Leading Indian newspapers came out today with articles severely criticizing President Nasser of the United Arab Republic for his attacks on Iran, and suggesting that India should follow Iran’s example and recognize Israel.
The Express, one of the largest Indian dailies, said in an editorial that “on no grounds save that of appeasing Nasser, can New Delhi’s attitude to Israel be justified.” Other Indian-language newspapers take strongly the Iranian side against Nasser and laud Iran and Turkey for not permitting themselves to be involved in anti-Israel intrigues.
In advocating the recognition of Israel, the Express editorial asks: “If Democratic India can have diplomatic relations with Fascist Spain, what prevents according similar recognition to a democratic country such as Israel a member of the Afro-Asian world?” The paper praises smaller countries, such as Ghana and Ceylon, for extending de jure recognition to Israel, “undeterred by Cairo’s threat.”
Meanwhile, the Iranian charge d’affaires here today charged Cairo with creating a “breach between Iran and friendly Muslim countries” for the purpose of diverting the attention of the people of the UAR from internal problems. Addressing a press conference, M. Zelli specifically denied any Iranian decision to exchange diplomatic representatives with Israel. He said the recent U.A.R. verbal attacks on Iran were based on an “imaginary issue.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister said today, that Iran’s decision to continue her diplomatic ties with Israel will have “no influence” on Pakistan. “Pakistan’s position has been made abundantly clear and there will be no change” he said. Pakistan refuses to have any relations with Israel.
The continuation of this policy was evident in reports published in Pakistani papers today. According to the papers, the Pakistani Government has sent instructions to the Pakistan scout contingent attending the International Scout Jamboree in Teheran, to boycott the Jamboree and return home. The presence of Israel scouts at the Jamboree prompted Pakistan to take such action.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
