The ultimate use of atomic energy to convert sea water into fresh water to be used for irrigation of huge areas of the Negev was predicted today by former Premier David Ben Gurion in an interview he granted newsmen here, the Negev settlement where he now lives.
The use of such water, plus the piping of excess water stores from the north as well as the conservation of rain water in the Negev gullies and wadis, presents the possibility of extending fruitful agriculture to many more thousands of acres of what is now wasteland, Mr. Ben Gurion said.
Considering other aspects of development of Israel’s southern land reserve, the former Premier pointed out that the possible discovery of oil supplies, mining and cheap transportation hold hope for fullest development of the Negev. He asserted that there was a need for “hundreds of pioneers to pave the way for many thousands to the Negev.”
Returning to discussion of one of his favorite subjects, Mr. Ben Gurion suggested that the Zionist Organization with its present functions should become an “Israel Friends League,” adding that the Zionist movement has more important tasks than mere support of Israel, The movement, he continued, should consist of Jews who give their children a Hebrew and pioneering education, which is more important today than ever before.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
