Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Hussein today warned the State Department that American approval of French jet fighter plane sales to Israel might encourage alleged Israel aggressive designs and jeopardize Egyptian confidence in the United States. This was learned from government sources following a meeting of Mr. Hussein with William Rountree, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.
The Egyptian Ambassador referred to week-end reports that the United States authorized France to defer scheduled deliveries under an offshore procurement contract in order that France might sell 12 Mystere jet planes to Israel. Twelve such planes were delivered earlier this year under a similar arrangement.
The Egyptian view is that American abstinence from direct sales of arms to Israel is not enough. The Egyptian Embassy is insisting that the United States dissuade other nations from selling to Israel.
Meanwhile, it was learned here today that George Wadsworth, U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has recommended that the United States provide Saudi Arabia with planes, tanks, guns, and military training in exchange for a five-year renewal of the Dharan Air Base lease. Mr. Wadsworth will leave late this week to begin talks with King Saud on the renewal agreement. It was ascertained here that the State Department will agree to the continued exclusion of American soldiers of Jewish faith from the base.
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