Page 326 - chs-1980
P. 326
Headliners
Soviets Invade Afghanistan
On December 28, 1979, in a blitzk-
rieg involving an estimated 50,000
soldiers, the Soviet army crossed
the border, to take control of Afgha-
nistan. President Carter has at-
tempted to mobilize a broad inter-
national condemnation of the
Soviet's action.
-
THE WHITE HOl'SE
w .. sHr-..:cTo:-:
January 3, 1980
Dear Senator Byrd:
In light of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan,
I request that you delay consideration of the
SALT II Treaty on the Senate floor.
The purpose of this request is not to withdraw
the Treaty from consideration, but to defer the
debate so that the Congress and I as President
can assess Soviet actions and intentions, and
devote our primary attention to the legislative
and other measures required to respond to this
crisis.
As you know, I continue to share your view
that the SALT II Treaty is in the national
security interest of the United States and the
entire world, and that it should be taken up
by the Senate as soon as these more urgent issues
have been addressed.
Sincerely,
/
-~&7
322 The Honorable Robert Byrd
Majority Leader of the United States Senate
Washington, D.C.