Ben Gurion Outlines Defense Problems to Parliament; Sees No Cause for War Panic

The defense problems faced by Israel in the present tense world situation were outlined here tonight before the Parliament by Premier David Ben Gurion, who also holds the post of Minister of Defense.

“It is not necessary to emphasize here that the security problem is the basic problem of our state, no less than of other states, “the Premier said. “However, we face a double task in the event of a global conflict. We must simultaneously keep our eyes open to the possibility of a second round which our enemies openly announce. And the danger of such a second round increases with the approach of a possible global conflict.

“Our enemies strive not only to destroy Israel, but to annihilate all the inhabitants of the Jewish state,” the Premier continued. Security is today the world’s chief problem, Mr. Ben Gurion stated. “This does not mean that war is inevitable. However, it does mean that there is no escape from the rearmament race. Only the future can tell what the end of this race will be.”

Emphasizing that Israel must help strengthen world peace, together with all nations which are “striving wholeheartedly for peace, “Mr. Ben Gurion said: “Although in addition to the danger of a world war we face also the danger of aggression against us on the part of our neighbors, there is nevertheless no place for panic.

“Even with regard to our neighbors we should not suppose that we are on the eve of war. There is no necessity for such war. It is of prevention of a war that we must think, and since this is not in our hands, we must therefore prepare for any eventuality. It is our duty to be efficiently prepared, simultaneously to continue our efforts to preserve peace and to sign peace treaties with every one of our neighbors who desires it,” the Premier pointed out.