Ben Gurion Tells Parliament of Action on Cargo Detained by Egypt

Premier David Ben Gurion today told the Israel Parliament that the detainment by Egyptian authorities at the Suez Canal of the Danish vessel Inge Toft carrying Israeli cargo from Haifa to the Far East is “a matter of unparallel gravity, and a blow, not only to Israel but also to the United Nations Charter, the Constantinople Convention of 1888, and Security Council resolutions. “

Mr. Ben Gurion made that statement in Parliament, where the Herut Party pressed a motion for debate of the Inge Toft issue. Neither the United Nations, said Mr. Ben

Gurion, nor the powers represented by diplomatic missions at Cairo, have any definite information the Inge Toft cargo has been seized by the United Arab Republic

(From London it was reported today that the captain of the Inge Toft, acting on instructions of the vessel’s owners, Jans Toft agency, of Copenhagen, has refused to unload the cargo when ordered to do so by Egyptian authorities.)

Since the matter affects the entire world, the Premier continued, the Israel Government is maintaining contact on the issue with members of the United Nations Security Council, maritime powers, and other governments. The Prime Minister disclosed that he was “pleasantly surprised” that Israel received support in the issue from “an unexpected source. ” He proposed to Parliament that the matter be referred to Parliament’s Committee on Security and Foreign Affairs, declaring that it is impractical to disclose “everything that is being done. “

The subject was referred to that committee after Mr. Ben Gurion’s statement was made. Dr. A. Altman, speaking for the Herut Party, criticized the Government for “lack of decision” and for “cogitating, ” on the issue, urging a strong policy. He told Parliament: “Nasser does not respect the United Nations, but he respects Israel–with which he has experience. “