Israel’s Position Among Nations Reviewed by Golda Meir in Knesset

Foreign Minister Golda Meir warned today that the latest developments in the relations between the United Arab Republic and Iraq might lead Western Governments again toward strengthening Egypt’s dictator, Col. Gamal Abdel Nasser. Those moves, she held, might be made out of a false hope that such steps would offer a prospect of attracting Nasser toward the West.

Mrs. Meir’s analysis of the Middle East situation was part of a review before Parliament of Israel’s present position among the nations. She was reporting in connection with her Ministry’s 1959-1960 budget. “We have no doubts,” she stated, “that such hopes about Nasser are utterly without foundation, and it seems to me that more people agree with us than otherwise.”

Referring to Nasser’s renewal of interference with shipping in the Suez Canal, Mrs. Meir declared: “In the face of these Egyptian violations, we have taken steps in all world capitals, and at the United Nations, and have met with a great deal of understanding. While the most recent ships passed through the Canal, this does not satisfy us, and we are continuing our efforts to ensure that such interference does not recur.”

Describing the “revolutionary changes” that have taken place in Big Power evaluation of the Middle East situation, she stressed the fact that Nasser has been recognized as an ambitious dictator with expansionist aims. It is now realized, the Foreign Minister held, that Israel is only a secondary problem among the great issues of the Middle East.

Whereas the world previously considered the Middle East a homogeneous region, with the Arabs disturbed only by Israel, said Mrs. Meir, it is now being conceded that the Arabs are only half of the Middle East population.

STRESSES IDENTITY OF VIEWS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND UNITED STATES

Discussing at length Israel’s relations with the United States, Mrs. Meir stressed the fact that there was a rapid re-establishment of a friendly atmosphere after the Sinai campaign of 1956. At present, she said, there is a more complete identity of views concerning Middle East problems.

American public opinion, she said, “now approaches Israel’s evaluation of Nasserism and its subversive tendencies.” The Foreign Minister recalled the wide scope of American assistance to Israel–from Jewish, non-Jewish and governmental sources–and voiced particular appreciation for expressions of warm friendship by America during Israel’s tenth anniversary celebration.

Reviewing relations between Israel and France, Mrs. Meir said they are as friendly as ever. She recalled her recent meetings with President Charles de Gaulle and French Premier Michel Debre which, she said, were “conducted with the same good feelings which have been characteristic of all Israeli-French contacts.” Economic relations with France were seen by the Foreign Minister as expanding, and trade between the two countries is growing.

Relations with Britain, she reported, have “become closer.” Britain, she stated, remains Israel’s most important customer, and the further development of economic ties is hoped for, especially in the fields of aviation, communications and investments. The Foreign Minister reiterated Prime Minister David Ben Gurion’s previously expressed satisfaction with the recent agreement made among Britain, Turkey and Greece regarding Cyprus.