Senator Jacob K. Javits, New York Republican, proposed in a Senate speech today that “the United States should explore with other interested nations the possibility of a regional Mideast peace conference and what ought to be the agenda. location, and parties to it.” He termed the present big four power talks on the Mideast “sterile.” Sen. Javits, who has just returned from a trip to Israel, said: “Should the President feel that he must continue the four power talks, then the establishment of a forum for peace negotiations is a much more desirable goal than the present effort to write the terms of the peace.”
The Senator said the outcome of the big power talks could be further recourse to UN mediation with Ambassador Gunnar Jarring resuming his role. “But the history of this mission does not hold promise for bringing Israel and her Arab foes to the peace table even though a Rhodes-type negotiation is still the most practical way,” Javits said. He predicted that the present military assault against Israel would continue until the Arabs become convinced that Israel will be able to contain the Arab commandos as well as the regular forces. Javits stressed that the big powers should create a forum for settlement rather than advance specific formulations that might frustrate the chances for peace. He urged favorable action on Israel’s application for additional military equipment and more economic aid. He said he was encouraged by Nixon’s statement of January 25 to the National Emergency Conference on Peace in the Middle East.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
