In the continuing controversy over the Safeguard anti-ballistic missile system, the Administration is embarrassed by lagging support in Congress and in the country. Representing the White House, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird refuses to settle for anything less than Safeguard, arguing that it is the "minimal step necessary at this time to ensure the security of the American people." But on Capitol Hill the Nixon ABM proposal is faced with diminished backing and is undermining Republican solidarity. There is concern among Nixon advisers that the President could suffer his first defeat this month when ABM comes to a vote in the...
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