United States Ambassador Edward B. Lawson urgently interrupted a meeting of the Israel Cabinet today to hand Israel Premier David Ben Gurion a communication from Washington reportedly advising Israel to use restraint in reacting to the Gaza situation. A government spokesman later said that Mr. Ben Gurion gave Ambassador Lawson an on-the-spot reply.
At the Foreign Office, a spokesman denied reports that Ambassador Lawson’s note had contained a “warning” from Washington. However, the spokesman declined to specify the nature of Washington’s communication or its contents.
The Cabinet heard two reports from the Premier today: the first dealt with developments which necessitated Foreign Minister Golda Mer’s hurried flight to the United States; the second dealt with the meeting with Ambassador Lawson. There was only brief discussion after the Premier’s reports. The Cabinet will meet for a full discussion of the situation after the return of Mrs. Meir, which is expected later this week.
Meanwhile, a new attack in the vicinity of Nachal Oz, one of Israel’s settlements along the Gaza border, underlined the gravity of Gaza developments for Israel. A tractor was mined and severely damaged, although its occupants were unhurt.
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