Squadron Praises Reagan Action

Howard Squadron, chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, praised President Reagan today for “Your timely call for a cease-fire” in Lebanon and for “understanding that the PLO must never be able to resume its terrorist attacks against Israel.”

Squadron expressed his appreciation in a letter to the President in which he said. “All Americans support your efforts to bring the battle to a halt and begin the vital task of rebuilding.” He added that “We are gratified, too, by your recognition of the opportunity that awaits to help forge a just and lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon, and by your understanding that the PLO must never be able to resume its terrorist attacks against the people of Israel. America’s strategic interest demands it. Peace in the Middle East requires it. In acting to help achieve this goal, you will win the gratitude of all Americans,” Squadron said.

Meanwhile, a four-member Presidents Conference delegation met Thursday with Vice President George Bush in Washington to discuss Israel’s position in Lebanon. According to Peter Teeley, Bush’s press secretary, the Jewish leaders “just wanted to express the depth of feeling in the Jewish community in support of Israeli actions in Lebanon.” The delegation was headed by Julius Berman, chairman-elect of the Presidents Conference. The others were Rabbi Alexander Schindler, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Jacob Stein, former advisor on Jewish affairs to President Reagan, and Yehuda Hellman, executive director of the Presidents Conference.

Teeley noted that Bush also met with the Ambassadors of Lebanon. Jordan, Bahrein and Kuwait and separately with Ahmed Talb Ihrahimi, the Foreign Minister of Algeria.