Israel Ambassador Abba Eban conferred at great length yesterday with Secretary of State John Foster Dulles on “a broad view” of regional security, political and economic questions. He was accompanied by Israel Minister Reuven Shiloah who returned recently from consultations in Israel.
The importance of Middle East oil to Western diplomacy was stressed by Secretary Dulles yesterday in an address at Iowa State College. He said that the Middle East “produces the oil required for the industry of Western Europe and for the military establishment of the NATO.” He said that the estimate of expenditure for military aid and defense support for these countries in the next year is in the neighborhood of $800,000,000. It is believed he referred to the member countries of the Baghdad Pact.
Strong anti-Egyptian and pro-Israel sentiments were expressed by a number of members of Congress during the Foreign Aid Bill debate in the House which concluded this week-end. Egypt was denounced for ties which her Premier, Col. Nasser is expanding with Communist countries. Israel was named among those of America’s allies who deserve military aid from the United States.
Among the Congressmen who lauded Israel was Rep. Robert C. Byrd. West Virginia. Democrat, who earlier this year reflected anti-Israel views He referred negatively to Egypt as did a dozen other Democratic members of Congress.
Pointing out that “Iron Curtain arms are pouring into Egypt,” Rep. Thomas J. Dodd, Conn. Democrat, asked what diplomatic steps were being prepared by the United States to “induce the Arab states to sit down with Israel.” He added.” do not believe in a policy of assisting those who openly defy us and align themselves with the Communist bloc while we leave an avowed friend naked and alone.”
Rep. Victor L. Anfuso, New York Democrat, said. “I strongly urge that we should not appropriate a single cent to Egypt, to Saudi Arabia, to Syria, and to the other Arab countries because they have betrayed the cause of the free world by their actions in making Israel’s defense situation be appreciated and that “we appropriate the necessary military aid for her legitimate self-defense.”
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
