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the invader of Kuwait, but instead was the victim of annexations and conspiracies. At the
end of the speech, Hussein warns Americans that President Bush was sending U.S. sons
to war, bringing back the sorrows of Vietnam and further warning that Iraq would be
violent in any armed conflict. (New York Times, September 26, p. A8.)

Pentagon is continuing to activate reserve forces for Desert Shield, but the total call-
up is likely to fall well short of the 50,000 authorieed. Call-up of reservists from all
services has reached 21,970. (Washington Times, September 26, p. 9.)

Total reservists activated to date for Desert Shield is 21,970 broken down among the
services as follows:

(DOD News Briefing, 26()613Z SEP 90)

September 26
Wednesday --- Nagging problems with the Ready Reserve Force have slowed the
buildup of U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia and have forced the Navy to charter dozens of
foreign vessels. So far, 43 Ready Reserve Force ships have been put into service. In
addition, 38 foreign vessels and 10 U.S. commercial vessels have been chartered. To
date, more than 750,000 tons of cargo and supplies have been shipped or are enroute to
the Middle East. (New York Times, September 27, p. AlO.)

Secretary of State Baker says that Iraq has threatened to hang U.S. diplomats
harboring other Americans in Baghdad. (Boston Globe, September 27, p. 1.)

Testifying before a House subcommittee on U.S. sealift requirements for operation
Desert Shield, the commander of the Military Sealift Command says the Navy's
multibillion dollar investment m strategic sealift has proven invaluable. During the $7
billion sealift buildup launched in the early 1980's, the Navy acquired a vast array of
sealift ships which provide the U.S. with a formidable strategic sealift capability. The
buy included 13 maritime prepositioning ships to support three Marine Corps brigades,
12 afloat prepositioning ships, eight fast sealift ships and two hospital ships. (All Hands,
November, p. 47.)

Turkish President Turgut Ozal indicates that Turkey would support a U.N. sanctioned
military action to force Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. (Washington Post, September 27,
p. A34.)

General Al Gray, Commandant of the Marine Corps, says he has not discussed the
option to extend active duty members' service obligations or to call up reserves. He says
logistical problems might prevent normal rotations. (Navy Times, October 8, p. 10.)

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