Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Announcement that President Bush will spend Thanksgiving Day with the troops in Saudi Arabia noted. Report introduced.

(State Department: John McWethy) Visit by Secretary of State James Baker to gulf region to give message that United States troops will be reinforced featured; scenes shown of American servicemen in Saudi Arabia during Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Colin Powell's visit. Baker's position that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein will not back down unless it looks like whole multinational force will fight outlined; details given of opposing Saudi and American positions on who should have the final say in leading the anti-Iraq coalition. Baker said also seeking to float ideas on how United Nations Security Council can be used to exert pressure on Iraq.

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Report introduced.

(Saudi Arabia: Bill Redeker) Changing configuration of Iraqi forces in Kuwait and resulting need for a United States troop buildup featured; maps shown to illustrate Iraqi troop and tank buildup. [Military adviser Ken BROWER - says United States needs heavier forces to go on the offensive against Iraq in the desert and win a quick war.]

(Studio: Peter Jennings) Statement from United States commanding General H. Norman Schwarzkopf to "New York Times" that total destruction of Iraq might not be in the best interests of regional balance of power reported.