Israel Premier David Ben Gurion today began his efforts to form a new Cabinet by conferring with leaders of various parties willing to accept the principle of collective responsibility and discipline for all members of the Cabinet. He expects to form the Cabinet within a few days. Meanwhile, the old government remains on a caretaker basis.
An indication that Israel may still succeed in securing arms from certain countries if secrecy about the dealings is maintained was given today in the Jerusalem Post, which is close to government circles, Mr. Ben Gurion scuttled the old Cabinet because the two left-wing parties in it refused to submit to his demand for Cabinet discipline on secret government decisions on arms talks with foreign government.
“Two members of the Mapai central committee revealed Monday,” the Jerusalem Post said, “that certain countries which might sell Israel arms would do so only under a pledge of absolute secrecy. In the past Israel has enjoyed a good reputation for discretion in such matters and if she is not to jeopardize her future chances of obtaining arms, this reputation must not be impaired, ” the paper commented.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
