President Lyndon B. Johnson today welcomed Israel’s Prime Minister Levi Eshkol with an unusually warm tribute to Israel’s achievements and expressions of support of Israel’s security and Middle East peace objectives.
The President said he was aware of the problems which Israel faces with the neighboring Arab countries and was also aware of the fact that Israel wants to live in peace with its neighbors. He stressed that he believes that the Arab-Israel problems could be peacefully resolved and that it is “imperative” to resolve them peacefully.
President Johnson lauded Israel’s progress, which he said is “greatly admired” by all Americans. He said that Israel met and mastered “monumental” economic problems, and has “shown all the world how to use science and technology to improve man’s life on the planet.”
Calling Israel “a symbol of courage and strength of her people,” the President said that the United States is proud of the aid given to Israel and is prepared to continue its contributions to technical advancement of Israel, particularly in the field of desalination of water in which Israel is so much interested.
Mr. Johnson expressed confidence that Prime Minister Eshkol’s visit to this country will result in increased understanding between the United States and Israel and will strengthen the “already cordial relations” between the two countries. He welcomed the opportunity to exchange views with Mr. Eshkol on common interests and common objectives.
The President noted that like the United States, Israel is interested in the building of a better world in which every nation can develop its resources in freedom and peace. He said that he is pleased to have Mr. Eshkol come to the United States and emphasized that this is “the first official visit by a Prime Minister of Israel” in this country, although other Israeli Prime Ministers had visited the United States informally several times in the past. “It gives me great pleasure to say ‘Shalom,'” he told Mr. Eshkol.
ESHKOL MOVED BY JOHNSON’S WARMTH; CONVEYS THANKS FOR U.S. AID
Prime Minister Eshkol seemed deeply moved by the warm words of President Johnson. Persons who witnessed similar receptions of foreign dignitaries all agreed that this was one of the warmest accorded by President Johnson. The welcome was conducted on the White House lawn, amidst martial music, saluting cannon, and formations of troops. The Prime Minister and his party were landed on the White House grounds in President Johnson’s private helicopter. Mrs. Lyndon Johnson, smiling graciously, presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Eshkol. Present at the ceremony were Israeli diplomats and many State Department officials of high rank.
Prime Minister Eshkol, expressing appreciation for the spirit in which he was welcomed by the President, said that Mr. Johnson’s friendship was “of deepest encouragement” to the people of Israel. “This moment will always remain with me,” he said. He emphasized that the aid and sympathy given to Israel by successive U.S. Governments, and by the people of the United States, “are engraved for all time on the tablets of our renewed nationhood.” He conveyed thanks to all Americans on behalf of the people of Israel.
JOHNSON AND ESHKOL MEET PRIVATELY; HOLD SECRET CONVERSATION
The President and Mr. Eshkol spent 20 minutes together alone in a top secret exchange. The entire meeting of the two leaders lasted one hour and 20 minutes. Participants later revealed that the President showed great understanding and sympathy for Israel’s problems. Premier Ehskol had an opportunity to explain the whole range of Israel’s views on international matters.
The President was reported to have displayed knowledge and insight into Israel’s problems and voiced admiration of Israel’s achievements. He appeared extremely pleased to meet Mr. Eshkol and discuss with him in a man-to-man manner, questions of crucial interest to the two countries.
A formal dinner was served tonight in honor of the Prime Minister and Mrs. Eshkol at the White House tendered by President and Mrs. Johnson. A luncheon honoring Mrs. Eshkol was served aboard the U.S.S. Sequoia today by Mrs. Dean Rusk. Acting Secretary of State George Ball gave a luncheon at the Department of State in honor of Prime Minister Eshkol.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.
