A resolution calling on the Administration to consider the establishment of alternate supple mentary routes to the Suez Canal was offered this weekend by Senator Jacob K. Javits, New York Republican, on behalf of himself and five co-sponsoring Senators. One of four alternate means, Sen. Javits pointed out to lessen dependence on the Suez Canal, was a plan to build a pipeline through Israel.
Israel has reportedly informed U.S. officials that any agreement on Suez not in accord with UN resolutions assuring Israel’s navigation rights through the canal would have no moral or legal binding for the Israelis.
Furthermore, a Suez settlement merely reaffirming the 1888 Constantinople Convention or the six UN principles without specifically mentioning the rights of Israel ships to use the canal would be considered meaningless in the Israeli view. In the light of Egyptian President Nasser’s past defiance of international agreements, Israel places more emphasis on Egyptian deeds than words.
This position was said to have been made clear when Israel Ambassador Abba Eban recently talked with Under Secretary of State Christian Herter. Ambassador Eban was reported to have emphasized to Mr. Herter that whatever the Suez decision, Israel does not intend to let pass by default her right to free passage through the Suez Canal. American officials have been altered to the principle, if not the time, that Israel will send a test case through the Suez Canal, according to Israeli circles.
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