Prof Denounces Jewish ‘lobby’

An article in the February issue of Readers Digest alleging that Congress was "wrecking" the Administration’s foreign policy, in some instances due to the influence of "a powerful lobby, that of Jewish Americans," was inserted into the Congressional Record today by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Robert P. Griffin (R.Mich.). In presenting it to Congress, Griffin observed that it was "interesting and provocative" and "ought to be read by every Senator and Congressman."

The article, by Prof. William E. Griffith, claimed that "of all the examples of unwise interference by Congress in foreign policy, the most dangerous is the unconditional support that Congress has habitually insisted we give to the policies of Israel. In so doing, it has disregarded not only the legitimate interests of the Arabs, but America’s own interests as well." Griffith was identified to the JTA by Readers Digest as a political science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of diplomatic history at the Fletcher School of Law and of Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Griffith cited as an example of alleged Congressional "bias" toward Israel the opposition of the sale of a "Hawk" anti-aircraft missile system to Jordan last year. He charged that Sen. Clifford P. Case (R.NJ) and Rep. Jonathan Bingham (D.NY) "mustered enough opposition to the sale so that the Administration had to postpone consideration of the proposal." He noted that "a compromise of sorts" had since been reached "on their deployment and use imposed at the demand of pro-Israeli Congressional forces."

Griffith asserted that the U.S. "must make clear by deeds as well as words, our commitment to her (Israel’s) survival and our moral and political outrage at such Arab maneuvers as the recent UN General Assembly vote that equated Zionism with racism" because "if we don’t the radical Arab dreams of destroying Israel will surely revive."

On the other hand, Griffith warned that "Unless Congress abandons its favoritism toward Israel and supported the Administration in an evenhanded attempt to work out a permanent peace settlement in the Middle East, another war, and another disastrous oil boycott, seem virtually certain to follow."

The writer also cited the linkage of the 1974 Trade Reform Act to Soviet emigration policies. "A powerful lobby, that of Jewish Americans, asserted itself" and "over Administration protests." Sen. Henry M. Jackson (D.Wash.) and Rep. Charles A. Vanik (D.Ohio), "got the law amended so that the Soviet Union would receive such benefits (most favored nation treatment and U.S. government credits) only if it permitted more Soviet Jews to emigrate to Israel and Western countries," Griffith wrote. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment does not refer to Jews but to all Soviet citizens who may with to emigrate. (By Joseph Polakoff)