The Cabinet today discussed the Soviet note in which the Israel Government was warned that adherence by the Jewish State to the proposed Middle East Command now being organized by the Western powers would be considered by Moscow a hostile act against the Soviet Union.
From London it was reported that it is understood there that Iraq and Lebanon have agreed to join the Middle East Command, although the Arab countries are among the lands which were warned by Moscow against joining any such defense arrangement.
From Paris it was reported that Israel Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett and British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden had their second meeting within 24 hours this week-end in Paris. Eliahu Elath, Israel’s Minister to Britain, flew from London to Paris to be present at the second meeting. Earlier, Mr. Sharett met with U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson.
(It was reported in London today that Mr. Sharett told Secretary Eden that Israel cannot commit itself exclusively to the West. The report said that Israel will remain outside of the Middle East defense pact, but will receive economic and military aid in anticipation that she will join the Western powers should war break out. The report added that Secretary Eden had acknowledged his full appreciation of Israel’s situation.)
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