Jewish Groups Express Regrets at Decision to Withhold Sale of Jets to Israel

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations expressed “disappointment” today with the U.S. Government’s decision to hold in abeyance Israel’s request for more jet warplanes. The group’s view was stated in a telegram to Secretary of State William P. Rogers who announced the Nixon Administration’s decision at a press conference in Washington earlier in the day. The telegram, signed by Jacob Stein, acting chairman of the Presidents Conference, stated that the aircraft requested by Israel were “urgently and critically needed for her defense and survival.” It said, “In our view, this interim decision will not serve American interests in the Middle East or advance the cause of peace and stability in that troubled area. We earnestly hope that the continuing review of Israel’s requests for jet aircraft will be made in light of the deepening Soviet commitment to the Arab states.”

The American Jewish Committee said it “regrets” the Nixon Administration’s decision to postpone action on Israel’s request for more jet aircraft, but AJ Committee president Philip E. Hoffman said in a statement released here that his organization was nevertheless “encouraged” by “much of what is contained in (Secretary of State) Rogers’ statement and by President Nixon’s words at his press conference Saturday.” Mr. Hoffman said, “We are particularly heartened by the clear and unequivocal reaffirmation of the U.S. commitment to Israel’s independence, security and economic viability.” He noted that commitment “is given concrete expression by Mr. Rogers’ announcement that the U.S. will provide substantial economic aid to Israel.” Mr. Hoffman added that Secretary Rogers’ announcement was re-assuring because it indicated that the U.S. will provide Israel with additional and replacement aircraft should the Mideast arms balance deteriorate.