Pacifica Governor Chester Haskell has accused the Soviet Union of sending aid to the Alexander Archipelago Air Militia. The recent defeat of Pacifica air forces by the A.A.A.M. has been a source of political embarrassment and popular outrage in Pacifica.

Haskell said: "There's no question about it. The Russians are behind the Alexander uprising. I've said from the beginning; where'd they get those planes, and pilot training? A bunch of converted cropdusters don't ambush and kill experienced Pacifican aviators. The whole thing was fishy and now we see the truth. An elite unit of the Soviet Air Guard was responsible."

Haskell asked the Pacifican people to be patient while the government formulates a response to these new developments. "The situation is different now that we see what's really going on. Certainly we can't allow the Communists to get a foothold on our northern border. I'll never see that happen as long as I'm in this office. Absolutely not. Pacifica is prepared to commit whatever force is necessary to uproot and expel the so-called Alexander Archipelago Air Militia."

Strategists agree that the Soviets would have reason to occupy the Alexander Archipelago. Such a move could help secure their hold on Alaska, and prevent aid from reaching White Russian units there. It could also be a prelude to action against Pacifica. However, there is less than unanimous agreement with Haskell's claims of Soviet involvement.

The response from the Soviet Embassy was vague: "I have no knowledge of any activity by Soviet forces in that area," said a representative.