News In Brief

January 30, 1984

Hussein disavows support of US-funded strike force

Jordan's King Hussein Saturday said he did not support the idea of a US-equipped Jordanian strike force to help defend pro-American governments in the Gulf region. Reagan administration sources earlier this week said President Reagan would ask Congress for $220 million to equipment a strike force of about 8,000 Jordanian troops.

The King also said Jordan would not go to the aid of friends ''in the name of the United States or any other power.'' Hussein said he opposed stationing US troops in Jordan, emphasizing that ''I have never envisaged the stationing of American troops in Jordan at any time.''