Remarks on the Sale
of AWACS Planes
(October 5, 1981)
The President. This distinguished bipartisan group
of former national security officials have agreed to the following statement
of support for the sale of AWACS and other air defense equipment to
Saudi Arabia. After reading this statement, both Harold Brown and Henry
Kissinger would like to make a further statement of their own.
The statement is:
``The sale of AWACS and other air defense equipment to Saudi Arabia
would make a substantial contribution to the national security interests
of the United States in a vital part of the world. The rejection of
this sale would damage the ability of the United States to conduct a
credible and effective foreign policy, not only in the Gulf region,
but across a broad range of issues.''
I want to thank each one of these gentlemen who are here for their
recognition that this sale is in the national security interests of
the Nation. Their public appearance at this time is an indication of
the broad bipartisan support this sale has among knowledgeable former
national security officials from both Republican and Democratic administrations,
going all the way back to the Eisenhower administration.
And we believe, as I've said before, that not only is what we're talking
about in the interest of our national security, but it is in the best
interests of the national security of our friend and ally, Israel.
Now, Henry. Dr. Kissinger.
Dr. Kissinger. Mr. President, I'm aware of the intense debate that
is going on on this issue, and I can sympathize with many of the concerns
that have been expressed. It is my strong conviction, however, that
these concerns cannot be met by rejecting the sale of AWACS. I believe
the sale is in the national interests of the United States; it is compatible
with the security of Israel; it is essential for the peace process in
the Middle East; and it is important for the President's ability to
conduct an effective and credible foreign policy. And so, I would urge
those who have legitimate concerns to meet them in conversation with
the administration, and to vote for the AWACS package without attaching
conditions that are incompatible with the dignity of Saudi Arabia and
with the effective conduct of our foreign policy.
The President. Thank you very much. And now, former Secretary Brown.
Mr. Brown. Thank you, Mr. President. I believe that American national
security depends very strongly on the preservation of peace and of a
favorable situation in Southwest Asia. One can understand the arguments
that well-meaning opponents of the AWACS transfer make. I believe that
when these are weighed against the advantages that this sale brings
to U.S. national security, that the conclusion is that it would not
help U.S. security, it would not help Israeli security, to have this
sale rejected.
I think that both from a military point of view and from a diplomatic
point of view the transfer is advantageous to the United States -- from
a military point of view in terms of the ability it gives us to have
information on air movements in the area, and from a diplomatic point
of view because the United States needs, if it is to continue to contribute
to the peace process, to have close relations with Israel, with Saudi
Arabia, and with other countries in the region. I think that would be
severely damaged if this sale were overturned.
I hope that the Members of Congress who are going to consider this
matter take into full consideration these facets of the issue. And when
they do, I believe that they should come out in favor.
Thank you.
The President. Well, this concludes, but I think you can all see that
there's a who's who roster here of men who have served this country
over a great many years and have proven today they continue to serve
any time they're needed.
And on behalf of all the people of this country, I just want to express
my heartfelt thanks to all of you for being here today and doing this.
Thank you very much.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |