Prime Minister Nehru, addressing the Parliament, touched on the Arab-Israel Issue in connection with the present developments in the Middle East and suggested no attempts should be made for the present to deal with this Issue, In a speech which was frankly pro-Arab, he declared:
“There Is one other aspect of the Arab-Israel problem which cannot be Ignored. This is the continuing element of danger in the relations between the Arab countries and Israel, Ever since Israel came into existence, it has been a source of constant Irritation to the Arab countries. The invasion by Israel of Egypt two years ago is fresh in our memory. Apart from this, there is the big problem of the refugees. The Arab countries have looked upon Israel as an outpost from which their” freedom might at any time be threatened. Israel, on the other hand, fears the Arab countries which surround it.
“There can be no real peace in this area till this difficult problem is settled In some satisfactory way,” he continued. “Naturally, any real settlement can only be with the goodwill of the countries of this area and by removing fear. There can be no settlement by war, which, if it occurs, might well become a major war.”
“I have referred to the dangers Inherent in this situation as between Arab countries and Israel and forces behind them. I should like to make it clear that I do not suggest that any attempt should or can be made to deal with this problem now. I am certain this question should not be raised at this stage. It will have to wait for some time.”
“Only when the other problems of West Asia have advanced towards a solution and present-day passions have cooled somewhat, can this difficult problem be tackled. It is not for me to suggest when this position may arise and how it should be tackled. This is for the countries concerned,” Mr. Nehru stated.
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.
