Kissinger Indicates Egypt Not Committed to Allow Israeli Ships in Canal

Secretary of State Henry Kissinger came under pressure from the House Foreign Affairs Committee today in public session on the issues of Soviet and Israeli shipping through the Suez Canal and suggested detailed discussion of U.S. relations with Egypt take place behind closed doors.

Kissinger appeared before the committee to support the Administration’s request for $4.2 billion in foreign assistance for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Later, he said that including other military aid and funding for international lending institutions, the assistance program will run to $8 billion. Of the $4.2 billion sum, Israel is to receive a grant in economic aid of $50 million and a loan of $300 million for military purchases. Seven Arab countries are to get $430 millions, more than three-fourths of it in grants, including $250 million in economic aid for Egypt and $100 million earmarked for Syria.

“We have a vital stake in a lasting Middle East settlement,” Kissinger told the committee. “We are asking Congress for the resources which will enhance our ability to play a constructive role in this process.”

Under questioning from committee chairman Thomas E. Morgan, (D., Pa.) whether U.S. aid to Egypt in reopening the Suez is conditioned on its being open to all shipping, Kissinger indicated that Egypt is not committed to permit Israeli ships to transit the canal which will soon be reopened with U.S. aid of $28 million. The matter of Israeli shipping, Kissinger said, “is part of the disengagement understanding” between Egypt and Israel, but he asked to leave details to the executive session which has been scheduled to follow the public hearing.

WARNS AGAINST RESTRICTIONS

Seeking to avoid language in the aid bill which would put such a commitment on Egypt, Kissinger pleaded that “the whole evolution of Arab countries in a moderate direction could be jeopardized if too many restrictive amendments” are added to the aid legislation.

The committee members praised Kissinger for his diplomatic achievements in the Middle East “These countries have a strong sense of independence.” he warned. Kissinger also indicated that the present outlay asked for Egypt is preliminary. The United States figure for this year, he said, is “an essential contribution to get the process started” for the change in the Arab countries’ position from “sharp confrontation” to the United States. “Next year we will be able to ask for a more comprehensive program,” he said.

Rep. Wayne Hays (D., Ohio) declared that the U.S. payment of 30 percent of the costs to reopen the Suez Canal “to let the Russian fleet” into the Indian Ocean “does not appeal to the American people.” Kissinger responded that the economic benefits to be derived from the Suez opening “far outweigh the admitted strategic problem” which he said does “not seem very decisive.” American ships, he said, can follow Russian ships through the canal and into the Indian Ocean.

Kissinger categorically denied making any financial commitments “formal or informal” to Syria or Egypt in negotiating the disengagement accords. The $250 million for Egypt, he said, was an expression in general terms of the U.S. interest since Congress had to give its approval. The $100 million in the bill for “special requirements,” he said, was for Syria’s “economic reconstruction,” particularly in the area to be evacuated by Israel. But, he said, this money was not committed. “The United States might consider the request” from Syria for reconstruction after “a stable situation” has been achieved, he said.

Responding to questions from Rep. Benjamin Rosenthal, (D., N.Y.) about the U.S. dealing with non-democratic elements, Kissinger said it was a matter of U.S. interest and security in the Middle East. “Regretfully, at times, we must work through non-democratic regimes,” Kissinger said. Rosenthal apparently was referring to dictatorial regimes and the Palestine groups.