U.S. MISSILE SYSTEM

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31926, 1 March 1969, Page 13

U.S. MISSILE SYSTEM

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 28. The former United States Vice-President, Mr Hubert Humphrey, has expressed the view that the construction of an anti-ballistic-missile system in America, might begin a new arms race and poison relations with Russia. Mr Humphrey’s criticism of the plan adds weight to the Congressional campaign that has already forced President Nixon to order a temporary halt to the construction of the system, pending a highlevel review of the entire project. “We must not return to the fears and insecurity of the 1950 s by introducing new uncertainties into the strategic arms balance between the United States and the Soviet Union,” Mr Humphrey told students at the University of Minnesota, where he is now a part-time professor. He disclosed that he was going on a national tour to galvanise public opposition to the Sentinel A.B.M. system originally conceived by the Johnson Administration as a shield against Chinese attack. His decision is seen by political observers in Washington as an attempt to take control of the Congressional campaign, which so far has been chiefly conducted for the Democrats by Senator Edward Kennedy,