Egypt might be willing to protect oil for West

Egypt would be willing to provide military forces to help protect Western oil supplies from Soviet or other threats, according to Sen. Henry M. Jackson. At a press luncheon Wednesday, the Washington Democrat said Egyptian Vice-President Hosni Mubarak had assured him that, with US help, the Egyptians are "ready and willing" to play such a role. Mr. Mubarak was in Washington holding talks with US officials.

The Carter administration is helping Egypt to revitalize its arms industry but has also said it rejects the idea of bases in Egypt or Israel. some observers question whether the Egyptains are organized enough to mount an effective intervention force and note that intervention might not be welcomed by the Gulf states.