Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Members of Congress Criticize Ban on Jews in U.S. -saudi Arabian Pact

April 11, 1957
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Senator Jacob Javits (R., N. Y.) today called Saudi Arabian-U. S. agreement on the Dharhan Airbase, which bars American Jews from service at the field, “a grave retreat from the highest American traditions and principles.”

Mr. Javits said that the arrangement began under the Truman Administration. It has continued into the Eisenhower Administration and “remains intolerable,” he stated. “Every American has a right to expect the unremitting effort of our government to correct the affront to our national policy and dignity inherent in the discrimination in Saudi Arabia,” he declared.

Rep Emanuel Celler (D., N.Y.) similarly protested against the Administrations acquiescence to bar American Jews at the Saudi Arabian base. It is a “sad commentary” upon our foreign policy and in effect encourages religious discrimination against U.S. citizens, Rep. Celler said. “This discrimination apparently does not bother the President,” he commented.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement