“The United States, the Secretary said, stood firmly by the hopes and expectations it had expressed with regard to the situation which should prevail in the area with respect to the exercise of the responsibility of the United Nations in Gaza, the free and innocent passage of the Straits of Tiran by ships of all nations in accordance with international law and the settlement of the Suez Canal problem in accordance with the six principles adopted by the United Nations and accepted by Egypt.
“A common readiness was expressed for continued discussion on these matters.”
SAUDI BAN ON ISRAEL SHIPS IN AKABA STRAIT BRINGS U. S. UP SHORT
The Tiran Straits issue took on added significance today. State Department sources had said during the week-end that nothing could now be done to remove Egyptian authority from the Gaza Strip but that the United States might lend strong backing to Israel maritime rights in the Straits of Tiran.
But today, the situation took a new turn. Israel’s right to Akaba passage is now being challenged by Saudi Arabia rather than Egypt. The United States is seeking assiduously to cultivate King Saud and is basing its hopes for the Eisenhower Doctrine on Saudi Arabia
It is thought here that it will be far more difficult for the United States to champion Israel’s cause against Saudi Arabia than against Egypt.
Saudi Arabia has notified the State Department that it regards the contested straits in its territorial waters and has no intention of allowing Israel ships to pass. It was learned meanwhile that Saudi Arabia may intend to maintain air interdiction on Israel shipping. Saudi Arab is possesses a number of bombers provided by the United States and is being sent a number of additional warplanes under the agreement entered here by King Saud and President Eisenhower.
At the United Nations today, Secretary General Hammarskjold postponed his departure for Cairo and “provisionally” planned to leave on Tuesday. The announcement was made after Mr. Hammarskjold met with the advisory committee for the United Nations Emergency Force this morning. Immediately after that meeting, Mr. Hammarskjold had a conference with Dr. Omar Loutfi, permanent representative of Egypt, and scheduled further talks with Henry Cabot Lodge, American delegate, and Sir Pierson Dixon. British delegate.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
