See State Department ‘inspiration’ in Press Criticism of Israel on Parade

Leading American newspapers voiced sharp criticism today of Israel’s announced intention to proceed with its Independence Day parade in Jerusalem on Thursday despite a unanimous request from the United Nations Security Council not to do so. Informed sources here said that top-ranking State Department officials may have inspired the criticism of Israel on this issue. They noted that Secretary of State Dean Rusk accepted the view of his Department’s Near East Division that Israel was undermining King Hussein of Jordan by staging the parade in Jerusalem.

(King Hussein arrived unexpectedly in London today on a visit of both private and official nature, it was stated.)

Washington’s two leading dailies. The Post and the Evening Star, both severely rebuked Israel for its “provocative” action in holding the parade in Jerusalem. The New York Times said the parade could “destroy the Jarring mission” and result in “a new explosion of costly and perhaps fatal conflict with the Arab states.”