The Soviet bloc is speeding up its arms shipments to Egypt in an attempt to complete delivery by the end of this year, according to reports reaching here today.
It is understood that among the arms already in Egypt are MIG 15 jet fighters, tanks, artillery and small arms. It is believed that small coastal submarines are included in the order, although there is, as yet, no indication that they have been delivered.
The Washington bureau of Newsweek magazine reports that the Israel request for arms is receiving “serious attention” in the respective government offices and “may eventually be granted.” However, the report adds that “no definite move is expected until after the Christmas holiday,” The same report reveals that a proposal that the U.S. give Israel a security guarantee and at the same time announce adherence to the Baghdad Pact–which includes Britain, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan–is also under consideration, but is meeting with strong objections on the part of some Washington officials.
Interest in the Israel-Arab situation was expressed yesterday by Italian Ambassador Manlio Brosio who met with George V. Allen, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Ambassador Brosio, after a 35-minute talk with Mr. Allen, told reporters that Middle Eastern stability “is very important to us in Italy.” He said he came to the State Department for “a general review of the situation.”
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