U.S. Government Shares Israel’s Concern over Syrian Developments

The United States has informed Israel that it shares the Jewish State’s concern over Syrian developments, Moshe Leshem, spokesman of the Israel Foreign Ministry announced here. He reiterated that American authorities have promised to keep Israel informed of any policy decisions they reach.

The United States is expected to revise its current policy and announce that any further Soviet expansion in the Middle East or a Syrian attack on any of its neighbors would call for United States intervention, Dr. Giora Josephthal, secretary general of the Mapal Party, told a party conference at Tel Adashim today.

Dr. Josephthal pointed out that Israel had warned the U. S. at an early phase of Egypt’s rapprochement with the Soviet Union, but that Washington had responded with further appeasement of Col. Nasser. Syria may go the same road as Egypt, he continued, unless America makes a policy declaration which will replace the Eisenhower Doctrine which, Dr. Josephthal said, has proved ineffective. The leader of the Labor Party suggested that Israel ask the United States now for arms to protect herself in view of the newest arms imbalance in the Middle East.

Dr. Josephthal’s statement was seen here as a clue to Israel’s view of current developments. When Ambassador Abba Eban returns to his post in Washington he is expected to stress the same points. Meanwhile, at a meeting of the Jewish Agency executive last night, Mr. Eban outlined the political situation in the U.S. and at the United Nations with respect to Israel. After his report the members of the executive asked a number of questions about the political situation.