ABSTRACT
In a clear departure from the Carter administration’s emphasis on human rights and economic development as criteria for the allocation of US assistance worldwide, President Reagan, shortly after assuming office, presented Congress with a revised foreign aid package. It reflected the new administration’s clear emphasis on increasing security assistance at the expense of any corresponding boost in economic aid. The initial sale of F-15s to Saudi Arabia in 1978 was justified by the Carter administration partially on the grounds that it would lead to increased Saudi moderation concerning the Arab-Israel peace process. The Israelis felt threatened not only by the prospect of seeing the weapons systems in hostile hands, but also by the additional evidence of increasing Saudi influence in Washington. While presenting the security assistance program to Congress, Under Secretary of State for Security Assistance, Science and Technology James L. Buckley also announced the beginnings of a new American conventional arms transfer policy.
