Christopher Warns Against Cuts In Foreign Aid

Warning of “a new isolationism” in Congress, Secretary of State Warren Christopher said Wednesday that the State Department cannot sustain more budget cuts without seriously undercutting American foreign policy around the world.

In a speech that was part valedictory and part call to action as he prepares to step down next week, Christopher said a steady decline in foreign affairs already has forced the United States to close some missions and embassies and to shortchange efforts to address immediate crises in some parts of the world.

And he warned that the budget cuts, if continued, could force the United States to make previously unthinkable reductions in aid considered essential to protecting American interests, such as those in Israel, Egypt and Jordan.