Perils of Israel’s Vulnerability Grow, Eban Says in Washington

Abba Eban, Israeli Minister of Education and Culture, today told a dinner meeting, sponsored by the Israeli Bond Organization, that “as the Middle East enters the missile age, the perils of our vulnerability become greater.”

The meeting was organized by a welcoming committee, consisting of Senators, members of the House, labor leaders and other public figures. It was Mr. Eban’s first public appearance in Washington since he terminated a decade as Ambassador here in 1959. Explaining Israel’s increased vulnerability, Mr. Eban said:

“Geography and population factors make it increasingly more difficult for us to maintain the deterrent on which our survival and our region’s peace depend. Events in Yemen prove that there are still expansionist forces at work in the Middle East, seeking to transcend national frontiers in a bid for regional domination.”

He pointed out that with Algeria free, the independent Arab area is as big as the United States, while Israel is smaller than Denmark. “Yet the vast continent still begrudges the freedom and integrity of the small, beleaguered outpost, “he said. “The Arab mind seems to be gripped by a kind of historic determinism, telling it that if all other objectives of Arab nationalism have been achieved, the aim of destroying Israel might also be accomplished.”

But, added Mr. Eban, “this dangerous frame of mind would change swiftly if the voice of the international community were raised strongly in favor of a peaceful settlement.” Stressing that Israel’s stability was strongly affected by her international friendships, he said “I still hold the American friendship to be the central pillar in the edifice of our international friendships.”

The foundations of American-Israel relations “are laid true and deep” and will not collapse “before any passing wind of controversy or diverse judgment.” He declared however, that the American-Israel relationship still faces its main challenge as a force of pacification and stabilization in our region.”

Mr. Eban today met with Secretary Anthony Celebrezze of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. He also held a discussion with Philips Talbot, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Before leaving New York, Mr. Eban met with Ambassador Adlai Stevenson, chief of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations, for a long conversation. The meeting described as “personal and private” was devoted to a general exchange of views on world problems.