The Israel Cabinet today issued a proclamation declaring submarine soil outside of Israel’s territorial waters as state property. The proclamation went into immediate effect as one of Israel’s basic laws.
Explaining the proclamation, a Cabinet spokesman said that it is an international custom to proclaim submarine soil outside of territorial waters as state property whenever scientific research shows that this soil possesses some minerals. The spokesman revealed that international scientists, whom the Israel Government consulted, have found minerals in the submarine soil outside of the territorial waters of the Jewish state.
As a result of these findings, the spokesman added, the Israel Cabinet decided to follow the footsteps of 28 other states and to proclaim such grounds as state property. This was done in accordance with decisions of the judicial committee of the United Nations, he emphasized.
ISRAEL CABINET HEARS REPORT ON EGYPTIAN SITUATION
The present situation in Egypt, following the abdication of the king–and its possible effects on Israel–was analyzed here today at a Cabinet meeting by Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett.
Spokesmen of the Foreign Office as well as of the Cabinet refused to disclose the nature of Mr. Sharett’s report. A Cabinet official also refused to elaborate on the announcement that the Cabinet at its session today took up the question of the situation in the Jerusalem municipality. His only comment was that the Cabinet will soon make a decision with regard to the “unhealthy state of affairs” in the municipality.
It was learned here today that Mayor S. Z. Shragai of Jerusalem is not being permitted by physicians to return to work because the present situation in the municipal council badly affects his health. Municipal affairs are now being conducted by Acting Mayor Eliahu Eliashar.
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