Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, commenting on the statement issued by the Soviet Government in Moscow on the Arab-Israel situation, told a press conference here today that the United States would welcome any genuine move to back up the United Nations effort to achieve peace in the Middle East. He emphasized that the Soviet Union, as a member of the UN Security Council, has a measure of participation in the solution of the Arab-Israel problem.
Mr. Dulles stated that he did not yet have the full official text of the Soviet announcement. He said he would have to read the “fine print.” An Arab-Israel settlement, he added, was properly a matter for the United Nations. It was through this channel, he indicated, the Soviet Union could work if it were truly interested in constructive peace efforts. No specific diplomatic procedures were employed. Mr. Dulles emphasized, in conveying President Eisenhower’s most recent Middle East statement to Russia. He pointed out that the statement did call on all members of the United Nations to support peace efforts.
Secretary Dulles was asked by a Canadian newspaperman for his view of Israel’s application to purchase F-86 jet fighters manufactured in Canada. The Secretary replied that Israel was aware there was no intention on the part of the United States to establish a world-wide embargo on arms sales to Israel. He added that American’s own policy was based on reasons “distinctive to ourselves” but was not necessarily a pattern for the world.
Commenting on the Arab-Israel “peace mission” of UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold, Mr. Dulles said he thought it would be over-optimistic to think that the main problems were resolved. He said Mr. Hammarskjold thinks he has made good progress but is by no means finished. The first phase of Mr. Hammarskjold’s work, he indicated, was to do away with border fighting. This, he said, included measures to increase the number of UN truce observers and plans to draw contending forces apart.
DENIES THAT 1950 TRIPARTITE DECLARATION IS “DOWNGRADED”
Secretary Dulles sought to deny that the 1950 Tripartite Declaration had been “downgraded.” He said the United States position was the same as it had been. The 1950 declaration, he stated, called for action consistent with the United Nations Charter and that the Security Council had primary responsibility. Therefore, he said, the United States now looks upon the Security Council as the main instrument for safeguarding peace. He emphasized the importance of the Security Council and said this was consistent with the 1950 tripartite concept.
Reports have circulated here that the Arab states wish to move Security Council deliberations on the Middle East from New York to Rome because of New York’s “pro-Israel” atmosphere. Asked for his views of the transfer of the Security Council site for a Middle East discussion, Mr. Dulles said the United States position was that it is a matter for the Security Council to decide. He pointed out that the Security Council met in Paris and London in the past and that if it was the desire of Security Council members to meet in Rome the United States would not oppose a meeting there.
A solution of the Arab-Israel issue, Mr. Dulles said, in the first instance is the direct responsibility of the immediate parties to the dispute. But a solution was not possible without assistance with the best contributions being made by the United Nations. He cited offers of assistance by the United States to the United Nations in his August 26 speech including a security guarantee and a loan to aid the Arab refugees.
Secretary Dulles said the United States had heard some reports that Egypt was receiving submarines from Russia but did not know for certain if such arrangements were actually made or carried out. Asked to comment on a statement by the Yugoslav Ambassador that war can and will be avoided in the Middle East, Mr. Dulles said he would agree to only one-half of the statement. War could be avoided, he stated, and added that the chances were there would be no war. But it would be indeed rash, he said, to say there was no chance of hostilities in that area.
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