Mizrachi Women’s Convention Asks U.S. Security Pact with Israel

An appeal to President Eisenhower to adopt a four-point formula for peace in the Middle East was telegraphed last night from the 30th annual national convention of the Mizrachi Women’s Organization of America which is taking place here. The convention is attended by 1,000 delegates representing 50,000 members from all parts of the country.

The proposed four-point formula asked Mr. Eisenhower to: 1. Speed arms to Israel for its “legitimate self-defense”

2. Enter into a security pact guaranteeing Israel’s frontiers against aggression;

3. Announce that the U.S. will sponsor in the United Nations an economic boycott of any aggressor in the Middle East;

4. Establish sizeable grants-in-aid for economic development for all countries of the Middle East, pending a formal commitment from the Arab States that they will negotiate for peace with Israel.

Addressing the convention, Congressman Emanuel Celler called for the immediate shipment of defensive arms to Israel. “Our diplomacy has woefully failed in the Middle East,” he said. “Containment has failed. Russia, for centuries excluded from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, now has a toe hold there. She will force her way in completely unless we reappraise and revise our policy. The United States must send defensive arms to Israel–anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns, sub chasers, heavy artillery and jets to equalize Egypt’s newly acquired strength.”

Reuven Dafni, Israel Consul in New York and director of Israel’s information services for the western hemisphere, told the convention: “Israel has never started a war and never will do so. However, as in the past, it will again defend itself whenever attacked and by whomever. Israel is willing and anxious to have peace with its neighbors and would be willing to meet with the Arab states either collectively or individually to discuss peace settlements any time and any place they wish.”