Gov. Harriman Urges U.S. to Obtain Arab Acceptance of Israel’s Integrity

Governor Averell Harriman urged today that the United States “seize the opportunity” of a summit conference to obtain acceptance by the Arab states of the integrity of Israel; reach a solution of the Arab refugee problem; and propose an “imaginative development program” for the Middle East.

Speaking at the headquarters of the United Jewish Appeal at a luncheon meeting of 150 of its key volunteers, the Governor gave a broad outline of a Middle East development program involving the participation of Arab nations, Israel, the United States, Western Europe, and the Soviet Union.

During the past month, Governor Harriman has been serving as chairman of the UJA’s Person-to-Person campaign. At the luncheon, he turned over the responsibilities of leadership to Samuel D, Leidesdorf, New York UJA treasurer, who will lead the person-to-person effort throughout August.

Mr. Leidesdorf reported that, under the Governor’s leadership, more than $1,000,000 had been raised for the United Jewish Appeal. This sum brings to a total $25,000,000, the total realized by UJA in greater New York thus far in 1958.

The Governor declared: “The revolutionary developments taking place in the Middle East make it imperative that the great, humanitarian work of the UJA be carried forward with even greater vigor.” He pointed out that in the interests of their survival, it is imperative that the people of Israel “devote more of their energies and more of their resources to defense.”

This, Governor Harriman said, can only mean that they will be forced to “devote less to the welfare of the immigrants who have reached Israel and those who are still arriving daily in search of haven.” As a result of the increased emphasis on security among Israel’s people, the Governor declared “there is even a heavier responsibility upon UJA” to finance the reception, settlement and rehabilitation of the newcomers to Israel.