Lawsuit Against Arab Information Center

The Department of Justice said it is pressing in a lawsuit to have the Arab Information Center in New York City identify its “true relationship” with the League of Arab States in advertisements that it has placed frequently in American publications and that it might place in the future. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court here last Thursday, charged the center and its director, Amin Hilmy II, with violating a federal registration requirement in connection with a propaganda campaign for the League of Arab States.

Robert Havel, director of public information for the Justice Department, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that Hilmy has not registered as a foreign agent as required by U.S. law and should register to continue his activities.

In addition, the suit charges the Arab Information Center failed to label as propaganda advertisements in various newspapers, including an advertisement in November, 1975, that sought to explain that the United Nations General Assembly resolution equating Zionism with racism was not an attack on Judaism but on Zionism, Havel said.

The suit also alleges, according to Havel, that the Arab Information Center had refused to produce certain correspondence that it is required to keep under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act, and it seeks to obtain that correspondence. Furthermore, the suit asks the court that the center produce the books and records of the Arab Information Center in Washington. Havel told the JTA that the next step is a response from the Arab Information Center and a court procedure for a hearing.