American-israel Friendship Stressed by Ben Gurion and U.S. Envoy

The common bonds of friendship and historical development along parallel lines of the United States and Israel were stressed by Defense Minister David Ben Gurion last night at a dinner at nearby Herzlia marking American Independence Day. The dinner meeting, which was also addressed by United States Ambassador Edward B. Lawson, was sponsored by the Israel-United States Friendship League.

Mr. Ben Gurion told his audience that the friendship of the United States for Israel dated back well before the establishment of the new Jewish State, to the earliest days of the American Republic, and culminated with President Truman’s recognition of Israel. Expressing the hope that the U.S. would continue to maintain its strength, wisdom and goodwill, Mr. Ben Gurion asserted that the similarities between the two countries included: the conquest of waste lands by pioneers, the integration of large numbers of immigrants and the growth of democracy and freedom.

Ambassador Lawson declared that the United States Government was aware of Israel’s sense of insecurity and “of the need for an Israel-Arab accommodation which would eliminate the present sources of tension.” He challenged the opinion, which he admitted was held by wide sections of the Israel public, that Israel is isolated and without friends. He insisted that in the highest American official quarters and among large portions of the American people there is a feeling that “the United States is proud to count Israel and her people as its friends and to pledge its friendship in return.”