Israel’s achievements in the field of nuclear science–particularly its distillation of heavy water and its extraction of uranium from low grade phosphate ores in the Negev–were outlined here today by Ambassador Abba Eban, head of the Israel delegation to the United Nations, at the UN conference which is being held here for the purpose of preparing a charter for the projected International Atomic Energy Agency.
Mr. Eban told the session that a number of proposals made by Israel last winter to broaden the functions of the proposed International Atomic Energy Agency and to apply the agency’s benefits to smaller and underdeveloped nations on a more democratic basis, have been adopted.
On the other hand, Mr. Eban pleaded for still further concessions to certain countries, especially countries like Israel which could contribute through their scientific and technological achievements. Specifically, Mr. Eban asked that the principle of geographical representation on the board of governors which will conduct the work of the agency should be modified in such a way as to make it possible for countries like Israel to ultimately become members of the board.
Mr. Eban made a veiled attack on Egypt’s blockade of the Suez Canal by expressing the hope that the agency’s work will ease the burden on countries that must transport oil and are now “exposed to interference or intimidation by countries which, through the accident of geography,” are in a position to obstruct shipments.
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