A spokesman for the British Zionist Federation said today that it was satisfied with the security precautions being taken during the two cruises to Israel by the liner Queen Elizabeth 2. The Federation is one of several Zionist groups sponsoring the cruises.
The 65,863-ton Cunarder sails from Southampton Sunday on a Passover cruise during which she will serve as hotel for her passengers at Haifa and Ashdod. She will make a similar Independence Day cruise between April 29-May 13. The Federation spokesman said about 1700 passengers were booked for each cruise.
He told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that security measures included inspections by Royal Navy frogmen of the ship’s underwater hull before she sails, and the stationing of armed guards and bomb disposal experts on board during the voyages. He said once the ship reaches Israel, Israeli authorities will take over security responsibility. He said the sponsors of the cruises and the Cunard Line are confident of Israel’s ability to handle the operation.
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