Build-up worry

Press, 28 October 1981, Page 8

Build-up worry

NZPA-Reuter Washington The cost of the Reagan Administration's proposed military build-up in the Persian Gulf might be billions of dollars more than expected, according to a Congressional report released yesterday. The document is a compilation of the Administration's responses to questions on its Middle East policy by the chairman of the joint HouseSenate Economic Committee (Congressman Henry Reuss). “In these responses the Administration has spelled out a dangerous strategic doctrine which may return .to

haunt us in the months and years : ahead,” Mr Reuss said. The position set out by the unnamed State and Justice Department officials restated the Administration’s Middle East policy but avoided the question of the cost of meeting a Soviet threat in the region by saying it was “still under review.” Mr Reuss said he believed the expense would be much larger than expected. “Those who believe that the Reagan Administration had already proposed a dramatic build-up in our military forces may have a surprise coming.