State Department spokesman Robert McCloskey, at a press conference today reported that because of the gravity of the Arab-Israel situation, the estimated 13,500 American citizens in Israel, in addition to 4,250 in the Jerusalem area (Jordan and Israel) were being advised to leave. This pertained to persons whose presence in Israel is “non-essential.” Those anticipating travel to Israel were advised by the United States Government to cancel plans. The United States also urged the departure of 2.650 Americans from Egypt, 925 from Syria, 830 from Jordan. Persons planning travel to those countries or Israel were urged to avoid the region.
The crisis was debated on the floor of the Senate, highlighted by a statement by Senate Democratic leader Mike Mansfield that Egyptian President Nasser has issued “an open invitation” to war and that responsibility appeared to rest upon Egypt.
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