DATE:03/08/92
TITLE:U.S. EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT NORTH KOREAN SHIP (03/08/92)
TEXT:*SUF702   03/08/92

U.S. EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT NORTH KOREAN SHIP
(Scowcroft, Bush comment in Florida)  (250)
Dian McDonald
USIA White House Correspondent
Pensacola, Florida -- President Bush's national security affairs adviser,
General Brent Scowcroft, expressed concern March 7 about a North Korean
cargo ship reportedly carrying long-range Scud missiles believed to be
destined for Iran and Syria.

When Scowcroft was asked by reporters traveling with President Bush on a
campaign trip if the administration was concerned about the situation, he
replied, "Of course....We are worried about any kind of missile
proliferation.  It's dangerous and destabilizing."

Scowcroft replied, "We are doing what we can," when asked if the
administration was considering options.

Asked about the possibility of boarding the ship to examine its contents,
Scowcroft replied, "We haven't been on board.  Obviously.  But we have an
idea."

Asked if the situation was going to come to a head during the weekend of
March 7, Scowcroft said, "I don't know that it will ever come to a head."

Earlier March 7, President Bush was asked if he was worried about the
possible shipment of scuds.  "Yes," Bush said, adding, "but the man who
ought to be worried about it is (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein."

Bush said, "We're always contemplating options," when asked about his
1ossible course of action.  He spoke briefly to reporters at the end of an
early-morning jog in Pensacola where he later delivered an address at the
Pensacola Naval Air Station.

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