Eban Confers with Dulles; Stresses Danger to Israel from Syria, Egypt

Israel Ambassador Abba Eban today conferred with Secretary of State John Foster Duiles and conveyed to him the views of the Israel Government on the present situation in the Middle East. Ambassador Edward B. Lawson, United States envoy to Israel, participated in the talk.

Mr. Eban said a central point in his presentation of views to Secretary Dulles was the danger to Israel’s security arising from hostility on the part of neighboring states, especially Syria and Egypt which are receiving arms from the Soviet Union at a “vast rate.” He emphasized to Mr. Dulles the importance of strengthening all available deterrents to aggression in the Middle East.

Ambassador Eban asked that the United States and other peace loving powers strongly oppose aggression against Middle East states, including Israel. This was discussed in the light of the Eisenhower Doctrine, the statement on Syria issued at the White House last Saturday, and the statement of April 9, 1956.

The Israel diplomat pointed out the need for the United States to make crystal clear its opposition to aggression. While Mr. Eban saw Israel’s chief danger in Russian arms arriving in Syria and Egypt, he also expressed Israel’s view on the U.S. program to arm Jordan. He said Israel feels the Western emphasis in its relation to the Middle East should be on raising living standards rather than arms.

Mr. Eban said he made special reference to “our efforts to strengthen our economy and our hope for continued cooperation with the United States in this respect.” He did not raise any new matter involving obtainment by Israel of U.S. arms, noting that Israel’s views were already well known. Some economic matters will rise in the next few weeks and Mr. Eban will be in touch with the Department of these as well as on the general situation.