Robert D. Murphy, Under Secretary of State during the 1956 Israeli campaign against Egypt, said here yesterday that if the campaign had ended “as many expected, in the departure from Egypt of a miniature dictator, the world would not suffer the present turmoil and peace would prevail in the Middle East.”
Mr. Murphy spoke at a luncheon meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which honored Rabbi Philip Bernstein, chairman of the committee, on his 65th birthday. Mr. Murphy also said he had “every confidence” in the ability of the United States Government “to act at the appropriate time in the interests of justice. He said the United States would honor its Middle East commitments and that, “naturally,” those commitments “contemplate the independence and territorial integrity of the State of Israel.”
Rabbi Bernstein expressed the hope that “this time” the Arabs “and especially Arab leadership will learn that aggression does not pay.” Adding that what the United Nations can and will de is far from clear,” he said that “much depends on the Soviet position which remains an enigma.” He said that not only “moral and legal commitments but enlightened self interest should move the United States to support Israel in this conflict which has been thrust upon her.” He said that “this does not mean United States manpower” but that it “does mean material aid” and “generous economic aid.” A message was read from President Johnson extending “warm congratulations” to Rabbi Bernstein on his 65th birthday.
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.
