Peretz Bernstein, Minister of Commerce and Industry, charged here today that the United States was demanding too many concessions from Israel as the price of a mutual defense pact, Speaking before the General Zionist national council, he said that the main United States demands are: a return of the Arab refugees, changes in the borders of Israel and reparations for Arab refugees without any assurance that reparations for Jewish property left in Arab countries would be paid.
Such demands, the Cabinet member asserted, cannot even come into consideration. Evening newspapers here reported that Prime Minister Moshe Sharett might comment on Mr. Bernstein’s revelations, in view of the fact that they were made without his consent.
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.