Russian Arms If U.A.R. In Need

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30445, 20 May 1964, Page 17

Russian Arms If U.A.R. In Need

(N Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright)

CAIRO, May 19. Mr Khrushchev told President Nasser and other United Arab Republic leaders at a banquet last night: “There will be no delay over arms for you if they are needed.” Mr Khrushchev said: “Undoubtedly the nation which liberated itself from imperialism needs very strong armies to defend its indepedence. “The geographical position of the United Arab Republic is a tempting one for aggression.

“There are still remnants of imperialism . . . bases like those in Aden and Cyprus. They are there to preserve imperialistic positions in the area.

‘The United Arab Republic will not stand idle but will repulse any aggression against her. We wish her success in her. actions.” First-class Weapons

Mr Khrushchev said: “It is better to have first-class weapons, and the enemy must know that, so that we are not forced to use them.

“We wish, as the U.A.R. wishes, to earmark the present military expenditure for building dams, hydro-electric stations, industry and schools. But the age in which we live has not yet been freed from imperialist aggressions, as you all know.” Mr Khrushchev thanked President Nasser for the award of Egypt’s highest military honour to Marshal Andrei Grechko, the Soviet First Deputy Defence Minister who is accompanying Mr Khrushchev on his visit to Egypt. In an aside, he said that no sooner had Marshal Abdel Hakim Amer, U.A.R. First Vice-President, handed over the order than ne asked for more arms. He added: "There will be no delay over arms if they are needed.” President Nasser welcomed Mr Khrushchev’s arms offer. He said that Israel, whose population was less than 2m, maintained about 200,000 troops. He said: ‘There is an arms race between us and Israel. We cannot rest assured about

Israel because she is a base for imperialism. “Israel, which has joint borders with the U.A.R., is receiving aid of about 400 m dollars a year plus arms which she is getting at token prices.” President Nasser said that in the Suez crisis of 1956, “the aggression against us began with an Israeli attack. ‘This compels us to maintain a strong national army which can resist aggression,” fie added.