Speech #850258713

I think the Senate should note the action of the CIV967 Secretary of State yesterday in entering into agreements with the Baghdad Pact Powers for individual commitments to each of them in respect of security of the socalled northern tier. All of us regard the events in the Middle East with the gravest concern. but one thing stands out above all others. that the United States at long last is adopting a posture of decisiveness and definiteness in its foreign policy in that particular area. A great deal more needs to be done. for example. for the economic development of the area. in respect of resettlement of the Arab Palestine refugees. and other aspects of that problem. But those of us who commend the action of the President in seeking to preserve the independence of Lebanon by honoring our commitments to send troops into that area must also show approbation of the present move to strengthen the Baghdad Pact. which the United States sould have joined before matters became so complex as they are today. Today we are at least seeking to buttress the member nations by individual agreements with Pakistan.