Rep. Paul Findley (R.lll.), regarded as the principal advocate in the House of Representatives for U.S. recognition of the Palestine Liberation Organization, is urging the federal government to give “immediate approval” of credit to finance the construction of “a large, modern grain elevator” at the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Findley, whose criticism of Israel and legitimizing of the PLO frequently is evidenced in hearings of the House Foreign Affairs Committee of which he is a leading member, also is a leader of the House Agricultural Committee and his district in Illinois is among the country’s most important grain growing areas.
In a statement to the House, Findley said the grain elevator is “much needed” in Israel and “of particular significance to Middle East relations is the fact that a modern grain unloading facility at Ashdod could become a regional depot serving Egypt.”
“The Agriculture Department has indicated that the advantages of Ashdod as a supply point for Egypt, Gaza and Sinai are quite significant, since it is only 40 kilometers by direct coastal road to the 400,000 people in Gaza compared with the present closest Egyptian elevator at Alexandria, 1000 kilometers away,” he said.
Findley indicated to the House he is motivated for the project because of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978, under which this foreign market development facilities program should be carried out, an objective of which is to “help develop and expand the importing capabilities of foreign customers for U.S. farm commodities.”
AGREEMENT IS STILL PENDING
Kelly Harrison, the Department of Agriculture’s general sales manager, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that no agreement has been reached on the project since the government of Israel has not stated its willingness to agree to it. Harrison pointed out that Israel has a government agency that buys grain. Therefore, it would have to be involved in the process and participate in the project which entails a capital investment of $20 million, he said.
The proposal for the Ashdod project, it was reported, has been made to the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) of the Agriculture Department as a joint venture by the Minneapolis exporting firm of I.S. Joseph Co., of which Burton Joseph is president, and the Haifa, Israel, firm of “Dagon” Batey- Momgureth Le-Israel, Ltd. The two companies would operate the elevator under the corporate name of Ashdod Silos Ltd.
Findley is seeking reelection for his 11th term. His Democratic opponent is 32-year-old David Robinson who worked as a lobbyist in the last session of the General Assembly of Illinois for the Illinois Public Action Council a coalition of citizens groups concerned with consumer issues. Findley’s PLO contacts is a major campaign issue.
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