Dr. Stephen S. Wise, president of the American Jewish Congress, in a memorandum submitted to President Truman this week-end, declared that “de jure recognition of Israel by the United States cannot be any longer delayed without playing fast and loose with accepted principles and practices” of American diplomacy.
In a letter accompanying the memorandum, Dr. Wise called on the President to extend full de jure recognition to Israel and to “confirm United States adherence to the UN resolution of November 29, 1947 by removing all doubt as to the status of Israel and its right to membership, in equality and dignity, in the family of nations.” Criticizing the delay in granting full status to the Israeli Government, Dr. Wise asserted that “nothing in our diplomatic practice of the past several years can any longer justify withholding full recognition. There can no longer be any legal or moral justification for any further delay in giving effect to the realities of the situation.”
The 15-page memorandum submitted to the President by Dr. Wise analyzes the principles of international law governing recognition and past American diplomatic practice and was prepared by the Congress’ Commission on Law and Social Action. The memorandum lists four requirements which have generally been regarded as qualifying the government of a newly-formed state for recognition, and adds that they have been fully met by the Government of Israel since the proclamation of the Israeli state last May.
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