In spite of the fact that the two “federated” Arab blocs have deep differences of their own, both federations have in common “a negative background of hostility to Israel,” Moshe Sharett warned here last night. Israel’s former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister spoke at a campaign dinner of the Joint Palestine Appeal, at which the sum of 60, 000 pounds sterling was contributed.
“The rift between the two Arab unions,” stated Mr. Sharett, “does not mean necessarily that they are ready for settlement with Israel. Their attitude is aggravated by the fact that a big power bases its Middle East policy on hostility to Israel. In the cases of both federations, Arab unity is forged for the negative purposes of rivalry amongst themselves and of struggle against Israel.”
However, added Mr. Sharett, “theoretically, constructive chances of Arab-Israel synthesis stand undiminished.” These possibilities, he declared, “serve as an ever-present challenge to Arab statesmanship.” In practice, he pointed out, “Israel must heed the lessons of the past, and rely more on her own strength and such international support as she is able to enlist, rather than on the wisdom and sanity of the Arab opponents.”
“If the merger of Syria and Egypt is to serve as a nutcracker against Israel, the nut must be strong enough to break the arms of the would-be cracker,” Mr. Sharett said.
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