Nasser Retaliates Against Iran for Recognition of Israel; Breaks Ties

The Iranian ambassador to Cairo and his staff were expelled today from the United Arab Republic following an announcement last night by President Nasser that he is closing the UAR embassy in Iran in retaliation for Iran’s recognition of Israel.

Iraq joined other Arab Governments in assailing Iran for extending full recognition to Israel but said nothing about cutting off diplomatic ties. The official Baghdad Radio said last night that the recognition “shocked us and those who are keen to seek the promotion of good relations between us and Iran. “

Nasser said the Shah of Iran had “sold himself to his master’s imperialism and Zionism at a cheap price.” He added that “we are waiting for the day when the Iranian people will free themselves both from the Shah and the Zionist yoke.”

Nasser also said that because of the “ties of affection” which the UAR had with the people of Iran, the break in diplomatic relations was being made with “grief and reluctance” but “if anyone gives us a slap on the face, we give him two slaps back. ” He charged that the Shah had shown a “hostile attitude” toward Egypt, the UAR and Arab nationalism since 1953.

Iran’s recognition of Israel was reported by the Cairo daily Al Gumhurriya today to be also a major factor in the rejection by the U.A.R. of a British request to raise diplomatic relations between the two countries from charge d’affaires to full embassy level. The Cairo viewpoint is that “British policy toward the U.A.R. has not changed and Iran’s recognition of Israel was the result of this policy, ” the paper quoted a responsible source as saying.