British Cabinet Approves Bevin’s Palestine Policy; Charges on Arms Shipments Denied

The British Cabinet today approved Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin’s Palestine policy after a four-hour meeting; it was learned here in authoritative quarters. No change is therefore expected in the Foreign Office’s activities in the Middle East.

A Foreign Office spokesmen, commenting on Aubrey S. Eban’s letter yesterday to president of the U.N. Security Council Gen. A. McNaughton, denied categorically today that Britain sent to “any time any military supplies to any state in contravention of the embargo,” but added that contravention was carried out on a large-scale in favor of Israel by Czechoslovakia and other countries which he refused to name.

The spokesman said that reports of alleged naval movements and maneuvers in the Tripoli area were outside his competence. “If a threat to the peace exists,” he added, “it derives from the persistent violation of the truce by Israelis.” The Briton insisted that peace can best be served by enhancing the Security Council’s authority. Britain, he stated, in policy has refrained from supplying even those states with which it has treaty obligations and was guided by the belief that the denial of arms to the belligerents is the best means to maintain peace.

He said that it was regrettable that “others” supplied arms which made possible three Israeli offensives in defiance of the truce. The spokesman also denied any knowledge of an American request to Britain to refrain from further Movements to Aqaba, but voiced the opinion that these movements have now been completed. Asked about an Egyptian arms deal with Italy, he declared that Italy–not being a member of the United Nations–was not bound by the Security Council’s resolution.

The government will be asked for a statement on Palestine when Commons reassembles next week, it was learned here today. Despite the brewing storm, it is expected that Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin will stick to his position.