The House Foreign Affairs Committee today was urged to deny mutual security assistance to nations like the United Arab Republic, that seek to restrict the freedom of the seas by imposing boycotts and blockades. The suggestion came from Rabbi Philip S. Bernstein, chairman of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, who testified before the committee.
Rabbi Bernstein questioned the wisdom of extending aid to any nation that uses such assistance to further its war effort against another nation. He maintained that American aid should be used for peaceful purposes. In broad terms, he urged United States economic aid for both Arabs and Israelis. He voiced hope that economic development which raised living standards would reduce tension, facilitating a peace settlement.
Rabbi Bernstein took to task the ten Arab League ambassadors who attacked the visit of Premier Ben-Gurion. “We do not accept the Arab thesis that we must choose between the Israelis and the Arabs and that friendship for one precludes friendship for the other. ” he said.. “We want our country to be the friend of Israel and the friend of the Arab peoples and we want them to befriend each other. We are convinced Israel and the Arab states have much to offer each other and we work to bring that about. “
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