Eban Defends Israel’s Foreign Aid Program to Underdeveloped Nations

Foreign Minister Abba Eban defended last night Israel’s foreign aid program in underdeveloped countries and said it should continue even in countries that voted against Israel at the United Nations and other international bodies. Addressing a conference of government officials and company directors involved in aid programs to some 70 countries. Eban said Israel was involved in aid, trade and commercial activities in developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Mediterranean Europe.

He said that more than $10 million is spent yearly on foreign aid but every dollar spent generates six more dollars so that the impact of Israel’s aid is far larger than the sum suggests. Eban said that apart from the economic and humanitarian aspects of the aid program, Israel was trying to offset the adverse balance at the UN. Israel has established her own network of bilateral ties while the Arabs have failed to make any significant dent in Israel’s presence in Africa, even after the Six-Day War, Eban said. He expressed surprise that the aid program should still need to be defended in Israel. It was attacked by the opposition Gahal faction just before the Knesset’s summer recess. Critics called the program a waste of effort.

There was criticism at last night’s meeting by those who favor foreign aid in principle but contend it is not being implemented properly. Critics said there is no real follow-up once a project is completed. Another point was that Israel’s aid program was spread too thin in a vain effort to be everywhere at once. It was reported at the meeting that 600 governmental and 400 private experts were engaged in projects in 70 countries last year. At the same time, 1,600 trainees from about 90 countries were taking courses in Israel.