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"France and England will never buy such a proposal," said Oates

"Their nuclear arsenals are independent from ours"

"We will begin with the long-range warheads and work down," the President said, undaunted "Europe will eventually follow"

General Clayton Metcalf shook his head "On the face of it, i'd have to say the proposal sounds incredibly naive"

"It's a beginning," said the President adamantly "I believe Antonov is sincere in his offer, and I intend to show good faith by pursuing the disram"

"I'll reserve judgment until I've had a chance to study the formula," said Simmons

"Fair enough"

"What else did you discuss?" asked Fawcett

"A trade agreement," answered the President "Briefly explained, if we allow the Russians to transport their agricultural purcha

ses in their own merchant ships, Antonov promised to pay our farmers top world prices and, most important, not to buy frooods as ordered In other words, American farmers are now the exclusive suppliers of Soviet imported farm products"

"Antonov bought your package?" Oates asked incredulously "I can't believe the old bear capable of giving away an exclusive license to any nation"

"I have his assurance in writing"

"It sounds great," said Martin Brogan "But I'd like soricultural purchases

Their East bloc satellites have defaulted on massive loans to the West The Soviet economy is in disastrous shape They can't even pay their arood only for food and clothing What are they going to use for o in hock for Communists They need immediate payment to clear their own yearly debts"

"There is a way out," the President said