Delaying War Fund Vote

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32308, 28 May 1970, Page 15

Delaying War Fund Vote

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) WASHINGTON, May 27. Supporters of President Nixon’s IndoChina policy today appeared to be trying to delay a vote on a measure to cut off funds for United States troops in Cambodia until after the troops had been withdrawn.

After a preliminary vote yesterday in which both sup porters and major opponents of the measure joined in toning down its wording, the Senate went back to its undeclared filibuster—the delaying tactics of long speeches. No votes were expected until next week on another proposed change to the amendment by Senators John Sherman Cooper (Republican, Kentucky) and Frank Church (Democrat, Idaho). The measure proposes cut-

ting off funds for United States troops, advisers, instructors, air support or mercenaries of any nationality in Cambodia after July L There has been increasing speculation in Congress that American forces might be pulled out of Cambodia a week or so ahead of President Nixon’s declared time limit of June 30. Some sources said that offensive action by Americans in Cambodia'would stop by June 15. Forces would then be assigned only to destroy weapons and materials. Indications of a full-scale filibuster came when the Assistant Republican Leader,

Senator Robert Griffin, of Michigan, said that his party would spend an average of two or three days each on the eight or nine pending amendments. This might delay a final vote until the end of June.

Senator Hugh Scott, the Senate’s Republican Leader, told reporters: “We will not seek to unduly delay a vote, but we can’t say to senators ‘don’t offer amendments.' ” The vote yesterday, approved by 82 to 11, modified the amendment to read that the fund cut-off was “in concert” with the President’s declared intention of avoiding involvement in Cambodia after July 1.