A.f.l. Urges Conclusion of an American-israel Security Pact

The conclusion of an American-Israel mutual security pact to further peace and progress in the Near East was urged in a statement adopted by the Executive Council of the American Federation of Labor, which just concluded its session here. The text of the statement reads:

“The task of promoting peace and protecting freedom is most urgent in the Near East. For years, this pivotal area has been a source of great tension. Poverty, prejudice, and special privilege have prevented this region from becoming a center of free, prosperous and democratic nations.

“Since the Bandung Conference, the situation in this area has become even more grave. As the democratic power bearing the heaviest responsibility for the preservation of peace and freedom, our country should meet this deteriorating situation by strengthening those forces in the Near East that are dedicated to democracy, economic betterment, and stable, friendly relations with their neighboring countries.

“In this light, the best interests of our country and the need of world peace and social progress demand that our government enter into a Mutual Security Pact with the Republic of Israel. Such a pact would be strictly defensive in character. It would ease the situation in the entire Near East and improve the prospects for peace and security for all its peoples. It would not be aimed at any neighbor of Israel and would actually be helpful to every nation in this vital region.

“Such an American-Israel Mutual Security Pact might well serve as the model for similar accords between our country and the Arab lands, thus paving the way for a Near East Mutual Security Treaty Organization embracing all the nations in this pivotal area within the framework of the U.N. and dedicated to the furtherance of world peace and human well-being.”