A British proposal to station United Nations armed forces in demilitarized zones separating Israel and the Arab states was discussed today by President Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Eden. While no decision or agreement was reached the matter was not ruled out. It was also learned that Israel’s application to buy Western arms has been discussed.
Attention has been focused on measures to prevent an Arab-Israel war and on what might be done if war comes. Reaffirmation of the 1950 Tripartite Declaration was discussed. A French memorandum on the Middle East was discussed and French view-points were taken into consideration.
It was learned that no formal plans were laid on the table, but that suggestions and ideas were contributed by both sides. Consideration of various possible courses of action was reported, but precise proposals and decisions will not be taken until tomorrow. A communique to be published tomorrow may enunciate the views agreed upon.
A special working group on the Arab-Israel situation has been created for the conference. Members include British expert Evelyn Shuckburgh and George V. Allen, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.
Arab circles here today indicated that a joint memorandum on behalf of all Arab states will be presented to President Eisenhower and Prime Minister Eden in Washington demanding that no decision be taken on the Arab-Israel issue before consultations with the Arab governments.
Meanwhile, North African nationalists sent a message today to Mr. Eisenhower and Sir Anthony urging “implementation of the United Nations resolutions on Palestine. “The message, signed by the Committee for Freedom of North Africa, said: “The serious threat of Communism in the Eastern Arab states, as well as the danger of the Palestinian stalemate are interdependent. Both can be effectively resisted by the implementation of the United Nations resolutions on Palestine, and the immediate withdrawal of the British-sponsored troops from the territory of Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman to be followed with negotiations and friendly settlement safeguarding the legitimate interests of all concerned.”
DULLES URGED TO REJECT EDEN’S PROPOSALS AFFECTING ISRAEL TERRITORY
A plea that Secretary of State Dulles reject as “appeasement” any proposals that Israel cede territory in favor of the Arab nations was made today by the Czechoslovak National Council of America. Suggesting that Prime Minister Eden will advance such a proposal during his visit here, A. J. Valucheck, vice-president of the Czechoslovak Council, called it “a dangerous and futile scheme which can only result in encouraging the Arab states to increase their demands on Israel.
“Moreover,” Mr. Valucheck declared in his wire to Mr. Dulles, “it bears a frightening parallel to the events which preceded the tragic betrayal of democratic Czechoslovakia in 1938. That sacrifice proved once and for all that appeasement is no solution in international relations. It did not work in Europe in 1938; it will not work in the Middle East in 1956.” He said that the members of the Czechoslovak National Council, “sobered by memories of our fathers beloved homeland,” could not stand idly by and watch Israel “be offered up as ransom for Arab favor.”
Two Congressmen, a Democrat and a Republican, joined today at a Zionist mass meeting here to urge arms for Israel and express concern about the security of the Jewish State. Rep. Albert P. Morano, Connecticut Republican, said he favored providing Israel with adequate munitions with which to defend herself. He said the only real solution to the problem was an agreement entered mutually by Egypt and Israel and guaranteed by the United Nations. In such an agreement, he said, the present borders of Israel must be guaranteed.
Rep. Thomas Dodd, Connecticut, Democrat, said that “the best interest of the United States of America will be beat served by honoring the integrity and independence of Israel.” He added that if the aggressors in the Middle East realize that they will be met by the “might of the free world,” they will not begin aggression. A resolution was adopted at the meeting urging the United States Government “to reject any proposal to appease the Arab dictators and to force the surrender to them of parts of Israel’s territory.”
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