Acting Secretary of State Walter Bedell smith, in a letter to Congressmen, has rejected Congressional protests against State Department plans to arm Arab states, it was learned today.
Members of Congress, including Senator and Representatives holding membership in both political parties, had previously met with Secretary Smith and other State Department official parties to urge against the sending of free American munitions to the Arabs. The Congressmen expressed the view that such arms would serve to undermine rather than promote regional peace and security.
Secretary Smith’s letter said the Department would seek to use such opportunities that may present themselves to arm Arab league states. The purpose of such arming, he indicated, would be to bring about what the State Department considers the promotion of regional security and the strengthening of the area against Communism.
The State Department today also announced that formal diplomatic recognition has been granted to the new Syrian Government headed by President Hashim Atassi.
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