Missile Plan Report Raises U.S. Concern

The Clinton administration is discussing with South Korean officials allegations that the Seoul government is building a long-range cruise missile in violation of a bilateral agreement. An administration official said the subject was being discussed during U.S.-South Korean talks on nonproliferation issues being held this week in Washington. The Washington Times reported that the alleged South Korean missile program is an attempt to counter a threat posed by North Korean missiles. It said South Korea wants to alter the 1979 U.S.-South Korean agreement to permit Seoul to build missiles with ranges up to 186 miles--the range allowed under an international arms control agreement. The administration is concerned that such a change could set off an arms race.