State Dept. Considers U.S. Action on Negev Murders “premature”

The State Department today announced that the United States Government does not intend to take any action on the murder of the 11 Israelis in the Negev ambush last Wednesday until the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine renders a decision on the massacre. The State Department statement reads:

“The United States Government views this bus incident with deep regret and extends its sympathy to the families of the victims of this attack. Incidents such as these involving loss of innocent lives only contribute to increased fears and apprehensions in the area.

“The Department is keenly aware of the serious and regrettable nature of this tragedy and is following closely the investigation of the matter by appropriate United Nations authorities in the area. It would be premature, of course, for the Department to determine whether action is required until the United Nations truce supervision organization determines the facts and renders a decision in the case.”

Israel Ambassador Abba Eban has been granted an interview with Secretary of State John Foster Dulles for Thursday, it was made known today. An Israel embassy spokesman said Mr. Eban would discuss the Jordan-Israel armistice situation with special reference to the murder of 11 Israelis.

Arab diplomatic officials in Washington have been attempting to persuade the State Department that the Israelis themselves carried out the Negev murders for which they are blaming Jordan. Reflecting this propaganda line, the Jordan Radio, in a broadcast in English, today asserted that “in staging this incident and in attention, and once again succeed in bringing pressure to bear in the United Nations to force Jordan to accept the UN Secretary General’s call for talks with Israel.”