Demands that the United States work toward assuring Israel freedom of passage through the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Akaba, as well as guaranteeing Israel’s security from renewed Egyptian attacks from the Gaza Strip were made here today in two statements issued by two separate groups of prominent American educators, clergymen and publicists. Both statements demanded the use of the United Nations Emergency Force as a buffer between Israel and Egypt.
Approximately 550 well-known Americans signed one of the statements under the leadership of the American Christian Palestine Committee. The other request was signed by 13 distinguished American leaders headed by Elmer Davis, well-known American writer. The statement signed by the larger group was in the form of a letter to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It offered a six-point program, as follows:
1. A buffer zone policed by the UNEF between Israel and Egypt until safeguards against “renewed violence have been established.”
2. The United Nations to administer the Gaza Strip until final disposition of this territory has been made.
3. The United States is to offer financial support of United Nations regional development programs for the entire Middle East, aiding both Jewish and Arab refugees.
4. Speedy settlement of the Suez Canal issue “in the interests of the economies of all nations.”
5. U.S. support of direct peace negotiations between the Arab states and Israel.
6. The United Nations Emergency Force now in the area is to stay on until “each of the objectives outlined above has been attained”
The second statement was also explicit on the entire Middle East problem as it affects Israel’s relations with the Arab states. It demanded that UNEF remain in the Suez Canal and Gulf of Akaba areas protecting freedom of shipping for all nations including Israel. On Gaza, it stated: “We can permit Israel’s stay in the Gaza Strip, which is not and never has been Egyptian, until arrangements are completed to ensure either a buffer zone between Israel and Egypt or some means by which Israel will be protected from attack and Egypt from retaliation.”
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