Rabin Says U.s.-israel Relations Now at Peak of Understanding Praises Nixon, Congress for Arms Aid

Israeli Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin acknowledged today that “Israel has been granted all the arms that it needs for its defense.” He praised Congress for helping Israel meet its defense requirements and President Nixon for transmuting “from words to deeds” his pledge to maintain the military balance of power in the Middle East. Rabin spoke at a luncheon honoring I.L. Kenen, executive vice chairman of the America-Israel Public Affairs Committee. It was attended by 300 AIPAC representatives and many members of Congress.

Rabin, a former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, said American-Israeli relations since the Six-Day War nearly five years ago have now reached “a peak of understanding,” and Israel’s military strength offers an “effective deterrent” against attempts by the Soviet Union and others to dominate the area. The envoy added that Israeli Premier Golda Meir’s planned visit to Communist Rumania was a “unique phenomenon” resulting from the unprecedented “courageous determination” of Soviet Jews to achieve equal rights. (See separate story P. 2)

SOVIET JEWRY A SUMMIT PARLEY ISSUE

Sen. Robert P. Griffin of Michigan, the second-ranking Republican in the upper chamber, asserted that Nixon “could and should include on the agenda (of his May visit to Moscow) the matter of oppression of Soviet Jews.” The minority whip, who is serving as acting minority leader while Sen. Hugh Scott (R. Pa.) is in China, added: “I recommend strongly that he (Nixon) take up this matter at the highest (Kremlin) level.” The issue, he continued, “must be a matter of bona fide concern to the American people.” and this is “a time for all people to say to the President: ‘Mazel tov.'”

Griffin endorsed the proposal made last month by Rep. Gerald R. Ford (R. Mich.), House minority leader, that the United States move its Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Such a move, Griffin said, would have “a dramatic impact” on nations sharing America’s concern for Israel’s security, and would be “symbolic of our affirmation that Israel will preserve all the rights of all people in a united Jerusalem.”

Rep. Thomas E. Morgan (D. Pa.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, endorsed the proposed legislation to help Israel and other countries absorb Soviet Jewish immigrants, asserting that “Congress is resolved to enter a partnership to this splendid undertaking.” House Speaker Carl Albert (D.Okla.) said he “associated” himself with Morgan’s statement and added: “I assure you and him to help lobby the Appropriations Committee at the appropriate time.” Israel, said Albert, is “a showcase for democracy where democracy is almost unknown.”