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President Kennedy Receives Report on Israel from Ambassador Reid

February 1, 1961
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President Kennedy received today a detailed personal report on Israeli achievements and Israel-American relations from Ambassador Ogden Reid who described the affinity of the two nations as “growing continuously closer. “

Mr. Reid, who has tendered his resignation, met at the White House with President Kennedy and discussed Israel at length. White House sources described the new Chief Executive as deeply interested during his first discussion of Israel since he was inaugurated.

Describing the importance of United States-Israel relations, Mr. Reid, after talking with President Kennedy, told newsmen of hope that “persistent quiet diplomacy” might bring greater tranquility to the area. Mr. Reid described the situation as “quieter than before” with “less tensions.” He believed “the fruits of freedom will commend themselves to other countries in the area.”

Mr. Reid said he hoped progress could be made in translating armistice agreements into peace treaties. He said Israel shares basis principles with America and that bonds were growing stronger. According to Mr. Reid Israel is a fascinating country. One can see the future grow before your eyes.”

On the recent atomic bomb issue, Mr. Reid thought “the two statements by the State Department” and those by Premier Ben-Gurion and Ambassador Harman “have said what is required and indicated” that relations continued to grow closer.

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