State Dept. Informs B’nai B’rith of Interest in Fate of Egyptian Jews

B’nai B’rith today reported it has been advised by William Mr. Rountree, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, that the U.S. Government is following the situation of the Jews in Egypt “closely” to determine in what “further and appropriate manner the United States Government may take action designed to be helpful.”

In a letter to Philip M. Klutznick, president of B’nai B’rith, Mr. Rountree said that “the American Embassy in Cairo has been instructed to inform the Government of Egypt of the deep concern of the United States Government over the reports which have been received.” Mr. Klutznick said that B’nai B’rith “welcomes the assurances of diplomatic action given by our State Department.” He also expressed his organization’s grateful approval for Secretary Dulles’ prompt attention to these serious circumstances.

Rep. Isidore Dollinger, New York Democrat, said today that U.S. concern about reports of Egyptian persecution and expulsion of Jews is “not enough. “He called upon President Eisenhower to express U.S. “indignation” to Egypt and to instruct the U.S. delegation to the United Nations to take appropriate action in the matter.

A stiffer United States policy in the Middle East has been “long overdue” and a “firmer tone with Egypt” months and years ago might have prevented the current Israel-Egyptian situation, Gov. George M. Leader of Pennsylvania, declared here at an All-Pennsylvania Emergency Conference on Israel sponsored by the Jewish National Fund.

The Belgium Government indicated its agreement in principle to the granting of temporary residence visas for Belgian Congo to Egyptian Jews who have parents in the Congo and who wish to join them there. As a general rule the Belgium Government is opposed to permanent settlement in the Belgium Congo, even for Belgium citizens.

Peru’s Prime Minister today expressed sympathy for the Jewish victims of Egypt’s president Nasser’s deportation orders and promised to intervene on their behalf. The promise to intervene was given to a delegation from Peru’s Jewish community who, protesting against Egypt’s persecution of Jews, sought the help of the Peruvian head of state.