Split Senate panel backs choice for No. 2 State job

February 4, 1981

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 10 to 4 to recommend confirmation of President Reagan's old friend William Clark as deputy secretary of state despite his lack of foreign-policy experience. The four negative votes were cast by Democrats. Mr. Clark's foes cited his lack of knowledge and experience in foreign policy, which he freely admitted during his confirmation hearings. Other senators emphasized his close relationship with the President as adding consisten cy and coherence in US foreign policy.