President Carter had demonstrated an apparent determination to reduce the flow of United States arms abroad even before his announcement of the Administration's new arms transfer policy. For instance, in February, 1977, the President directed a reduction in military sales credits and grant military assistance for Argentina, Uruguay, and Ethiopia because of alleged human rights violations in those countries.' 7 The following month the Administration responded to the invasion of Zaire by shipping spare parts, parachutes, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other "non-lethal" items to the Mobutu government, while refusing to send arms and ammunition.'" The Administration also delayed about $6 billion in arms sales in the first months of 1977 while it reviewed United States arms transfer policy.' 9
Carter demonstrated determination to reduce the flow of arms the President directed a reduction for Argentina, Uruguay, and Ethiopia