Two western senators have warned of a growing crisis in critical minerals and metals and the need for strengthening policies to correct the problem. In a major address before an aviation oriented group in New York, Sen. Barry M. Goldwater. R-Ariz. said he was “deeply troubled about the alarming deterioration of our defense industrial base and dependence on uncertain foreign sources for critical raw materials.” Sen. Pete V. Domenici. R-N.M., supported the Goldwater view in a Senate talk and introduced the Arizonan’s remarks into the Congressional Record. Goldwater charged that lack of effective policies in the past has contributed to a “disgraceful” shortage of critical defense materials. OPEC controls 52 percent of the world’s oil supply – and we are “much more” dependent on Southern Africa for critical minerals and metals. the senator asserted. “One hundred percent of the titanium we used last year was imported; and 100 percent of the columbium, 98 percent of the manganese. 96 percent of the tantalum. 90 percent of the cobalt. and 90 percent of the chromium. Without these there cannot be an aircraft industry.” A potential danger is that the countries in Southern Africa will form an openstyle mineral cartel to manipulate price and supply of vital minerals. “We have the unstable and unfriendly governments of Southern Africa on the one hand. and the Soviet Union on the other. And make no mistake; The Soviets are doing everything in their power to further manipulate the market.” said Goldwater. The U. S. is more than 50 percent dependent on foreign sources for 23 nt the 40 critical materials most essential to our $2.3 trillion economy. In 1900 alone. we imported more than $29 billion worth of non-fuel minerals. according to the senator. “Yet our stockpile of critical material has deteriorated shamefully in both quantity and quality.” The Soviets have worked with Cuba over the past decade to impose its will on Southern Africa. and have strong influence in Angola. Madagascar. Mozambique and. to the north. Ethiopia. Should the USSR gain control of the nations of Southem Africa it could elfectively cut off our supplies of essential minerals and metals. which Goldwater said “would devastate our defense industry and ultimately our armed forces.” A consistent policy to improve relations with South Africa and other mineralrich countries of that sector is vital to strengthening U. S. minerals policy. Goldwater’s recommendation that 750 million acres of public lands. particularly in the West and ;. Midwest, be opened to ex- ploration and mining of’ critical minerals mayi engender environmentalist . opposition but ought to get ‘ full consideration nonetheless. . Commitment to build ur our stockpile of critical minerals and metals, revision of tax laws to restore incentives, reduction of ‘ strifling regulations including paperwork. and en- ‘ couraglng expansion of the defense industrial base v I these are among other goals suggested. Q There’s no more impor- i tant function in govern-‘ ment than national defense. If Goldwater and . Domenici are right the White House. Congress and the Defense Department should waste no time in seeking a remedy.