Bonn Endorses Pact for ‘Star Wars’ Research
The United States and West Germany signed an agreement today clearing the way for German companies and research organizations to participate in President Reagan’s “Star Wars” program, the Pentagon announced.
The agreement, reached in principle last week and nailed down during talks in Washington on Tuesday, was signed by Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger and West German Economics Minister Martin Bangemann.
A senior U.S. Defense Department official described the agreement as setting up basic ground rules for West German companies to bid on and receive Star Wars contracts. No potential dollar amount was given.
The agreement does not commit the West German government to support Star Wars research financially, the official added, but does contain enough flexibility to allow government-supported research establishments to participate on certain projects if they desire.
2nd Ally to Sign
The signing of the accord makes West Germany the second U.S. ally to formally endorse the participation of its scientists and corporations in the Star Wars project, formally known as the Strategic Defense Initiative.
England initialed a similar accord on Dec. 6. U.S. officials have said they expect similar agreements to be reached with Israel, Italy and Japan.
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