State Department sources today expressed a view that “tough, militant talk” in Israel on the Suez Canal transit issue could undermine United Nations attempts to secure a compromise from President Nasser of the United Arab Republic.
These sources said the State Department was backing recommendations of UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold and was displeased by recent Israeli expressions. Such Israeli talk, it was said, stiffens Nasser’s position and makes it more difficult for the United States to support aims sought by Israel.
The State Department opinion was that Israel should rely on Mr. Hammarskjold’s efforts, meanwhile exercising a quiet diplomacy and patience. The same sources said that while the International Bank was mindful of the Suez transit issue, as stated by the Department in a July 7 statement to 25 Senators, the Department cannot expect the bank to indefinitely delay action on a loan to the UAR to improve the canal.
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