Although Israel is not among the nations invited to participate in the international conference on the Suez Canal which opens here on Thursday, Israel’s views on the issue will be known to the governments represented at the conference.
Israel diplomatic representatives, it was learned here today, will maintain constant touch with conference participants. They will outline the Israel Government stand on the Egyptian blockade against Israel shipping, which has been maintained since the establishment of the Jewish State. At the same time, they will insist that Israel’s interests should not be overlooked in any decision which the conference takes.
Israel Ambassador Eliahu Elath, who was due to proceed to Jerusalem for consultations, is remaining in London for the period of the conference. The Israel Government is also sending to London Dr. Emil Najar, head of the West European Department of Israel’s Foreign Office.
It was announced here today that all sessions of the London conference will be held in camera. The representatives of the 22 nations which accepted the invitation to attend the parley will meet at Lancaster House where simultaneous translation equipment is being installed. Although Egypt and Greece refused to attend the conference, seats will be reserved for them at the conference table. The conference will be presided over by British Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd who will, in his opening statement, set out the Western plans for international control of the Suez Canal.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
