Lull on American-israel Security Talks Puzzles Washington

Speculation here over why nothing substantial has emerged after nine months of Israel-American security talks is that the United States either remains unconvinced of the gravity of Israel’s isolation or feels that the primary and paramount objective of American diplomacy is to win the Arabs.

One thought is that the State Department may attach first priority to wooing the Arabs, feeling that Israel might later be given security consideration. The process of discussion continues, however, and Israel circles have not abandoned hope of eventually making their point.

Israel diplomats and Ambassador Eric Johnston are continuing efforts to find an equitable acceptable regional irrigation plan for the Near East. Some progress has been made on the two main issues allocation and supervision of water in order to win Arab cooperation the Johnston mission urged that he Arabs be given more than their rightful share. The gap between the two sides has now been narrowed down, Mr. Johnston said after reporting to President Eisenhower recently that the plan was at the “two yard line.” Some sources now place if at the “one and one-half yard line.”

While it would be premature to say that all hurdles has been passed. the water supervision problems is thought to be moving nearer solution. Emphasis is being placed on achieving technical means of supervising distribution of water to eliminate political problems as far as possible.

Israel circles in touch with recent developments in Israel report a growing confidence there in economic developments but increasing uneasiness over the security problem and international relations, Security worries has resulted from Israel’s sense of isolation in the face of the growing pattern of western defense arrangements with the Arabs. While Israelis appreciate American economic aid, they are reportedly bewildered their exclusion from Western security arrangements in the Near East.