More than 300 noted Americans, Jews and non-Jews, yesterday addressed an appeal to the U.S. Government pointing out that Israel is in danger because of “lavish supplies of weapons of destruction” given by Communist countries to Egypt, and asking for American arms for Israel to be given immediately–“before it is too late.” The appeal made public by the American Christian Palestine Committee, also urges the conclusion of an American security pact with Israel.
“We cannot accept the view held by some of our British friends that war can be forestalled or prevented by applying pressures to Israel to yield territory to the Arab states,” the appeal says. “We recall the historic failure of the Munich Conference to avert World War II by forcing democratic Czechoslovakia to surrender its territories to Nazi Germany. The appetite of aggressors feeds upon appeasement. We ask our Government to stand firm and support with vigor our sister democracy of Israel.
“As a first step in restoring equilibrium and creating a more favorable climate of stability and peace in the Middle East, which has been deeply disturbed by the supply of Communist arms to Egypt, we appeal to our Government to make available to Israel without delay the legitimate means for its self-defense. We also urge our Government to conclude as soon as possible security treaties with Israel and those of her neighbors who desire peace, guaranteeing their present frontiers against alteration by force. Such measures would clear the way for the Arab states and Israel to negotiate a peace settlement fair to all. Such measures, further, can lead to that renascence of the spirit so vital to the development of the area’s resources, both Israeli and Arab.
“We believe that these positive actions by the United States Government will be welcomed by the overwhelming majority of the American people. In the name of justice, humanity, and American’s good name among the nations, we urge our Government to act firmly and decisively before it is too late.”
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