Iraq Was Armed by the Super Powers

The Iraqis are seeking to buy Mirage War planes from France and are negotiating the purchase of destroyers - with American engines - from Italy for an expanded navy with which they hope to dominate the [Persian] Gulf.

The Iraqi Air Force requested to purchase 150 aircrafts of Mig 23, Mig 25 and Mig 27 and 60 Mirage Aircrafts of F1 as well as 67 other helicopters.

Washington, March 17 - the Carter Administration has learned that Italy has provided Iraq with sensitive equipment that American officials said could be used to manufacture weapons - grade plutonium.

French companies are expected soon to receive a contract valued at the equivalent of $ 960 million to set up an electronics industry for Iraq.