NSDD 141 Responding to Escalation Iran-Iraq War

TOP SECRET SYSTEM II 90635 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINTON TÓP SECRET May 25, 1984 National Security Decision Directive 141 Responding to Escalation in the Iran-Irag - War (5) Recent escalation in the ran-Iraq War, specifically attacks against shipping in the non-belligerent trade with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, has led to urgent requests from Saudi Arabia for accelerated arms deliveries and tanker support. Moreover, the trends in the war are ominous, and barring a breakthrough in current diplomatic efforts to stop the escalation, there is a growing risk that key oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, as well as U.S. military forces, facilities, or flag vessels in the Persian Gulf, may be targetted for attack by either conventional or terrorist means. (8) In light of the growing threat to U.S. and Allied vital interests in the Gulf region, the following actions are directed: 18 Support for Saudi Arabia -- The United States will transfer to the Saudi Arabian Government (SAG) a total of 400 STINGER surface-to-air missiles as soon as possible. This sale will be made under my emergency authority under Section 36(b) (1) of the Arms Export Control Act (the Act) . The formal determination as required under the Act, should be readied for my signature prior to the transfer of the systems from U.S. custody. In view of the threat of Iranian preemption, a formal announcement of the sale will not be made until I have signed the determination. (s) In response to a request from the SAG, the United States will provide aerial tanker support to the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force to enhance air defenses in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom. Agreement will be sought to permit the deployment to Saudi Arabia of the additional tanker aircraft necessary to support this request. (S) -- Recommendations regarding the disposition of other outstanding Saudi arms requests, which have not been approved, should be forwarded for my review. TOP SECRET TOP SECRET copy L 086 OF COPIES Declassify: OADR