NEWS U.S. Sells Patriots To Saudi Arabia Washington (JTA) — The Pentagon has informally notified Congress that it in- tends to sell Saudi Arabia 14 Patriot anti-missile bat- teries, according to congres- sional sources. Such a package would be worth as much as $3 billion, said a pro-Israel lobbyist here. Under U.S. law, any pro- posed arms sale costing more than $14 million must be formally proposed to Con- gress within 30 days after informal notification. Con- gress then has another 30 days to vote to block the sale; otherwise, it automatically goes through. One congressional source said that Pentagon officials, who held a classified brief- ing for members of Congress on the subject, were told there are negative feelings about such a sale on Capitol Hill. Several lawmakers are apparently unhappy with the administration's Since Congress balked at a proposed massive sale of arms to Saudi Arabia last year, the administration has been introducing such sales in smaller chunks. "piecemeal approach" to Middle East arms sales. Since Congress balked at a proposed massive sale of arms to Saudi Arabia last year, the administration has been introducing such sales in smaller chunks, none of which is likely to meet con- gressional opposition. Lawmakers told the Pen- tagon they want a "big- picture briefing" to unveil the U.S. view of the "grand security needs of the region" in the wake of the Persian Gulf War, a congressional staffer said. Another Capitol Hill source said the Pentagon also was told that Congress would prefer to see the United States preposition weaponry in Saudi Arabia that could be used by U.S. forces, rather than sell new weapons outright to the Saudis. The Pentagon had no for- mal comment on the brief- ing, saying only that no unclassified briefing had taken place. The Pentagon is also play- ing down reports that the administration is consider- ing selling F-15 fighter planes to Saudi Arabia. Earlier last week, the St. Louis-based McDonnell Douglas Corp. reported at an arms fair in the United Arab Emirates that the Saudis have formally asked the Bush administration for 72 F-15s, which would cost in the range of $5 billion. But a Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency on Nov. 21, "I don't see any offensive weapons sales even possibly being considered until after the new year." That did not surprise a pro- Israel lobbyist here, who said that no such sale would be proposed as long as there is an active peace process in the Middle East. Absent such a process, the lobbyist said, a sale of F-15s is much more likely, but would probably be in the range of a squadron of 24 F- 15s and not a full wing of 72. Also unclear is what model F-15 would be sold to the Saudis. The Saudis want the F-15E, the most advanced version of the plane, which until now has only been sold in the region to Israel. The McDonnell Douglas statement was a "trial balloon" designed "to force the Pentagon into suppor- ting the sale," the pro-Israel lobbyist charged. The idea of selling the Saudis an additional 24 F- 15s was contained in "Phase 2" of an administration blueprint of future arms sales to the Saudis unveiled in June 1990. The Saudis had 60 F-15Cs and F-15Ds when the August 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait took place, the maximum allowed under the 1987 Metzenbaum Amend- ment, which limits the number of weapons sold to the Saudis unless the presi- dent certifies otherwise. President Bush subse- quently waived the ceiling and transferred 12 F-15s that the Saudis had already paid for but were being held in keeping with the congres- sional limit. He also sold the Saudis an additional 24 F- 15s. By contrast, Israel has a fleet of 55 to 60 F-15s, the pro- Israel lobbyist said. YOU'RE LOOKING ATA LETHAL WEAPON. Fact is, more Americans may die by the fork than by any other weapon. That's because so many of them use it irresponsibly. Like to fill up on high-fat, high- cholesterol foods. Foods that can load the blood with cholesterol, which can build up plaque in their arteries, increasing their risk of heart attacks and threaten- ing their lives. So next time you pick up a fork, remem- ber to handle it as you would any other weapon. For self-defense, not self-destruction. WITHOUT YOU WE'RE HELPLESS. Give to the United Way Torch Drive. For all the good you can do. United Way for Southeastern Michigan American Heart Association WE'RE FIGHTING FOR 'YOUR LIFE This space provided as a public service. In Loving Memory Of Our Dearest Parents, Grandparents and Great-Grandparents In Memory Of Our Beloved Daughter BARBARA ELLEN BERNSTEIN 1948-1981 ABRAM GELIEBTER (May 9, 1957) NORMA GELIEBTER (November 28, 1975) No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you're always there. Sadly missed by children Jack and Ida, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. MONUMENT Ell iftlZ INC. "Same Location 45 Years" • Monuments and Markers • Bronze Markers • Memorial Duplicating • Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning CEMETERY INSTALLATION ANYWHERE IN MICHIGAN Call 542-8266 FERNDALE 661 E. 8 MILE ROAD 1 1h Blocks East of Woodward The Family of the Late DR. BEN MARKS Acknowledges with grateful appreciation the many kind expressions of sympathy extended by relatives and friends during the family's recent bereavement. In Loving Memory Of SYLVIA SCHON Who Passed Away November 30, 1990 A wonderful, loving wife to her husband; a giving mother and best friend to her daughters, son and grand- children. It's so hard not to see your smile, laughter and presence among us. You are in our hearts and souls forever. Adrienne and Sid, Larry and Pearl, Robyn, Sheri, Aaron, Bryan, Leah, Rosa and Ira. THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 127