State Deparment’s Views on Arab “goodwill” Evoke Skepticism

Diplomatic circles today indicated skepticism of State Department intimations that the Arab states now entertain “goodwill” toward Israel and sincerely desire a fair peace settlement. Suspicion exists that the “solution” presently envisaged by the State Department might involve territorial or other sacrifices by Israel although it is not believed that the United States completely subscribes to a return to the 1947 partition plan as advocated by Prime Minister Anthony Eden.

This view was expressed after a statement made today by State Department spokesman Lincoln White who said he believed goodwill existed on both sides in the Arab-Israel dispute. The United States, he declared, was confident that with goodwill on both sides the solution to the problem could be found and “our main objective of achieving peace in the area can be accomplished.” Asked if the United States Government had told this to the Arab states and Israel, Mr. White said he could not go into “specifics.”

One well-informed source expressed fear lest the State Department’s belief in peaceful Arab intentions delay early action by the Department on the Israel arms purchase application. If the Arabs are showing signs of peace, the State Department might reason, it would be foolish to ship arms and thus encourage an “arms race.” Suspicion exists that the current Arab “peace” line is aimed at creating a “smokescreen” to delay arms sales by the United States to Israel and to create the impression that it is the Arabs who want peace. Meanwhile, Arab war preparations continue, it was pointed out.

Arab propaganda is being focused on depicting the Arab states as willing to accept the Eden formula involving territorial sacrifice by Israel. Israel Foreign Minister Moshe Sharett declared here last night that a “war of nerves” is being launched against Israel as a result of British Premier Eden’s “compromise” proposal and Arab support of it.

“I have read today in the American press a dispatch from Cairo which, drawing its inspiration from British sources, conjures up most alluring prospects of an early peace in the Middle East,” he said. “Israel will not fall into this trap laid in the name of peace. Israel will not submit to amputation.” “Barren or not, that desert triangle (in the Negev) has as its apex a most valuable asset for Israel which we would never dream of giving up. “It is the port of Elath, our gateway to the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, the sea of the Far East. Is it conceivable that any country in the world would willingly give up its access to a sea?”