An Israel Government policy declaration on the Eisenhower Doctrine, which was scheduled to kick off a Parliamentary debate, was postponed here today at the very last moment. The declaration will be made next week.
It is believed that difficulties among member parties of the coalition government was responsible for the delay. The leftist Mapam and Achdut Avodah groups still insist on voting against the government’s policy, despite their membership in the Cabinet, while other parties demand they respect the principle of “collective responsibility” of all coalition parties for any policy accepted by the majority. A compromise formula is expected to emerge during the week.
In a morning meeting before the Knesset met, the Mapam offered its version of a compromise: that Mapam members in the Cabinet abstain on a vote of confidence but that all other Mapam deputies be permitted to vote against the policy. The Mapai turned it down. It was after this meeting that Mr. Ben Gurion decided to delay his policy declaration.
Charges voiced in the Moscow press that Israel’s adherence to the principles of the Eisenhower Doctrine meant that the Jewish State had joined the “anti-Soviet military alliance” were rejected today by sources close to the Israel Government. These sources pointed out that in Israel’s statement announcing identification with the doctrine, it was stressed that Israel was determined to refrain from aggressive action and that Israel desired friendly relations with any like-minded nation.
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