President Eisenhower today drew a distinct differentiation between U. S. commitments to Israel on the Gaza Strip and Gulf of Akaba, on one hand, and the U.S. attitude on Israel’s Suez transit rights on the other.
A press conference questioner sought to elicit from Mr. Eisenhower his view on Egypt’s barring of Israel shipping from the Suez Canal in light of the President’s February 20 assumptions. The President replied that he thought mention of Israel’s use of the canal was in different terms than references to the Gaza Strip and Gulf of Akaba. In correspondence with Israel Premier Ben Gurion, President Eisenhower said, Mr. Ben Gurion did not mention the canal matter as one of the assurances he would need to withdraw Israel forces.
Mr. Eisenhower said Egypt was claiming certain belligerent rights in denying passage to Israel vessels. He did not know how this would be settled. But on the Akaba Gulf and Gaza issues, where we did say we would use our good offices, the President indicated America considered itself under obligation.
The President brushed aside a question of whether Egyptian President Nasser’s denial to Israel of Suez shipping rights showed a decent respect for world opinion. Mr. Eisenhower said he would not speculate or characterize on the reliability of Nasser or any other individual carrying responsible positions in the world. He added that the United States is going to support positions it has taken and would support the United Nations efforts to achieve justice for all in the Near East.
EBAN MEETS WITH HEAD OF U.S. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK ON LOAN
Israel Ambassador Abba Eban called on U.S. Export-Import Bank president Samuel Waugh today in an effort to renew consideration of Israel’s pending application for a $75,000,000 Export-Import Bank loan for water development.
A mission to study the Joan application was scheduled to depart for Israel last October, but it was cancelled when hostilities broke out in the area. It is thought that Ambassador Eban today urged Mr. Waugh to resume plans to send the study mission to Israel. Mr. Eban was accompanied by Meir Sherman, Israel economic minister here.
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