Sen. Montoya Calls Upon Pres. Nixon to Approve Immediate Sale of Aircraft to Israel

U.S. Senator Joseph M. Montoya called upon President Nixon last night to approve immediate sale of modern military aircraft to Israel, “in as large a quantity as is necessary for her to defend herself.” Addressing a bonds for Israel dinner, here, the New Mexico Democrat termed recent statements by Secretary of State William P. Rogers as “catering to dictators such as Nasser and his ilk.” He condemned the French government for its ongoing policy of fostering greater tension in the Middle East through aggressive arms sales to Arab states. “Every Israeli who dies from French steel will lie on France’s national conscience for a long time to come. I denounce such callous trading in human lives,” he declared. Sen. Montoya praised Israel as a staunch friend of the U.S., and declared that “I see no reason why the U.S. must stoop to where she seeks passing favor of Arab dictators who obey Moscow’s dictates.”