The Marshall Plan aid in its present form is not acceptable to Israel, Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett declared today at a meeting of 600 representatives of the Pioneer Youth Organization in the Jewish Agency building here.
The Foreign Minister reasserted Israel’s desire and determination to maintain the strictest neutrality between the East and the West. He added: “Israel would gladly accept help from any side offering such help as long as it is given under terms which are in accordance with Israel’s conscience. The Marshall Plan in its present form is not acceptable to us.”
Mr. Sharett emphasized that the main task for Israel in the present international situation is to be alert and prepared for any eventuality. He called for a revival of the pioneering spirit the country in order to help the absorption of hundreds of thousands of new arrivals into Israel’s economy. He called upon the old pioneers who built the country and brought it to statehood to mix with the newcomers and teach them how to live a Jewish life in Israel.
Eliahu Dobkin, member of the Jewish Agency executive, addressing the gathering, drew attention to the urgent need for reviving the pioneering spirit in countries outside of Israel whence the future reserves for Israel will be drawn.
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