The United States is balking at a strongly-worded resolution on the Suez Canal dispute drafted by the British for submission to the U.N. Security Council and approved by the French, it was learned today. It is understood that the Americans would like to see the British draft watered down in an apparent continuation of Washington’s policy of avoiding actions not acceptable to the Arab world.
The British draft resolution which has now been circulated to members of the Security Council for consideration is understood to call flatly for cessation of Egypt’s blockade of Israel-bound vessels through the Suez Canal. The draft reviews the background of the case, calls attention to the legal commitments involved and then calls upon Egypt to end its ban.
The United States reportedly considers this draft resolution “too strong,” although the French have given it their approval. American delegation sources confirmed today that the draft had been transmitted to the State Department and that “a lot of deep thinking about it” was going on in Washington.
The divergence of opinion between the British and the United States over the terms of the resolution, it was clear today, was the major cause for the delay of the Security Council in meeting to consider the complaint made to the Council by Israel. Informed sources here forecast today that the Americans would succeed in softening the draft before it is finally considered by the Council.
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