Bush Calls Anew for Noriega Ouster - Panama: President defends handling of coup attempt and won’t rule out use of force.

WASHINGTON — 

President Bush issued a new call today for the overthrow of Panamanian ruler Gen. Manuel A. Noriega, saying “I wouldn’t mind using force if it could be done in a prudent manner.” But he emphasized he was not offering a blanket commitment of American troops.

Ten days after an uprising against the Panamanian general was crushed, Bush vigorously defended his handling of the situation, rejecting criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike over his refusal to provide U.S. military assistance.

Responding to questions at a news conference, Bush seemed particularly disturbed by charges that he abandoned the rebels, leaving them on their own after publicly exhorting the Panamanian military to oust Noriega. Bush said that was “a stupid argument that some very erudite people make.”

As for a possible future coup against Noriega, Bush said, “I hope I would never be reckless enough as a commander in chief to make a blanket commitment to use of force without knowing the facts regarding some coup attempt.”

On the other hand, the President said, “I wouldn’t mind using force if it could be done in a prudent manner. So, in other words, I’m not ruling out the use of force for all time.”

Bush said, “I am not going to give carte blanche support to an operation, particularly when they don’t ask for this support. And I have to reserve that right. I have at stake the lives of American kids and I am not going to easily thrust them into a battle unless I feel comfortable with it and unless those general officers in whom I have total confidence feel comfortable.”

He rejected the idea of Noriega giving up power in return for dismissal of drug-trafficking charges in the United States, a possibility that a reporter suggested had been raised with the President. “It would send an impossible signal in this fight against drugs,” Bush said.

While defending his handling of the coup attempt, Bush said the Administration was reviewing procedures to see “if we can’t do it better.”

As a result of an internal review, the Administration has decided that a crisis-management team will be automatically convened in the White House situation room in future emergencies. (Story, A1.)

Hinting that he may seek congressional approval for greater authority in dealing with situations like the coup in Panama, Bush said, “I want as broad a power as possible and I think under the Constitution the President has it.”

Bush denied reports that he was angered at second-guessing by his staffers on the Administration’s handling of the failed coup and that he had ordered a halt to such comments.

“There wasn’t a gag order . . . and I didn’t get angry. What I did say is, I don’t want to see any blame coming out of the Oval Office or attributed to the Oval Office in the face of criticism,” he said. “I’m not in the blame business.”

He said of his staff, “They all did a good job.”

Bush continued his defense even as he was walking out of the briefing room.