Israel’s Deputy Premier Yigal Allon warned today that isolationism could lead to world conflict, and, therefore, the United States has to maintain its posture as a world power. He said the maintenance of American credibility as a major power was indispensable if peace and security are to be maintained in the world. Allon addressed a closed meeting of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
The gist of his remarks were reported afterwards by Jacob Stein, Conference chairman. He said Allon reiterated that Israel was ready to meet with her Arab neighbors “as equals” and called on Egypt to opt for a political solution of its dispute with Israel rather than military action. Allon also termed the emigration of Russian Jews one of the major events of modern Jewish history. He reportedly said Israel was grateful for every Jew permitted to leave the USSR for Israel but called on Soviet authorities to be more liberal and generous in permitting those who wish to leave to do so. According to Stein, Allon stressed the importance of world public opinion in persuading Soviet leaders in that direction.
Stein also reported that Allon referred to King Hussein’s victory over terrorists in Jordan and the restoration of “a stable regime” in that country. He noted that the death of President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt removed the one leader who could claim to speak on behalf of the Arab world. Since his death, each Arab country has become increasingly independent, Allon was reported to have said.
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