Acheson Says It is “desirable” for Arab States to Receive Arms for Their Security

Secretary of State Dean Acheson has revealed “it is desirable” for Arab states to “obtain from friendly and reliable sources such arms as they may need for their legitimate security requirements.” Mr. Acheson’s statement was in reply to a letter from Rep. Jacob K. Javits.

Present Arab fulminations set out in detail in Mr. Javits’ letter–quoting the Arab press and statements of Arab Ministers and Ambassadors–were dismissed by Mr. Acheson. He replied: “There have most certainly been inflammatory and bellicose statements made in both the Arab and Israeli press concerning a renewal of the fighting. Some of the warlike pronouncements of officials of Near Eastern governments may well have been made for the purpose of domestic consumption. The Department does not believe that in this case the remarks of individual radio and press commentators should be taken as a reliable indication of any serious or immediate intent on the part of the respective government to resume hostilities.”

Mr. Acheson said the U.S. has been carefully watching “developments affecting Palestine” and “our analysis does not lead to the conclusion that serious measures are being taken in preparation for a renewal of hostilities. Should such information be received, the U.S. Government would be quick to use all its influence in an attempt to prevent such a tragic eventuality, both within the United Nations and outside,” he added.

“Great Britain faithfully observed the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council on the shipment of arms to the Palestine area, and now that the embargo has been lifted it has resumed shipment of arms in accordance with its treaty obligations to the countries concerned. With regard to the shipment of planes and light naval vessels to Egypt, it should be recalled that Egypt is an important and strategically located nation of 20,000,000 people,” the letter concluded.