Israel Premier Levi Eshkol today expressed “gratification” over the announcement made last Thursday by President Johnson that the United States has begun discussions with Israel on cooperative research for the use of nuclear energy for the desalination of sea water into fresh water.
“United States readiness to cooperate with Israel in the field of water desalination, which found expression in the words of President Johnson,” said Mr. Eshkol, “merits special recognition.”
“Israel will welcome the continuation and expansion of cooperation with the United States on this and other subjects,” the Premier continued. “The results of Israel’s research and activities in the field of desalination will, when the time arrives, be placed at the service of other countries, especially water thirsty countries, in our region.”
Because of Israel’s imperative need and her scientific ability, Mr. Eshkol declared, Israel may become a pilot plant for practical research in the field of turning salt water into fresh water. Perhaps more than any other country, he pointed out, Israel must try to find a solution for the desalination of sea water, which is connected with the hope of harnessing cheap atomic energy. He stressed the fact that, for many years, Israel has invested large funds in this research work, accompanied by an exchange of know-how with various scientific institutes “the world over and the United States in particular.”
Talks concerning U. S.-Israel cooperation in desalination research have already been held with United States Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall, it was learned here today. A number of Israeli scientists are working in the United States in cooperation with American scientists on the utilization of nuclear power for water desalination, informed sources said here today. Daniel Shimshoni, chairman of the Israel National Research Council, said today that several teams of Israeli scientists are now at work on four separate projects for development of an economic method of desalinating water.
(Newspapers in all Arab capitals voiced anger at and displeasure with President Johnson’s announcement of America’s readiness to cooperate with Israel on desalination research through the use of nuclear energy, according to dispatches received in New York and London. Railing at the American President, one prominent columnist in Beirut referred to him as “Johnson the Jew.” Another Arab newspaper said Mr. Johnson has now turned Israel into “America’s fifty-first state.”)
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