News Conference on Hostages in Uganda
(July 9, 1976)
ISRAELI RESCUE OF HOSTAGES IN UGANDA
Q. Mr. President, Governor Reagan made the statement
when apprised of the Israeli rescue raid in Uganda, "This is what
Americans used to do." And one of the hostages, who is an American
citizen said America didn't "give a damn about us, Israel freed
us." I wonder, what is your reaction?
THE PRESIDENT. I can assure you that this administration
has taken a firm action wherever we have been confronted with any illegal
international action. The best illustration of course is what we did
in 1975 in the Mayaguez incident. I think that was a clear warning to
any nation that violates international law that this administration
will act swiftly and firmly and, I think, successfully.
Q. If I could follow that up, the State Department
said--when asked, "What is the United States doing?"--said
that they had contacted numerous governments as well as the International
Red Cross. What else did we do to compare with the Israeli action?
THE PRESIDENT. We took whatever action we felt was
appropriate at that time to indicate our strong feeling against international
terrorism, and we asked for the full cooperation of all governments
to make certain that the hostages Were freed.
And as you know, we indicated to Prime Minister Rabin
that we were gratified that the Israelis had taken the very specific
action to free the hostages, and at the same time we reiterated our
firm opposition to international terrorism.
Q. Did we know in advance of that Israeli raid?
THE PRESIDENT. We did not.
Q. Mr. President, do you believe that the Israeli violation
of Uganda national sovereignty was justified?
THE PRESIDENT. The Department of State and our representatives
to the United Nations will set forth our position very clearly in the
debate that I think begins today, on one or more resolutions before
the Security Council. I am told that our position is a firm one, on
good legal grounds, and I will wait and let that be expressed by them
during the debate.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |