This Day In 1970's History: Wednesday January 2, 1980
- A demand for a Soviet withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan is expected to be considered by the United Nations Security Council, perhaps by Friday. At least 20 countries are expected to join in seeking the meeting, but all agreed that Moscow would veto any resolution. An appeal for Afghan unity was made by Babrak Karmal, who assumed power in last week's coup. The plea for an end to fighting was viewed by diplomats as a sign of continuing resistance by Moslem militants despite the deployment of Soviet troops. [New York Times]
- Delaying action on the arms treaty in the Senate will be proposed by President Carter in response to the Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan. Mr. Carter also decided to recall the American Ambassador from Moscow in one of a series of moves that his spokesman said "involved unilateral actions and actions to be taken" with other countries. The spokesman declined to elaborate. [New York Times]
- Bolstering of Pakistan's defenses against Soviet military pressure is being pressed by Washington, which is seeking Peking's cooperation, according to American officials. They said that a joint plan might be developed to increase arms aid to Pakistan. [New York Times]
- Kurt Waldheim was balked in his mission to Teheran to find common ground with Iranian leaders to solve the crisis
over American hostages. The United Nations Secretary General was thwarted by demonstrators, a stiff statement by a spokesman for the captors and a report that Ayatollah Khomeini would not receive him. [New York Times]
- Differences over foreign policy continued among political leaders. John White, the Democratic national chairman, assailed Bill Brock, the Republican chairman, for criticizing President Carter's policy and expressed hope that "other responsible Republican leaders will resist the temptation" to attack Mr. Carter on Iran and Afghanistan. Ronald Reagan, a leading Republican challenger, praised Mr. Carter for his "belated" discovery that Moscow was "not to be trusted." [New York Times]
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