THE AMERICAS: Air Superiority

The U.S. Air Force last week tentatively agreed to sell 25 of its hot F-86F Sabre jet fighters to the Dominican Republic and 22 more to Venezuela. Other Latin American countries, shopping for similar planes, have always gulped at the cost and backed away. But Washington thought that the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, both prospering under well-heeled strongmen, would be willing to pay the price. $9,000,000 and $8,000,000 respectively.

In the Caribbean, asputter lately with small wars, 47 jet fighters mean overwhelming military strength. Four Thunderbolts in the Guatemalan revolution last year, and two Mustangs in the Costa Rican invasion...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!