British authorities have warned the United States of a serious build-up of Soviet missile strength in the Mediterranean, menacing the U.S. Sixth Fleet and the southern and southeastern flanks of NATO, it was learned here today. According to the British sources, Soviet missile ships and rocket launchers have been supplied in significant numbers to the Arab countries, while the Red fleet itself is operating an increasing number of missile-firing units, including submarines, in the Mediterranean.
Soviet “SAM” ground-to-air missiles, which have been operational for some time, are believed to have been installed in Egypt by Soviet military technicians. Thus, say the British, the Soviet zone of influence in the Mediterranean area has been extended by an estimated missile range of 300 to 1,200 miles.
A New York Congressman meanwhile warned today that American inaction. “through failure to provide Israel with effective deterrents, coupled with massive Soviet arms shipments” to the Middle East is “driving out Arab realists and moderates and giving center stage to the Arab extremists and revolutionaries.”
Rep. James H. Sheuer, a Democrat, in a letter to the Washington Post, assailed the “slow delivery” of American jet aircraft to Israel. “With French doors closed,” he said, “only the United States can supply Israel with the clear and unmistakable deterrent strength she must have to convince her hostile neighbors and the Soviet Union that their preparations for another war are futile. If the Arabs are allowed to dream, as they did in June, that they are capable of destroying Israel, the result would be catastrophic.” Rep. Sheuer warned.
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.
