Lodge Pledges Self, Nixon to Continued Friendship with Israel

Henry Cabot Lodge, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, was quoted today as stating that “the cause of Israel is very dear to my heart and to that of Vice President Nixon” and that, in the event of their election, they would continue a policy of friendship and cooperation with Israel. Mr. Lodge’s statement, made in Cleveland following a meeting with Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, was released here by the Republican National Committee.

“The United States has a close attachment to the State of Israel,” Mr. Lodge declared. “This is our policy and will continue to be so. We attach great importance to the independence and progress of the Israeli Government. Our attachment to this tiny land and its freedom-loving people is fully justified from every viewpoint.”

The Republican candidate said that “notwithstanding any disappointments, the record has been an impressive record of achievement. Our continued efforts to open the Suez Canal to Israeli shipping, our unceasing bonds of common effort here, in Israel and in the United Nations, the warm climate of friendship between our Government and our people and the Government of Israel and the people of Israel, the tremendous financial assistance which the State of Israel has received during these past seven and a half years–these are only a few examples of the spirit which exists between our countries.”

Mr. Lodge said he and Mr. Nixon were “honored to have had a part in the policies which have meant so much to Israel during these past seven and a half years” and declared “you can be sure that these evidences of friendship and cooperation will be continued by Mr. Nixon and by me in case we shall be choses as your national leaders.”