U.S. Middle East Policy Criticized in Congress; Arms for Israel Urged

House Majority Leader John W. McCormack today criticized on the House floor, the United States policy in the Middle East as “bringing about the very result which we are seeking to avoid.” He said the Middle East is being turned over to the Communist sphere of influence. “We can win the respect of the Kremlin-Cairo axis only if we show our resolve to prevent Israel’s destruction, and we can show that determination by giving Israel the necessary arms to defend herself,” he stated.

Citing the discrimination which Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have practiced against American Jews, Rep. McCormack asked: “How can this country expect to win the respect of the Arab states when we submit to such degrading demands?” He called for a policy of rejecting Arab discriminatory practices against Americans of all faiths.

Rep. John D. Dingell also criticized the Administration for a policy of “muddle and delay” and one that endangers the peace of the Middle East. He said the Congress may expect the White House to ask for ratification of a “muddled Administration policy.” He called for the U. S. to sell Israel arms at the earliest possible date to head off the war that, he said, is impending in the Middle East.

Rep. Emanuel Celler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, charged on the House floor that President Eisenhower’s attitude and Secretary of state Dulles “pontifical preaching” blocked U. S. arms sales to Israel.

Sen. Herbert H. Lehman, in a statement to the press, urged that the U. S. announce it will ship “defense” arms, including fighter planes” to Israel immediately. He criticized the Eisenhower Administration for what he said was its failure to act in the Middle East situation.

Twenty four Republican and Democratic Congressmen today joined to congratulate the people of Israel on the eighth anniversary of independence. They spoke on the floor of the House.