Secretary of State William P. Rogers asserted anew today that the State Department was concerned about the fate of Iraqi Jewry. Nine Jews were among 14 alleged Israeli spies hanged last week in Baghdad and Basra.
Mr. Rogers said, “We shall do everything we possibly can to alleviate the plight of Jews and other minorities in the Middle East. As President Nixon has pledged, we shall direct the influence of this government in support of a reduction of tensions in the Middle East and the achievement of a lasting peace settlement.” These views were contained in a letter to Rabbi Leo Landman, president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia.
Foreign Minister Abba Eban told Israel’s Parliament today the only salvation for Jews in Arab countries was complete evacuation. “All the outcries and interventions have not helped the Iraqi Jews so far,” he said. The chamber will hold a full scale debate shortly on the plight of Jews in Iraq, Syria and Egypt.
The Mexico City Jewish Central Committee reported today that thousands of telegrams had been sent to the United Nations protesting the execution of the nine Iraqi Jews following a mass meeting Sunday.
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