Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1961-10-14
u. ). JET Sale
To Yugos|avs
Starts Furor
By the Associated Press

|
munist Yugoslavia has run into
quick and sharp criticism from
some members of Congress.
Two Senators urged the deal
be Cancelled and Representative
Passman, Democrat of LouiSi-
ana, said the transaction Dor
ders on treason"
The sale-a package deal in
which eight Yugoslav Air Force
men are being trained at Per-
rim Air Force Base. Tex.-was
disclosed yesterday by the
State Department.
The reason for the transac-
ton, said the State Depart
ment, was to help Yugoslavia
stay free of Soviet domination.
The sale Of the United
States surplus all-weather
F-86D Interceptor planes is by
far the largest United States
arms transaction with Bel
grade since Yugoslavia's Pres
ident Tito halted American
arms aid to his country in 1857.
Belgrade Paid Cash
The State Department said
| Yu9oSlaVia paid cash - not
creditor the planes and the
training in business transact
ton which did not involve for
eign aid.
In Monroe. La, Mr.. Passman
termed the transaction "as
phony as a SO bill" He added:
IF there was a sale at all,
which I doubt. the planes cost
the Yugoslav government only
a small fraction of the planes
cost and the Communist gov
eminent used money given to
them by this country to pay for
the aircraft. 1t borders on
treason and makes me sick to
see our country do something
like this"
/ Senator Tower, Republican
of Texas. said in Louisville, KY,
that the Yugoslav airmen
should be shipped home and a
total embargo placed on aid to
Yugoslavia. He said there has
never been any doubt in his
mind that Marshal Tito is in
league with the Soviet Union
to further world socialism.
In Seattle, Wash, Senator
Jackson, Democrat of Wash
ington. said the Kennedy ad-
ministration should consider
canceling the arrangement be-
cause of views expressed by
Marshal Tito in the recent
meeting Of neutrals in Bel
grade. However, officials here
said they believe the sale. de-
livery and payment have been
completed.
S343.OOO Planes at $4,000
Officials said the package
deal is costing Yugoslavia Sis
million. Each plane is being
sold for $4,000. they said. The
Saber jets. declared surplus. last
year. originally cost $4,000
apiece.
State Department Press Off
Ger Lincoln White said the
decision to send the aircraft
to Yugoslavia was made in
mid-January, shortly before
President Kennedy succeeded
Dwight D. Eisenhower In the
White House.
Government sources said the
Kennedy administration could
have stopped delivery, which
took place in ensuing months,
but instead stood by the Eisen-
hover administrations reasons
for approving the deal.
Mr.. White said that since
Marshal Tito broke with the
Soviet bloc in 1913. the United
States has supported the abil-
ity and determination of Yugo-
slavia to maintain its indie
pendence."
The basic reason for the
et-Yugoslav) split was the
refusal of the Yugoslav gov
eminent to sacrifice its nation
al independence by submitting
to the domination of the Soviet
Union Mr.. White said. He
added:
Since that time Yugoslavia
has not participated in policies
or programs to bring about the
overthrow or subversion of le-
Ultimate governments by world
communism.
Decided to Let Planes Go
United States strategists de-
cided 1t was in Americas best
interests to supply planes to-
modernize Marshal Tito's air
force-made up Mostly of
United States-built planes y
rather than have him turn to
the Russians.
1nformants said United
States aircraft had been in
Guided in nearly $700 million in
arms and aid shipments that
ran until 1858. Then Marshal
Tito. irked by criticism from
the United States, ordered a
halt.
Since then. informants said,
some United States arms
mostly replacement parts
have been shipped to Yugo-
slavia on a cash sales basis.
Yugoslavia still receives
United States economic aid.