An Israeli resolution to extend International Red Cross recognition to the emblem of the Red Mogen Dovid was defeated here today at the Red Cross conference here which is redrafting the Geneva Convention for the protection of civilians in wartime. The vote was 22-21, with seven abstentions.
Red Cross president Dr. Paul Ruegger and the Swiss and Syrian delegates argued against recognition, while the French, Argentine and Israeli representatives favored the motion. The Israeli representative pointed to the precedent set in 1929 when the Red Cross extended recognition to the Moslem Red Crescent and the Iranian Lion and added that non-recognition of the Red Mogen Dovid left its institutions and personnel open to being fired upon by the armed forces of the nations surrounding the Jewish state.
The Israelis withdrew a request for a roll call vote on the issue, when the Australian representative charged that the request was made to apply pressure on those who voted negatively or abstained. The Israeli spokesman retorted that pressure was being exerted in this instance but not by Israel. It has been learned here that Britain has been lobbying against recognition of the Jewish emblem. It is considered possible that Israel will sign the new Convention with certain reservations.
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