Israel Ambassador Abba Eban today discussed Suez Canal and Akaba Gulf issues, including the arrest by Egyptian authorities of an Israeli seaman removed this week from a Danish freighter, in a lengthy meeting with Christian A. Herter, Under Secretary of State.
Mr. Eban described today’s meeting as a very comprehensive exchange of views on the position in the Middle East. He said it was one of a series of talks and he hoped to see Secretary of State Dulles before departing for Jerusalem for consultations. The Ambassador will leave on August 9 and return in about a month.
Mr. Eban is seeking a complete picture of views on the Middle East and antic pates a discussion with Secretary Dulles not on day-to-day matters but on a broader survey of questions. Today’s talk with Mr. Herter included maritime topics and the case of Raphael Eylon, Israel seaman seized aboard the Danish ship Brigitte Toft by Egyptian authorities at Port Suez. Ambassador Eban said he considered the removal of his countryman a violation by Egypt of the 1888 Suez convention. Ships of all nations have a right to transit through Suez and therefore all sailors, he argued.
Among matters Mr. Eban will take up in Jerusalem will be plans for the coming meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
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