Speech #990163908

For the first time. the Soviets have airfields in Nicaragua to let their spy planes fly down the American west coast just as Cuban airfields let the Soviets spy on our east coast. For the first time. Soviets can launch guerrilla wars into El Salvador. Honduras. Guatemala. and Mexico from a land base on the North American continent. That will mean waves of "foot people." refugees coming to America overland through Mexico. For the first time. the Soviets can divert our attention and resources to our southern border. which has been totally peaceful for 70 years. Yet even with such great gains possible. its very unusual for the Soviets to take the gamble of confronting us in our backyard.