Secretary of State Denies Bargaining with Britain over Recognition of Israel

Acting Secretary of State Robert A. Lovett today denied reports from London that the British Government and the United States are bargaining over joint British-American policy for the Middle East with British recognition for Israel as the chief point at issue.

Asked if he could shed any light on the reports, which quoted British Government sources, Lovett said the best reply he could make would be to read a press agency dispatch quoting a British Embassy spokesman here today as describing the reports as “absolute nonsense.”

A reporter then told Secretary Lovett that there had been various other dispatches that had not been denied to the effect that the British and Americans are seeking a Joint Anglo-American policy for the Middle East, and asked him if his denial of the London reports covered all the other reports.

Secretary Lovett replied that it did not, that there had been a number of exchanges of views during several exploratory talks, and that the subject was a matter of considerable interest to both countries. Both governments want to see peace and stability in the Middle East, he said, adding that the most encouraging event recently has been the Israeli-Egyptian talks now under way at Rhodes. He emphasized that no negotiations are in progress looking toward the recognition by the United States of Transjordan.

Other State Department officials went into more particulars in denying that any quid pro quo arrangements had been entered into with the British whereby the United States would extend recognition to Transjordan in return for British recognition of Israel. At the same time, these officials said that United States recognition of Transjordan is being considered and will be granted eventually. They insisted, however, there was nothing new in the situation and that recognition is not imminent.