American-israel Relations Are ‘stronger Than Ever, Eshkol Says

Relations between Israel and the United States are “now stronger than ever, “Prime Minister Levi Eshkol declared here tonight in delivering the opening address at the annual convention of the Mapai Party.

A large audience listened to the Premier at the opening session, which was attended by President Zalman Shazar, diplomatic representatives from 45 governments around the world, members of Israel’s Cabinet and representatives of the non-Mapai labor parties in this country. Former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion received an exuberant ovation when he entered the hall after the proceedings had got under way.

Much of Mr. Eshkol’s address was devoted to a review of foreign affairs, although he spoke also of domestic matters. Regarding relations with the United States, he said–after assuring the convention that Israel-American relations are strong now; “I hope the wide agreement between us on essential problems–on water and on desalination–will stand. We also watch the United States intentions to help the cause of peace in this area in connection with the Arabs’ search for arms and the action of the Arab countries which have established a combined command in order to attack Israel.”

ESHKOL REITERATES WARNING TO ARABS ON JORDAN WATERS ISSUE

Touching on the Arab-Israeli situation, he told the convention; “No one should play with the idea that non-combat aggression, like that of diverting water sources, will remain without reaction on our part. We still hope that Lebanon will refrain from being swept by the negative, nationalistic notion of ‘neither you nor me.’ ” That statement was a reference to plans announced for diverting Jordan River headwaters in Lebanon in such a manner that Lebanon would rather waste those waters than letting Israel benefit from their flew.

“But,” continued Mr. Eshkol, “once we are faced with acts which mean that our essential irrigation waters will be taken away, we shall not hesitate and we will defend our state and our waters with all our might.” He told the assembly that, “simultaneously with its defense ability, Israel’s army must be in such a position that the enemy would have to take our reaction into account and will refrain from any adventures.”

Touching briefly on relations with France, he said; “I am still convinced there will be no change in our friendly relations.” He noted that he will meet with Britain’s Prime Minister Harold Wilson. “I hope,” he said, “friendly declarations will be made by the Labor Government personalities.” He added that the background exists for friendly British-Israeli discussion of mutual problems.

CALLS ATTENTION TO RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ISRAEL-GERMAN RELATIONS

The Prime Minister called attention to the more recent developments in relations between Israel and Germany, which were debated in Parliament in Jerusalem yesterday, “Jewish morality,” he said, “does not recognize the attitude of holding the son responsible for the sins of his father. But it is the sons that stand to the test now. And, in this test, we can see the terrible moral weakness in the yielding of the West German Government to the blackmail by Nasser.

“Israel,” he continued, “does not accept the definition of ‘zones of tension.’ There can be no explanation for such yielding. There are attackers and there is Israel, which is the target of aggression. There is no justification for helping the attackers as there is no justification for prevention of aid for the victims of aggressions.”

SAYS ISRAEL SEEKS TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH COMMUNIST LANDS

Mr. Eshkol touched on the government’s relations with the Eastern bloc, saying that efforts have been made to improve relations between Israel and the Communist countries. He also expressed his “disappointment” over the attitude toward Israel on the part of Communist China, noting that “Israel recognizes the great importance of China in Asia and in the world.”

Coming to domestic affairs, Mr. Eshkol predicted that, by the end of this decade, Israel will have a population of 3,000,000. Thus, he said, there will be a need for increased production and the “restraining” of private consumption without diminishing the country’s standard of living. In spite of the shortage of water resources, he said, more settlements will be established in the Galilee region and elsewhere. Industrial developments, he said, will absorb 70,000 new workers before the end of the 60’s.

He asked the country to increase its efforts to help the growth of more Jewish education in Jewish communities outside of Israel, and promote the integration of the non-Israeli Jewish communities with Israel’s identity.

Pointing to the need for the growth of the country’s educational system–especially in high schools and in all branches of science and technology–Mr. Eshkol predicted the development of “scientific kibbutzim.” These, he said, will be composed of scientists and technicians aiding industry. He proposed that scientists and technicians here and abroad form cooperatives to help Israel establish new industries.