Weinberger Says Military Cuts Add to Security Risks
Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger said Thursday night that the cuts made by a Senate committee in President Reagan’s proposed military budget represent “some added risk” for the nation’s security.
“We can use only what Congress approves,” Weinberger told a news conference shortly before a speech to the World Affairs Council.
“We will try to use it as effectively as possible. It does represent some added risk,” he said.
The defense secretary said also that he supports a proposal by Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-Ariz.) to close a number of military installations around the country.
“I’m in favor of closing all 22 if we do it quickly,” because the proposal would save $500 million to $600 million a year, he said.
“The base closures could be made without serious injury to the nation’s security,” Weinberger said.
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