Soviet Government Threatens Israel with Severing Diplomatic Relations

The Soviet Union warned Israel today that it may sever diplomatic relations unless Israel immediately ceases military action, it was reported here from Moscow. The Russian warning was contained in a note delivered in Moscow to the Israeli Embassy.

The note said that Israeli “aggression” continued and that if it was not halted “the Soviet Union will revise its attitude to Israel and take a decision concerning the further maintenance of diplomatic relations with Israel.” The note claimed that “reports are coming in from different sources that the resolution of the U.N. Security Council on an immediate cease fire and discontinuance of all hostilities is not being carried out by the Israeli side.”

“Israel is grossly and demonstrably trampling this decision under foot and is continuing the war against the Arab states,” the note stated. “This stand of the Israeli Government is extra proof of the aggressive essence of your policy which disregards elementary norms of international relations, openly shows disrespect to the principles and purposes of the U.N. charter. The Soviet Government had clearly warned the Government of Israel against the promotion of a policy of aggression and ventures. But the Israeli leaders did not heed this appeal to the voice of reason.

“If the Israel Government now does not immediately fulfill the common demand of the states for an immediate ending of firing, which is expressed in the Security Council’s resolution, the Soviet Union will revise its attitude in respect of Israel and adopt a decision concerning the further maintenance of diplomatic relations with Israel which by its actions is opposing itself to all peace-loving states,” the note warned. “It goes without saying that the Soviet Government will consider and implement other necessary measures stemming from Israel’s aggressive policy.”