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‘Show of the flag’

NZPA Washington In what Pentagon officials described today as a low-key “show of the flag,” a small flotilla of American ships and 'planes has converged on East Africa, where tensions are high between Kenya and Uganda. The Pentagon’s spokesman. Mr William Greener, told reporters that, a six-ship naval task force, led by the carrier Ranger, has been in the Indian Ocean since July 8, and that the United States frigate Bearry is in port in Mombasa, Kenya. A P 3 Orion anti-submarine patrol aircraft, the first United States plane ever to be temporarily based in Kenya, has been replaced by a second Orion.

The Pentagon also reported that there were now 20 Soviet ships in the Indian Ocean. Asked if there was any link between the confluence of United States ships and planes and the rising tensions between Kenya and Uganda, Mr Greener said: “I have nothing to say on that.”

Defence officials said, however, that the naval movements obviously would have a psychological effect in East Africa, where the United States backs Kenya in its increasing war of words .with Uganda.

A defence official said: “‘You can cal! it a show of the flag, a low-keyed one.”

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19760715.2.50

Bibliographic details

Press, 15 July 1976, Page 6

Word Count
202

‘Show of the flag’ Press, 15 July 1976, Page 6

‘Show of the flag’ Press, 15 July 1976, Page 6