Dr. Abel Wolman, chairman of an American board of consultants on irrigation development in Israel, told a press conference today that work on Bnot Yaacov project in developing the Jordan River waters was not in conflict with later implementation of the Johnston water development plan proposed by the United States. He said that if for political reasons joint Arab-Israel development agreement cannot be achieved, each country should go ahead on its own to work toward the Johnston plan concept.
The board of consultants, having reviewed the master plan prepared by J.S. Cotton, noted U.S. water engineer, reached the conclusion that: “The proposed Jordan River development, based on the Gesher Bnot Yaacov diversion is not in conflict with our understanding of the regional plan and the allocations of water generally known as the Eric Johnston plan. The board has assured itself that the plan it has considered conflicts in no way with the legitimate development of water resources of the neighboring states in the basin.
“Should the proposed Jordan River diversion scheme be constructed by Israel prior to a regional agreement, the board sees no difficulty in incorporating that system in its entirety within the framework of and without detriment to the regional plan, if adopted at a later date,” the American experts said in their recommendations. “No justification has been found for allowing the waters in question to flow wastefully into the sea. Each of the countries would benefit from putting into force the proposals of Ambassador Johnston.”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
