Acting Premier Sharett Says Israel is Ready for Peace with Arabs

In his first press conference as Acting Premier of Israel who is seeking to set up a new Cabinet, Moshe Sharett pointed out that whatever government emerges from the present negotiations, it will have to continue and develop further “the great work achieved under the inspired leadership of David Ben Gurion.” He said the two major tasks facing the new government would be the fullest possible development and utilization of the country’s potential resources and the economic, social and spiritual integration of the hundreds of thousands of newcomers.

A major problem to be inherited by the new government, he pointed cut, was Israel’s relations with the Arab states surrounding it. He declared that “the conclusion of a permanent peace between us depends on them alone. We, for our part, are always ready for it and I can only express the hope that the counsels of peace will sooner or later prevail against the hatred and prejudice of the ruling classes of the neighboring Arab lands to the benefit of us all in the Middle East and as a contribution to worldwide peace and stability. “

The Israeli Government head sounded a warning to the Arab states when he declared that “it is important for the Arab world to realize that, as far as we are concerned, we are prepared to hold out indefinitely, but, on the other hand, one can only hope that they will soon realize that everyone is losing through the absence of peace, they no less than we and, in some respects, perhaps more. “

SAYS AMERICAN-ISRAEL RELATIONS ARE BASED ON FIRM FRIENDSHIP

On the subject of American-Israeli relations, Mr. Sharett declared that they “are based on a firm friendship to which many factors contribute. The two governments, he said, did not always see eye to eye on a number of specific problems concerning or affecting Israel, but “we try to solve these divergencies in the friendliest spirit.” Differences of opinion which may arise, he added, “need not at all affect our basic relationship and solidarity. “

On the subject of Soviet-Israeli relations, the Acting Premier and Foreign Minister noted that he had previously expressed satisfaction over the resumption of relations with Moscow but added that “it is far too early as yet to say in what concrete form this renewed friendship will manifestitself in the future.” He said he had nothing new to say on the question of emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union to Israel.

In reply to a question on British-Israeli relations, Mr. Sharett said recent events had placed a certain strain on British-Israeli relations which he hoped would not remain long. The forthcoming resolution in the Security Council on the Syrian complaint against Israel, Mr. Sharett said, may be a “test case” in this context.

Discussing the Israeli security situation and tension along the borders of the Jewish State, Mr. Sharett charged that the Security Council resolution on Kibya, “by its patently one-sided and discriminatory character, appears to have encouraged further offensive violations (of the Israeli frontiers) as is attested by a series of incidents occurring since then.

“I find it difficult to agree that the Security Council, in adopting that resolution, did so in the full consciousness of its responsibility for peace and security in the Middle East in this highly delicate situation.”

Asked about Israel’s position on the Suez Canal negotiations, Mr. Sharett declared that while Israel did not oppose achievement or fulfillment by Egypt of her legitimate national aspirations, Israel was concerned over her own national interests in a changeover of the canal. He pointed out that the change would affect the present balance of strength between Israel and Egypt “which is of particular concern to us as long as there is no peace because of Egypt’s refusal.” and raised the question of free passage through the Suez Canal for Israeli or Israeli-bound shipping. Both issues, he said, had been the subject of communications to Britain.

Asked about the Jordan River hydroelectric project, now the subject of dispute in the Security Council, Mr. Sharett called it a “perfectly legitimate, highly beneficial work with which no interference should be brooked.”

He affirmed that “we undertake fully the liability for the most scrupulous protection and safeguarding of the private rights which may be involved as regards the ownership of the land or the use of the water for irrigation. We are in full position to take care of that and to satisfy any unbiased authority that these interests are and will be properly safeguarded. That should not constitute a reason to paralyze a project of such eminent value and importance to our future development. “

In reply to other questions, Mr. Sharett categorically denied reports of negotiations for establishment of an Arab “canton” within the State of Israel, and said that Israel was not directly interested in Jewish restitution negotiations with Austria although the Jewish groups have “our fullest support. “