The U.S. Department of State today officially condemned the action by the Israel Government involving designation of land in the Mt. Scopus and Sheikh Jarrah area of Jerusalem for a new housing development. State Department spokesman Robert McCloskey stated: “We have repeatedly made it clear that we do not recognize any unilateral actions affecting the status of Jerusalem.”
The spokesman said: “This remains our policy. Furthermore, we believe the status of Jerusalem must necessarily be considered in the context of a settlement of ail problems arising out of the recent conflict.”
State Department sources said later that this prepared statement had been cleared with the White House, and fully reflected the thinking of President Johnson. The statement was termed a reiteration of previous expressions by the State Department on the incorporation of the Old City as part of Jerusalem.
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