World Notes CANADA

Canada's military was also in demand last week, but not in the Saudi desert. Quebec Premier Robert Bourassa called for federal troops to man barricades at two Mohawk reserves in Quebec, where natives and police have been locked in an armed standoff for nearly a month. While the soldiers stand ready, Prime Minister Brian Mulroney hopes Alan Gold, a Quebec judge and experienced mediator, can negotiate an end to the impasse.

The Indians initiated the blockade to force the town of Oka to drop plans to expand a golf course onto land the Mohawks consider sacred property. An aborted police raid last month to break the boycott ended in the fatal shooting of an officer.

Although angry townsfolk demanded immediate action, the army's mandate is simply to keep the peace should Gold consider it necessary.