Requests for U.S. Arms to Offset Equipment Egypt Receiving Not Yet Met

Israeli requests for American arms to counter-balance the new sophisticated military equipment including the MIG 23’s, which Egypt has received have not yet been met, it was reliably learned today by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Current delivery contracts are being scrupulously carried out, it was learned, but they expire in July. Israel’s air combat strength at the end of July will be maintained. There is no problem of production delays because the American Air Force, which is reducing its activity in Vietnam, can supply aircraft from its stocks. It was also learned that Israeli approaches recently at high level in Washington have been met with the statement that “there is no hurry.” There has been no mention whatsoever that the American reluctance is meant as a kind of pressure designed to induce Israel to make concessions. At a slightly lower level, some Israeli officials have recently been told by some American officials that “now that Anwar Sadat is in such trouble it is rather inconsiderate of Israel to face the United States with such requests.” When told by Israelis that an American refusal to negotiate new arms contracts now might be interpreted in Israel as an attempt to exert pressure on the government and might have the opposite effect, namely to strengthen the extremists who oppose any withdrawal, the American officials are reported to have answered, “even the moderates who have the upper hand now are not moving an inch; thus it would hardly make a difference if the extremists were to win out.”