Tunney Says Support of Israel is in American ‘self Interest’

Sen. John Tunney (D., Cal.) declared here today that the United States is pledged to assure a free and secure Israel because American support for Israel is an American “self interest” commitment, “not a Jewish issue” Sen. Tunney addressed 800 delegates on the closing day of the 67th annual convention of Bnai Zion, a national Zionist fraternal order.

“American support for Israel is based on a straightforward policy of our self interest as well as Israel’s.” he said. “She (Israel) is the only democratic, western-oriented nation in the whole area as events in Lebanon have made all too obvious.” Tunney added that Syrian intervention in Lebanon was a matter of grave concern and posed a threat to Israel.

He said that Congress would monitor all new arms proposals to assure that they are consistent with stability in the Middle East and the security of Israel. The U.S. is committed to peace in the region, is not opposed to any country there but is pledged to assure a free and secure Israel, he said.

LISTS FOUR POSITIONS

In that connection, Tunney listed four positions he said the U.S. should support: Rule out any role for PLO chieftain Yassir Arafat “who is an outlaw” in dictating policy to the U.S.; ban pressure by U.S. oil suppliers and illegal boycott tactics against American firms and individuals engaged in commerce with Israel; resist Arab oil pressures to “sell out Israel.” and end energy dependence on foreign suppliers by establishing research programs for alternative energy sources.

Tunney also lashed out at the Soviet Union for not abiding by the Helsinki agreements it signed with respect to the civil rights. including emigration, of Jews and other citizens.

Rabbi William Borkowitz, of New York, was elected president of Bnai Zion, succeeding Abraham Multer. Paul Safro, of Lawrence. NY. was elected chairman of B’nai Zion’s national administrative committee.