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THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN REVIEW OF THURS PAPERS/DIGEST OF RECENT COMMENT APRIL 25, 1974 FOREIGN AFFAIRS Trib notes aid "hasn't brought US many reciprocal benefits," but proposal re: Egypt "could prove an exception. The last few months have, in fact, already brought a series of extraordinary benefits to US for which aid might be considered a sort of deferred payment. Egypt's attitude toward US has undergone a remarkable change Sadat's distrust has yielded to at least appearance of warm friendship. 11 Trib thinks $250M "a small price, " especially since it'd be used for peaceful purposes and to "assure Sadat we welcome the changes. 11 It doesn't agree w/ RN that aid is "indispensable element" of foreign policy that carries "discredited implication we can buy supporters" but RN's prediction aid will "encourage 'the forces of moderation' has enough validity to make the gamble worth taking. 11 In his "good" aid proposal, says LA Times, RN "made good his commitment of Jan to work to ensure US continues to play a leadership role SO long-term development can continue to be planned. " Criticism over amount is "unwarranted;" it's less than 4% of GNP. "More appropriate question is whether it's enough. Plan includes timely responses to meet new problems. " And LA Times says RN's "to be commended for continuing to support this impt global responsibility." On CBS AM film, Nobel winner Borlaug, who once wrote of the green revolution, said shortages will be a continuing problem, tho perhaps they' re more critical now. Reserves are at low level and if something happens in producing areas, we could be in for "massive famine. 11 Borlaug also noted govt changes or unrest in 3 African countries which have been affected by drought. Chief of Suez-clearing Team, Adm. McCauley, thinks operation can be completed in 6-8 weeks. He notes Egyptians have treated him w/ warmth and cooperation, "the most pleasant surprise of my life. 11 In People interview he notes it's quite a change from attitude in NVN.