Jerusalem sources greeted with warm satisfaction today the statement made yesterday in Washington by John Scali, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, that Washington opposes any change in Resolution 242 and that he would take “whatever action may be necessary” to prevent such change.
The sources here said Israel had been urging the U.S. for some time to take a firm stand before the Security Council session against changes in Resolution 242 in order to deter Arabs from seeking any such changes. This public statement by Scall was just the commitment Israel desired the sources said. It was clear front Scali’s statement that the U.S. would not allow any serious anti-Israel resolution to be voted by the Council.
The sources added that the U.S. position is not yet quite so firm regarding the possible suggestion of an advisory committee of Security Council members which France or Britain or the Arabs may urge to be set up to help peace efforts in the Mideast. Israel is opposed to this, believing that no new mechanisms are needed, but rather new readiness to talk. Washington also opposes the idea–but it is not clear whether it would use its veto against its adoption. Contacts on this are proceeding between U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Joseph J. Sisco and Israeli Ambassador Yitzhak Dinitz.
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