File: 082696_d50028_205.txt
Page: 205
Total Pages: 274

Date International U.S. PoliticaliDiplomatic Military

Jan 8 Iraqi Foreign Minister says President requests Congress U.S. and Spanish ships
he is ready for talks, but will to adopt a resolution sup detain Soviet freighter after
not yield to U.S. por~g the use of force finding military hardware
Crisis atmosphere pervades against Iraq, saying that such that was not on the shipping
Iraq, long gas lines form and a vote would send a message manifest and may be bound
hospitals are told to accept to Saddam Hussein about for Iraq. The Administration
only emergency cases and to U.S. determination. has demanded an explanation
make room for casualties. Chairman of the House from Moscow.
Saudi Defense Ministry Armed Services Committee
denies reports of defecting says military action against
Iraqi helicopters. Iraq will come in phases. A
ground attack would be a last
phase.
Poll shows 46 % of Americans
think the U.S. should start
military action if Iraq does
not pull out of Kuwait; 60%
think Congress should vote a
declaration of war; 47 % think
Congress should pass a reso-
lution authorizing the Presi-
dent to initiate military
action; 51% think there will
be discussions in Geneva on
January 9; 68% feel U.S.
should try to meet Saddam
Hussein before January 15.

Jan 9 Saddain Hussein says that his Talks between SECSTATh SECDEF says he is
country would not bow to Baker and Iraqi Foreign preparing to ask President
America and warned that Minister Aziz end in faiure. for authorization to extend
U.S. soldiers would "swim in Aziz ref~~~ to accept letter the tours of reservists and to
their own blood." from President Bush to activate more troops.
U.N. Secretary General Saddam Hussein. U.S. Marines and British
announces that he will visit President gives Congress, forces have moved northward
Baghdad to persuade Saddam world leaders and the in anticipation of an offensive
Hussein to give up Kuwait American public a glum agarust Iraqi forces but U.S.
and avert a Gulf war. assessment of "no progress." Army divisions are not yet
President feels that he has flilly deployed, casting doubt
done all he can and that the on U.S. readiness for war.
U.S. now has to "take the The DoD says that Iraqi
final steps". helicopters did not defect to
President signs Executive Saudi Arabia.
Order giving the government
first priority on the nation's
production of wide range of
products.

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