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By D. FRENCH SLAUGHTER
Rappahannock News Contributing Writer
The accidental downing of an Iranian passenger plane — mistaken to be an Iranian fighter plane — by an American warship, the U.S.S. Vincennes, on July 3 over the Persian Gulf was indeed a terrible tragedy and cause for deep regret.
The Pentagon has stated that the ship’s commander acted in the belief that his vessel was in danger from an Iranian fighter plane. There is; however, conflicting information surrounding this incident and it should be our first priority to investigate the factors that caused the U.S.S. Vincennes to fire on the Iranian plane. It is my understanding that a team of Navy experts is already in( vestigating this incident.
We should maintain our air and . naval forces, as we have, in the Persian Gulf because it is important that we protect our national security interests — as well as those of our allies — in that region.
However, our mission in the Gulf should be clearly defined and we should proceed cautiously and in conjunction with our allies in this policy, as it appears we have done. The United States should not act alone in this venture as the interests of our European allies and some of our Arab friends are also involved.
Coordination of this policy is essential in order to minimize the vul
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