Arab League Official in Washington Accuses Ambassador Eban of “acting in Bad Faith”

Abba S. Eban, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, was accused during the week-end by a spokesman for the Arab League of “acting in bad faith.” Azzam Pasha, secretary-general of the League, addressing a press conference at the Egyptian Embassy, said Mr. Eban, instead of “extending olive branches, actually extended only 1,000,000 people in (their) misery.” The Arab leader was apparently referring to allegations that Arab refugees were recently expelled from Israel areas.

In a speech to the National Press Club this week, Mr. Eban called on the Arab states to conclude peace negotiations with Israel. Answering Mr. Eban, Azzom Pasha said that Jerusalem should be internationalized and that Israel, by establishing its capital in the city, has “revolted” against a United Nations decision.

He also accused Mr. Eban of “distorting facts completely” and said that Israel must “respect the rights” of Arab refugees. Asked why Jordan opposed the internationalization of Jerusalem–thus agreeing with Israel–Azzam Pasha said it was because the Jordanians did not “trust Jewish motives” and were “forced to demand defensive positions.”

The Arab League leader said the Arabs were only “little tools in the hands of history” and that the United States should mediate differences involving the Arabs and Anglo-French “imperialism” and “exploitation.” He said the U.S. will “betray its traditions of freedom” if it continues to back the British and French, particularly with reference to the continued presence of British troops in the Suez Canal area. He urged that America support the “democratic aspirations” of the Arab peoples.