 Message
to the Senate Returning Without
Approval the Bill Banning the United
States Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia
May
21, 1986
To the
Senate of the United States:
I am
returning herewith without my approval
S.J. Res. 316, a resolution that would
halt the proposed sale of defensive
missiles to Saudi Arabia.
The
U.S. defense relationship with Saudi
Arabia was started by President
Roosevelt in 1943 and endorsed by
every President since. I cannot permit
the Congress to dismantle this
long-standing policy, damage our vital
strategic, political and economic
interests in the Middle East and
undermine our balanced policy in that
region.
The
American people and their
representatives should understand that
this sale is in our interests. It is
not just a favor to our friends in
Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it is not
being done at anyone's expense.
The
security of Israel remains a top
priority of this Administration. This
sale will not endanger Israel's
defenses, a fact that is underscored
by Israel's decision not to oppose the
sale.
Stability
of the oil-rich Persian Gulf is
another goal of great importance. In a
region living in the shadow of the
tragic and gruesome Iran-Iraq war, and
threatened by religious fanaticism at
its worst, we cannot afford to take
stability for granted. Saudi
willingness to stand up to Iranian
threats has been key in preventing the
spread of chaos. It has been Saudi
Arabia's confidence in our commitment
to its security that has allowed it to
stand firm.
But
Saudi Arabia produces no weapons of
its own and we have not sold the
Saudis new arms in almost 2 years. If
we suddenly shut off that supply, it
will weaken our own credibility, as
well as the Saudis' ability to defend
themselves. It would send the worst
possible message as to America's
dependability and courage.
Behind
the scenes, the Saudis have aided the
effort to combat terrorism, which is
as much, if not more, of a threat to
them as it is to us. Recently, they
refused Qadhafi's requests for aid.
Several times in recent months, they
have been instrumental in offsetting
unjust criticism of the United States
and preventing radical states from
undertaking joint action against our
country.
The
Saudis have proven their friendship
and good will. They have assisted our
efforts to support responsible
governments in Egypt, Jordan, and
Sudan. They have worked quietly in the
search for peace in Lebanon, in the
Arab-Israeli conflict, and in the
Iran-Iraq war. They also provide
impressive assistance to the
government of Pakistan and to Afghan
refugees.
In the
long run this sale will be good for
America, good for Israel, good for
Saudi Arabia, and good for the cause
of peace.
I ask
members of both parties to sustain
this veto and to join me in protecting
our country's vital interest.
Ronald
Reagan
The
White House, May
21, 1986.
Source:
Reagan
Library and Museum online
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