Canadian Govt. Grants Israel De Facto Recognition Jews Throughout Dominion Elated

The Canadian Government has granted Israel de facto recognition, it was announced here Friday by Lester Pearson, Minister for External Affairs, at a press conference. Pearson said that Israel had given “satisfactory proof” of complying with the essential conditions of statehood.

The news of the government’s action was received with elation in Jewish communities throughout the Dominion. The United Zionist Council of Canada issued the following statement: “As Canadians and as Jews, we are particularly gratified at today’s recognition by the Canadian Government of the state of Israel. We have always felt that Canada was desirous of contributing to the restoration of an early peace in Palestine and it is unquestionable that Canadian recognition is an important step in that direction.

“Canada showed her good intentions by supporting partition last year and the leadership of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent and members of the Canadian delegation to the United Nations played a major part in the march of events whose culmination was announced at Ottawa today.

“For many months Canadian recognition has been imminent. She set up postal services, was sympathetic in providing facilities for relief and co-operated in establishing trade relations with Israel. Today’s action by the Government of Canada marks the fruition of these steps and official acknowledgment of the fact that Israel is a reality. We are confident that recognition will contribute markedly to stability throughout the whole Middle East. We hope that this growing recognition presages the early admission of Israel to the United Nations and look forward to wider and permanent diplomatic, cultural and trade relations between our country and the state of Israel.”