Sharett Wants U.S. to Help Defend Israel Against Arab Attacks

Premier Moshe Sharett called upon the United States and France today to endorse the statement of Sir Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, that the Tripartite Declaration of 1950 obligated the signatory powers to come to Israel’s aid if she were attacked by the Arab states.

Mr. Sharett made his statement in the Israel Parliament, during an exposition of Israel’s position on the world scene, Mr. Sharett’s remarks will be followed by a general debate in which all parties are expected to have something to say-about recent Middle East developments.

While crediting Sir Anthony for being the first responsible Minister of the three powers to attempt to clarify the situation as regards the Tripartite Declaration in a public statement not couched in ambiguous terms, the Israel Premier noted that there were still many questions in relation to the three-power declaration which must be answered – some of the questions raised by the very same statement of Sir Anthony’s.

Mr. Sharett underlined that the declaration’s language implies that the three powers will make their own determination of whether aggression has been committed and by whom, “just as they consider it to be within their own discretion to decide whether and in what manner they should act.” “We are still. up against some obscure points which call for elucidation and are faced with problems which can only be solved by a clear prior accord,” he stressed.

TERMS U.S. MIDDLE EAST POLICY A “PARADOX”; OBJECTS TO ARMING ARABS

At the same time, Mr. Sharett insisted that even if international guarantees of security were forthcoming in a form satisfactory to Israel, they could never serve as an effective substitute for the state’s own ability to defend itself Recent changes in the Middle East balance of power demand that Israel should buttress her security through her own efforts and resources, ” he said.”They also entitle her to expect military assistance and facilities for the acquisition of arms from states professing friendship and which are anxious to promote stability and peace in the region and the world, ” he added.

In reference to the American policy in the Middle East, Mr. Sharett said it was a “paradox.” He found it “unimaginable” that the United States should supply arms to Egypt’s ruling junta to strengthen regional stability and democracy. He also found it paradoxical that with one hand the U. S. should give Israel economic aid and with the other hand also give such assistance to Egypt–in effect endorsing the Egyptian blockade of the Suez–while Egypt, through the blockade, caused Israel economic losses.

In a detailed analysis of the situation pertaining to the Suez Canal, he warned that Israel would not consent to an interpretation of international law which opened the canal to all international shipping, except Israel traffic.