Ben Gurion Returns to Israel Says Discussed Security Problems with U.S. Government

Premier David Ben Gurion today returned to Israel from a three-week tour of the United States, where he helped launch the $500,000,000 Israel bond drive.

In a short nation-wide broadcast from Lydda Airport, where his Constellation landed, the Premier outlined the purposes of his journey to America and reported on the “splendid welcome and warm hospitality” he received in the U.S. He then told his listeners that “whoever thinks that the Israel Bond issue will interfere with the United Jewish Appeal is mistaken.” He said that he had gone to the U.S. to discuss political and security problems with the American Government and to strengthen the ties with American Jewry, which he said he found very sympathetic toward Israel.

The Premier’s plane was picked up by an Israeli Air Force squadron some 30 miles off the coast and was escorted to the air field. When the plane came to a halt the tired but visibly happy Premier descended to be greeted by Acting Premier Moshe Sharett members of the Cabinet, various municipal officials and representatives of several foreign governments. In addition, a good-sized crowd of spectators gathered at the airport where an honor guard composed of representatives of Israel’s services presented arms and a military band played “Hatikvah.” After his brief radio address, the Premier and his party were escorted to Tel Aviv in a motorcade.

In the Knesset, meanwhile, leftwing Socialist Mapam deputies and Communists have asked for a Parliamentary debate on the Premier’s visit to the United States and his pronouncement on German rearmament.

The elections for Israeli delegates for the World Zionist Congress will be held next Wednesday, it was announced today. The Parliament has decided not be hold any sessions next week, on account of the election campaign.