Favorable Action on Israel’s Arms Request is Foreseen in Washington

Chances for favorable action on Israel’s arms application were considered here today as improving in the wake of President Eisenhower’s press conference statement yesterday in which he held open the possibility of such sales. American arms sales are not envisioned in the “immediate future.” But a favorable American response is today considered as ultimately more likely.

Within the State Department, a tendency is emerging to regard Egyptian Premier Nasser with distrust, Col. Nasser was formerly viewed as a “moderate” who sought peace with Israel. His sincerity is being questioned now because of the Egyptian role in the ousting of British General Glubb from Jordan, and because of increasing symptoms of growing Egyptian hostility against Israel and the West.

Israel Minister Reuven Shiloah today conferred with William M. Rountree, Acting Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs, on Israel’s arms request and “regular working” between Israel and the United States. Mr. Shiloah told reporters after the meeting that routine matters occupied most of the discussion, but that “we never meet anyone where we do not discuss arms.” Asked whether Mr. Eisenhower’s recent statement on the possibility of arms sales to Israel was discussed, the Israel Minister said there was no mention of President Eisenhower’s remarks.

A State Department spokesman made known today that the Department possesses no information that would confirm a press report that the United States is drawing up proposals to create a United Nations commission to operate in Israel and the Arab states to prevent war. The spokesman, disclaiming any knowledge of the allegedly considered “commission,” said the United States is pursuing the Arab Israel issue in talks within the State Department, between this government and other nations, and also between this government and the United Nations Secretariat.