Saudis and Oil Prices

* We are told that OPEC’s decision to reduce oil production will provoke more price increases at the gas pump [“Oil Cartel Agrees to Reduction in Pumping,” March 17].

We are also told our new president, leader of the free world, met with the Saudi Arabian ambassador, who represents the world’s largest oil exporter.

Oddly, however, they declined to say what they talked about or even whether they discussed oil production. The Saudi oil minister lamented that their action, which will force still higher prices on Americans, was “not an easy decision.”

Perhaps our new president will develop the spine to remind the Saudis that his father, as president, made a decision to come to their country’s defense during the Persian Gulf War, thus saving them from an invasion by Iraq.

Regrettably, President Bush’s dad made this decision with no reciprocal agreement concerning oil supply or prices. Even though it might be offensive to George W.’s oil buddies, he should be reminding the Saudis that this is payback time.

JUNE MAGUIRE

Mission Viejo

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