Rep. Edward J. Hart, chairman of a House Merchant Marine subcommittee, voiced his approval yesterday of an application received from Israel requesting permission to transfer American-flag vessels to the Israel flag. Mr. Hart, in a letter to the U.S. Maritime Commission, recommended that the Jewish state’s bid be granted.

His letter said in part: “I believe that this application gives the United States Government an opportunity to show in a very practical way that we want to help people who are struggling to build their religious, economic and political freedom. The Commission is fortunate in that it has this opportunity to help these deserving people.”