Sen. Knowland Urges Separation Between Israel and Egypt; Cites Korea

Senate Republican Leader William Knowland of California has recommended a separation between Israel and Egypt like the demilitarized zone separating the Republic of Korea from Communist Northern Korea.

Speaking at Georgetown University last night, Sen. Knowland said Israel had an “ultimate responsibility” to return to the 1949 armistice lines but that he thought that until a permanent settlement is achieved United Nations forces should occupy the Akaba Coast and the Gaza Strip, and create a demilitarized zone separating Israel and Egyptian territory similar to the arrangement in Korea.

Sen. Knowland reiterated his desire that the United States vote against anti-Israel sanctions if they are proposed at the United Nations. He asked: “Is the United Nations to condone a doctrine of ‘might makes right’? Are the processes of the United Nations to be applicable to the free nations and not to the dictatorships? To the small and not to the large? To Israel because Gaza is not evacuated but not India or the USSR because Kashmir and Hungary are not evacuated?”

Sen. Edward J, Thye, Minnesota Republican, in a statement, said he would oppose any move to impose economic sanctions against Israel for its refusal to withdraw troops from the Gaza and Akaba strips until given guarantees against Egyptian raids and blockades. Israel’s request for safeguards against Egyptian belligerency has merit, he declared.

Democratic House Leader John W. McCormack D. Mass.) in opposing sanctions Israel, said that Israel is justified in keeping troops in the two critical areas until guarantees against Egyptian raids and blockades are achieved. He added that if the UN does approve sanctions, they should also be voted against Egypt and Russia.