Plans to OK Gulf Warfare Weighed
The United States and the Soviet Union have begun drafting resolutions to authorize the use of military force against Iraq if a worldwide economic squeeze does not force a retreat from Kuwait, U.S. officials said Sunday.
Both superpowers would move against Iraq under U.N. auspices, but the Soviets prefer to work under a joint military command while the United States prefers more “logistical” leeway, the officials told the Associated Press.
Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who has repeatedly cautioned Iraq that the military option might be taken, has consulted with more than a dozen foreign ministers attending the U.N. General Assembly session.
“A lot of ideas are kicking around,” a U.S. official said. “Everybody is asking what we will do next.”
The official said the drafting at this point is tentative, calling it “back of the envelope stuff.”
There was no indication when the council would be asked to take up a call for action.
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