The new Administration has decided on a “step-by-step” program to attempt gradually to resolve Israel-Arab differences with concentration on the Arab refugee problem envisioned as the first step. This was made known today by a high State Department source who sought to clarify American aims in the Israel-Arab area.
It was decided in the wake of Secretary of State John Foster Dallas’ return from the Near East that this government could do nothing dramatic “overnight” to bring Arab-Israel peace. In some ways, it was found, the situation has deteriorated rather than improved. Consequently, a formula of approaching individual problems one at a time has been decided upon.
An early development indicated was an approach to Arab leaders aimed at “breaking the back” of the Arab refugee problem. Also visualized are moves to absorb the Arab refugees through development schemes facilitated by the Mutual Security Aid program, to solve Arab-Israel border problems, to work out Israel compensation to Arabs for abandoned properties, consideration of the inter-nationalization of Jerusalem, and re-assurances to allay Arab fears.
The Department believes peace might be expedited as a result of the re-affirmation by the Administration of the three party non-aggression agreement of 1950. The need for economic aid for the Near East was stressed and military assistance was mentioned in this connection. Concern that Congress may reduce Mutual Security. Aid economic appropriations was indicated by top department officials who expressed fear not only for the Near East but for the entire economic program throughout the world.
STATE DEPT. ASKED CONGRESS FOR FUNDS FOR ISRAEL AND ARABS
It was revealed that the State Department has asked Congress for funds for Israel and the Arab states which represent about the same amounts previously advocated. The State Department made known that it felt it had reduced the aid program as much as was prudent. It indicated that further cuts might endanger world security and foreign policy objectives.
It has been noted by the architects of the present U. S. foreign policy that there has been very slow progress in the Israel-Arab area. They feel that the American people are getting a better education “in what both sides add up to.” It is held that no real program existed during the Democratic Administration to solve the Israel-Arab situation. On the other hand, it was stressed that the Republican Administration cannot take the position that what has happened in Palestine can be undone because the new Administration mentioned that it does not feel Israel should be undone.
Other objectives mentioned include an attempt which will be made to achieve Israel-Arab cooperation on development of water resources and the development of land for settlement. Indeed, a high source stressed aid for the Near East should not be reduced but increased. On some projects, it was pointed out, private enterprise “just can’t get started.”
One of the Administration’s worries was described as the intense emotions surrounding Israel-Arab problems. In some respects it is felt these emotions are getting worse.
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