and
Wallop, in support of an active missile defense,
A follow-up mailing to 86 Senators, urging them
to join the 12 co-sponsors of S.R. 100 and to
oppose S.J. Res. 28 which would ban all weapons
in space,
A mailing to 304 members of the House urging
them to support H.R. 215, in support of an active
missile defense, and to oppose H.J. Res. 120
which would ban weapons in space,
Personal visits to every Senate office urging
their support for S.R. 100 and an active ballistic
missile defense,
A survey of all House members on H.R. 215 and
H.J. Res. 120,
A mass mailing to our members urging them to
contact their representatives in support of
S.R. 100 and H.R. 215 -- including a copy of
General Graham's new book; We Must Defend America:
A NEW STRATEGY for National Survival,
Four articles exclusively on High Frontier and
ballistic missile defense in our publication,
Defense Watch.
Of course, one of the most important issues over the
past year has been U.S. policy in Central America. USDC
has been particularly busy on this issue.
Among some of our activities:
A fact finding trip to El Salvador for three
Congressmen, sponsored by USDC.
The Congressmen, Stan Parris (R-VA), Eldon Rudd
(R-AZ), and Bill McCollum (R-FL) were accompanied
by two senior staff members of the United States
Defense Committee and inspected efforts by the
Salvadoran army to halt Communism, and visited
hospitals and teeming displaced persons camps
in San Vincente and San Francisco Gotera,
Three action mailings to our members on Central
American policy,
The first mailing succeeded in heightening the
awareness of the issue to our members. While
the next two mailings helped generate an estimated
140,000 post cards,
An exhaustive phone survey of every House office
to find exactly who would support and who opposed
the Boland-Zablocki Bill (H.R. 2760) that would
end aid to the Contra Freedom Fighters in Nicaragua,
These vote counts were then turned over to key
House members and other conservative, veteran,
and pro-defense groups,
Hard-hitting letters to Congressmen who were
not committed or who we thought were likely
to change their vote,
Letters of support to those Congressmen who
opposed Boland-Zablocki,
Attendance at every White House Outreach Working
Group meeting on Central America, by a USDC
staff member.
As you can see, this past year has been a busy one for
USDC.
HW
HLW/tll