Eshkol Reports to U.J.A. Mission on Arab Plans to Intensify Aggression

Arab plans to step up anti-Israel aggressions, as manifested recently at the Arab summit conference in Alexandria and at the meeting of “non-aligned” nations in Cairo, make it increasingly necessary for Israel to stay on the defensive alert. Prime Minister Levi Eshkol declared here last night.

Addressing a dinner in honor of the 140-member study mission of the United Jewish Appeal, Mr. Eshkol summarized the aggressive threats currently facing Israel, and declared: “The knowledge that millions of Jewish hearts beat in unison with us, out of a sense of common history and destiny, lends us courage and strength. “

Referring to the Alexandria and Cairo conferences, he said: “The fact remains that Nasser is steadily building up his military potential and war machine. During the coming months, we will require increased vigilance in the face of Arab plans to step up aggression in every field. “

Mr. Eshkol took the occasion to praise the work of both the UJA and the Joint Distribution Committee, a major beneficiary of the UJA. He asked both organizations to help insure Israel’s future by aiding emigration of American Jewish youth to Israel at this period “when Israel must begin to think carefully of her need for more immigrants equipped with skills, know-how and the traditions of democratic life. “

Today, at a final luncheon tendered to the members of the mission, Joseph Meyerhoff, UJA general chairman, presented two paintings as a gift from the mission to Moshe Sharett, chairman of the Jewish Agency, in celebration of Mr. Sharett’s 70th birthday. The mission’s final act here, as it concluded its visit to Israel today, was a visit to President Zalman Shazar, who tendered a reception to the visiting Americans.