The Egyptian National Assembly has submitted a protest to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives against the American sale of light jet bombers to Israel.
The National Assembly of Egypt, acting on a motion adopted by that body, told Congress that the deal was “a violent stab at the heart of the Arab nation” and would “have great effect on the relations between the Arab and American peoples.” Belief was voiced in the protest that the American conscience “refused to support the forces of aggression embodied in Israel.”
The Assembly expressed “strong denunciation of the behavior the U.S. Government has embarked upon by providing Israel with offensive arms.” It was charged that Israel was preparing aggression and had an “expansionist plan.” A charge was made that the U.S. Government has intensified tensions and “endangered international peace and security.”
Egyptian Premier Muhyi Ad-Din, addressing the Egyptian Assembly on the subject, this week denounced the U.S. action. He said the United States was no longer content in extending economic aid to Israel and putting “pressure” on other nations to sell arms to Israel “but has itself now supplied Israel with arms, although it realizes that these arms are aimed against Arab rights in Palestine.” He said: “The U.S. arms supplied to Israel will strengthen the Israeli aggressive force, and induce them to commit further aggression.”
A high State Department official said, meanwhile, today that the United States is continuing consideration of Egypt’s request for renewal of the aid agreement that expires June 30. Assistant Secretary of State Douglas MacArthur II, said in a letter to Sen. Jacob K. Javits, New York Republican, that “our decision in this matter involves complex considerations relating not only to U.S. U.A.R. relations but to the U.S. position in the Near East generally.”
“We will continue to weigh these often conflicting considerations carefully,” Mr. MacArthur wrote. “Meanwhile we feel no useful purpose would be served by engaging in public debate with President Nasser. You may be sure, however, that the Secretary of State is well aware of Congressional interest in this sensitive subject.”
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