State Department spokesman Lincoln White today refused to comment on Egypt’s criticism of U. S. proposals to support Israel’s navigation rights in return for withdrawal from Egyptian territory.
Egyptian diplomats here said today that Egypt does not consider itself obligated by U. S. proposals to Israel and will resume the blockade of the Strait of Tiran as soon as Israel forces withdraw. They said Egypt would not allow “enemy” ships through its territorial waters.
The Saudi Arabian Ambassador called yesterday on William Rountrec, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. The Ambassador, Abdullah al-Khayal, asked for an explanation of the U. S. proposals to Israel. Diplomatic circles disclosed today that the Ambassador was told that the proposals were essentially a move to bring about Israel withdrawal. After Israel withdraws, it was said, the United States would take no step that would be in discord with Arab interests. The State Department today dispatched a special explanatory message to be delivered by U. S. diplomats at Madrid to King Saud.
American independent oil sources charged today that Secretary of State Dulles’ advancement of an idea that Israel troop withdrawal would bring about consideration by America of Elath as an alternative oil route was deceptive. These sources claimed that the State Department possesses the same information available to them, that every major Middle Eastern oil producing nation has already served notice to the United States that they will not permit a drop of their oil to be piped across Israel.
Senate Democratic Leader Lyndon Johnson of Texas had told Secretary Dulles he strongly opposes the use of sanctions against Israel, it was learned today. Sen. Johnson, who refrained from public statement on the Senate floor, wrote Mr. Dulles last Monday that the imposition of sanctions against Israel would be a “most unwise move.” He stressed that even if Israel refuses to withdraw from the Gaza and Akaba strips, sanctions should not be applied against the Jewish State.
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