Friendship to All Nations Pledged by Ben Gurion at Opening of Knesseth in Tel Aviv

Prime Minister David Ben Gurion today told the parliament of Israel that his government would follow a policy of loyalty to the United Nations Charter and friendship toward all peace-loving states, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union, and would make a determined effort to establish in Arab-Jewish alliance within the framework of the United Nations.

Making his first appearance before the Knesseth, the elected parliament of the country, to introduce his coalition Cabinet and announce his government’s program, the Israeli Prime Minister also pledged his government’s support for all measures guaranteeing the rights of man, the equality of nations and the strengthening of the United Nations. Most of his speech, however, was devoted to domestic policies and problems.

All 120 members of the Knesseth were present when the session opened in a former motion-picture house and hotel which had been converted into a meeting place for the Israeli Parliament. United States Ambassador James G. McDonald was in the section of the gallery reserved for distinguished guests as were other members of the diplomatic colony.

The speaker and members of the Cabinet occupied places on the stage which was bedecked with flags emblematic of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, For the benefit of Arab members of the Knesseth, a special telephone system was employed whereby, through headphones, they received almost instantaneous translations, in Arabic, of the speeches delivered in Hebrew.

GOVERNMENT WILL GUARANTEE EQUALITY OF RIGHTS. RELIGION, CULTURE

In presenting his Cabinet, Ben-Gurion expressed regret that the Mapam and the General Zionists, who had agreed to enter a coalition government, had made unacceptable demands. He said portfolios had been reserved for them in the event they changed their minds and meanwhile the Cabinet as a whole would be responsible for the unfilled portfolios.

Parties entering the coalition, Ben Gurion said, had accepted collective responsibility for government decisions but were free to criticize if the government departed from the program laid down. He then outlined a ten-point program of his coalition government.

The Prime Minister declared that the Government of Israel## will be democratic $ and republican, guaranteeing complete equality of #########tion and culture to its citizens regardless of religion, race #### #### It guarantees freedom of association and speech, equality of rights ### ### and a universal franchise. While the Government will make the Sabbath and other Jewish festivals days of rest, non-Jews will be able to observe their own Sabbath.The Prime Minister pointed out that the foreign policy principles enunciated in the government program did not differ from these that had been followed by the Provisional Government. That policy, he said, had borne fruitful results. On the home front, the Prime Minister declared, the problem is now an economic one, rather than a military problem, which, he asserted, had been successfully solved. The major task, declared, was immigration and resettlement.

FOUR-YEAR PLAN TO DOUBLE POPULATION PRESENTED BY PREMIER

Ben Gurion presented a four-year program for doubling the population by mass immigration. He also called for intensive development of the country on the basis of ?planned economy and speedy population of under populated areas. He outlined is plan for increased development of the new city of Jerusalem by concentrating there the cultural, national and governmental organizations, as well as transferring a part of ?e country’s industry to the area, and building a network of settlements from the city to the coastal plain.

Afforestation and Boil improvement are included among the features of the government’s program. The nationalization of water and other natural resources is##rged. Compensation will be paid for all property which is requisitioned. The program provides for compulsory development of all neglected lands and the encouragement ## cooperative and private enterprises with capital.

It undertakes to combat the coat of living, to control imports and foreign exchange and to introduce an austerity regime entailing strict rationing. It would illuminate inefficient industry and increase the workers’ productivity. The citrus industry would be rehabilitated. The imposition of a progressive income tax, and a tariff and trade policy was outlined, to speed the building of industry.

The formation of a special Ministry of Education is promised, with provision for general education for all children, including immigrants and Arabs, Schooling will be free to everybody until an age to be fixed by law. Talented children will be enabled to continue their studies.

Labor legislation, declared Ben Gurion, should embrace the formation of an all-inclusive trade union organization, the enactment of social security and old age ?insurance, minimum wages and the education of Arab workers to the level of the Jews. ##s for civil service, the program calls for the appointment of officials on the basis of examinations.

DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT POLICY IS LIMITED TO 16 HOURS

Following the conclusion of Ben Gurion’s address, Finance Minister Eliezer Kaplan reported to the Knesseth on the details of the American loan, arrangements for which were made by him during his recent visit to the United States. He pointed out that the funds offered by the Export-Import Bank would be made available immediately after the Assembly ratified the loan agreement.

The pact, he said, was similar to other loans by the U.S. It provided that all equipment and machinery bought with the funds be purchased from the U.S. He declared that the first installment, which was granted specifically for agricultural development, would be used to establish 6,500 agricultural units for refugee immigrants and seven irrigation stations.

After Kaplan’s report, the Knesseth adjourned until late tonight when the general debate on the new government’s program will begin. Debate has been limited to 16 hours.