The radio facilities and press of the United Arab Republic, even before public announcement was made of the United States decision to sell missiles to Israel, launched vitriolic personal attacks on President Kennedy. President Nasser was informed in advance of the decision.
The Cairo radio, “Voice of the Arab Nation,” said: “President Nasser put President Kennedy’s letter in front of him and perhaps smiled at Kennedy’s stupidity and the stupidity of the agents of this Kennedy.”
Chairman William E. Miller of the Republican National Committee today issued a statement supporting the sale of Hawk missiles to Israel, but urging the Administration to fulfill pledges to take the initiative for direct Arab-Israel peace talks.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.