The concern of the Israel Government over the projected diversion of the waters of the Yarmuk River in Jordan with American aid was brought to the attention of the United States Government, it was learned here today.
It is understood that the Israelis are concerned that removal of the waters of the Jordan, which now empty directly into the Jordan River, may eventually result in salination of water currently used for drinking and irrigation purposes on Israeli farms. The United States is assisting Jordan with the project, which is designed to provide water for irrigation of farms on the east bank of the Jordan River.
It was also learned here today that Israel will ask the United States to increase its dollar allotments under the Information Media Guarantee program to enable the importation of large quantities of American publications.
In the past, Israelis have bought some $2,500,000 worth of American newspapers, periodicals and books but this year the State Department allotted only $500,000 for this purpose. Under the IMG program, American publishers are paid in dollars by the State Department which, in turn, accepts local currency.
The State Department has used its accumulation of Israeli pounds to promote goodwill toward the U.S. in Israel by allocating grants in pounds to an extensive network of Israeli educational and cultural organizations.
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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.
