DATE=11/11/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - ISRAEL - CHINA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256063
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton says the United States has
raised its concerns with Israel about a sale of
military radar equipment to China, although he says it
is not clear if the sale has actually occurred.
Correspondent Deborah Tate explains in this report
from the White House.
Text: The New York Times newspaper first reported
that U-S officials are concerned about the sale of a
250-million dollar airborne radar system to China, and
had quietly urged Israeli officials to cancel it.
Mr. Clinton, in a brief appearance before reporters in
the Oval Office Thursday, confirmed the United States
had raised its concerns, but said the issue is still a
matter of some dispute.
/// CLINTON ACTUALITY ///
Our people had questions, and they had good
reason to have questions. But sometimes when
you hear these things, it is not always right.
So the story is accurate that we have raised the
matter, but it is inaccurate to say that we know
it is an actual fact that such a transfer has
occurred.
/// END ACT ///
The New York Times says Defense Department officials
fear the radar system would enhance China's ability to
threaten Taiwan.
The newspaper says Israel had assured Washington the
sale does not involve U-S technology, but it quoted an
unidentified Pentagon official as saying that given
the amount of weaponry the United States' shares with
Israel, it was difficult to be sure.
U-S officials say they are investigating whether any
U-S technology was involved in the system, and Mr.
Clinton acknowledged as much.
/// CLINTON ACTUALITY ///
Whenever any of our friends sells sophisticated
equipment that might be American in origin that
is inconsistent under which the transfer was
made, then we raise that (with them). That has
not been acknowledged yet, the facts are in
dispute. So I think before I can tell you what
I am going to do about it, we have to absolutely
sure what the facts are.
/// END ACT ///
The president chose his words carefully. The issue
threatens to strain U-S ties with Israel, one of
Washington's closest allies. It also comes at a time
of heightened U-S concern over China's arms programs,
including the suspected transfer of advanced U-S
computer technology to the Chinese military and
allegations that China stole U-S nuclear secrets.
(Signed)
NEB/DAT/TVM/JP
11-Nov-1999 16:41 PM EDT (11-Nov-1999 2141 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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