Reagan Seeks $250 Million Aid for Jordan

President Reagan, after concluding that Congress would block a proposed arms sale package, asked the lawmakers Thursday for $250 million in increased economic aid for Jordan to demonstrate U.S. support for King Hussein’s latest peace initiative.

The proposed aid would stretch over the rest of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, and all of the next one. Jordan has received $20 million a year in economic assistance for the last several years.

White House Press Secretary Larry Speakes said Reagan made the final decision on the request Thursday morning after consultations with Jordanian officials and congressional leaders.

Jordan had asked for about $750 million in military hardware, including mobile Hawk anti-aircraft missiles, shoulder-fired Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and sophisticated jet fighters, probably F-16s or F-20s. But more than 70 senators have signed a resolution opposing any arms sale until Hussein begins face-to-face negotiations with Israel.

Finger in Hussein’s Eye

Secretary of State George P. Shultz, who earlier described the Senate resolution as “a finger in King Hussein’s eye,” had urged approval of an arms package. However, U.S. officials said the State Department and Jordan agreed it would be best to postpone the arms package to avoid a bruising battle on Capitol Hill.

Hussein has offered to negotiate with Israel as part of an international conference on the Middle East. Washington opposes such a conference but hopes to find some other way to provide the international support the king says he needs before defying some segments of Arab opinion by opening peace talks with the Israelis.

In a statement issued Thursday, the State Department said: “The king’s clear movement toward peace negotiations with Israel this year carries real risks, including economic risks. The President feels it is important to show support for the king’s efforts. Also, as Jordan enters a period of intensified peace efforts, it is in everyone’s interest that Jordan have as solid a foundation at home as possible.”

How Package Breaks Down

The department said the economic package includes $100 million in cash, $100 million in Commodity Import Program grants and $50 million for project aid to be added to the current $20-million-a-year program.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s military aid request remains under consideration, Speakes said.

Gen. John T. Chain, who leaves his post as chief of the State Department’s Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs to become chief of staff to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization commander, said in a farewell appearance to diplomatic reporters that Jordan needs sophisticated arms for both military and political reasons.

“The symbolism that goes along with sophisticated hardware is important to that country,” Chain declared.

Also, he said, Jordan is no match militarily for Syria, its main Arab rival. Even with a new U.S. arms package, Chain said, Jordan could not expect to turn back a Syrian offensive by itself, but it would be better able to delay a Syrian advance long enough to get help.

“Hussein does have his neck stuck out to take the action he has taken,” Chain said. “I think he should be applauded and supported.”