US allows sale of engines for use in Iraqi frigates

Despite congressional protests, the Carter administration has decided to allow the sale of eight gas turbine engines for use in Iraqi frigates, State and Commerce Department officials said Wednesday. Telling a congressional hearing the decision was made in the national interest, they cited (a) the ability of other countries to supply the engines if the United States did not and (b) the importance of US relations with Italy, which is building the Lupo-class warships for Iraq.