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THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON August 19, 1970 TELEPHONE CALLS CONGRESSIONAL Honorable Strom Thurmond (R-SC) RECOMMENDED BY: William E. Timmons M PURPOSE: To thank him for his leadership in defeating the Brooke Amendment. BACKGROUND: Strom is second-ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee. With Margaret Smith's absences and unenthusiasm toward ABM, Thurmond has acted as overall bill manager. The Senate defeated the Brooke Amendment to the Military Procurement Bill by a vote of 53 to 45 . This amendment would have authorized all the requested ABM funds but limit expenditures to Phase I sites. The $322 million earmarked for new installations would have been used to buy additional radar and computer equipment for Montana and North Dakota facilities. The McGovern-Hatfield - Amendment is probably several weeks away from a vote. The co-sponsors are looking for ways to change it to pick up additional support. Now, the proposal provides for removal of U. S. troops from Vietnam by December 31, 1971. RECOMMENDED TALKING POINTS: 1. Thank the Senator for his leadership. 2. Explain that the Senate's action authorizing four SAFEGUARD sites is of major importance to our national security. 3. Ask the Senator how he reads the McGovern-Hatfield vote. Urge his continued leadership to defeat it. NOTE: There are still some twenty amendments to the procure ment bill. If a question comes up on any of paint with them say will have Bill Timmons follow-up. R your