A delegation of Republican Senators has made a personal appeal to Secretary of State Christian Herter to restore Israel to the list of nations to receive direct grant aid in the fiscal year 1960, it was disclosed today. Senate sources said that the Senators decided to call on Secretary Herter because they saw the elimination of Israel from the grant program as unjustified and dangerous to Israel’s economy. The Senators were described as holding the view that Israel cannot depend entirely on loans and surplus food sales but must be retained among the nations listed for direct United States aid.
Members of the delegation included Senators Thomas H. Kuchel, California: Jacob K. Javits and Kenneth Keating, New York and Hugh Scott, Pennsylvania. A Senate source said Secretary Herter did not make a commitment to restore Israel to the direct assistance program although an impression was gained that he would give the matter further study and consideration.
REPRESENTATIVE PLEDGES FIGHT TO RESTORE GRANT
Rep. Robert N. Giaimo. Connecticut Democrat, said today he was “outraged” that the State Department was depriving Israel of special assistance in its program for the new fiscal year. The Congressman said Israel was among America’s best friends and should be helped “along with other nations worthy of our support.” He said he would join with other Congressmen “to exert all the power we have in an effort to get monies for Israel reinstated into the mutual aid program. “
It was learned meanwhile that public opinion has been expressed on the Israel grant issue to the State Department. A considerable number of communications on the subject has been received by the Department, A many from non-Jewish sources, holding that Israel is not receiving fair treatment in the new aid program suggested by the State Department.
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