Backstop Contras, Reagan Asks
President Reagan, warning that U.S. credibility and security are on the line, insisted today that Congress include standby provisions for a request for arms and ammunition in any humanitarian aid package for the Contras.
“There’s nothing humanitarian about asking people to go up against Soviet attack helicopters armed with boots and bandages,” Reagan declared in a speech to American Legion members. With Democrats on Capitol Hill pushing a $30-million aid package for the rebels, Reagan appeared to retreat slightly from last week’s reluctant acceptance of purely humanitarian aid to the U.S.-backed Nicaraguan rebels.
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