Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-11-01

e follows:
Poland on this matter. We have
also publicly declared that we
do not demand Of these govern
ments their adoption Of any par
ticular form Of society as a con-
|dition upon our economic assist
|ance. Our one concern is that
they be free-for their sake,
and for freedoms sake.
We have also-with respect to
the Soviet Union-sought clearly
to remove any false fears that
we would look upon new govern
Iments in these Western Euro
pean countries as potential mill
tary allies. We have no such
Interior purpose. We see these
peoples as friends, and we wish
simply that they be friends who
are free.
Middle East Situation Somber
/ now turn to that other part
of the world where, at this mo-
ment. the situation is somber.
1t is not a situation that calls
for extravagant fear or hysteria.
1t invites our most serious con-
Germ.
/ speak, of course, of the Mid
die East. This ancient cross
roads of the world was, as we
all know. an area long subject
to colonial rule. This rule ended
after World War II, when all
countries there won full inde-
pendence. Out Of the Palestinian
inundated territory was born
the new State Of Israel.
These historic changes could
not, however, instantly Danish
animosities born of the ages
Israel and her Arab neighbors
soon found themselves at war
with one another. And the Arab
nations showed continuing anger
toward their former colonial
rulers, notably Great Britain and
France.
The United States - through
all the years since the close Of
World War H-has labored tire
lesSiy to bring peace and stability
to this area.
We have considered it a basic
matter Of United States policy
to support the new State OF
Israel and-at the same time
10 strengthen our bonds both
with Israel and with the Arab
countries. But. unfortunately,
through all these years, passion
IN the area threatened to prevail
over peaceful purpose, and in
one form or another, there has
been almost continuous fighting
Crisis Arises Over Suez
This situation recently was
aggravated by an Egyptian poll
icy including rearmament with
Communist weapons. we. for
our part, felt this to be 4 mis-
guided policy on the part Of
the government of Egypt. The
state OF Israel, at the same time
felt increasing anxiety for its
safety. And Great Britain and
France feared more and more
that Egytian policies threatened
what they regard as their "life
iine" Of the Suez Canal.
These matters came to a cri-
Sis on July 26th of this wear
when the Egyptian government
seized the Universal Suez Canal
Co. For 80 years-ever since the
inauguration of the canal-that
company had operated the canal.
Largely under British and French
technical supervision.
There were some among o,Ir
allies who urged an immediate
reaction to this event by use of
force. We insistently urged
otherwise-and our wish pre-
lvailed-through long success
sion Of conferences and negotia-
lions for weeks and months
with participation by the United
Nations. And there. only a short
while ago, on the basis of agreed
principles. it seemed that an ac-
Iceptable accord was within our
reach.
But the direct relations OF
Egypt with both Israel and
France kept worsening to a point
lat which first israel then
France-and Great Britain also
determined that, in their judg.
lment. there could be no protec.
ton Of their vital interest,
without resort to force.
I Israel Takes Action
i Upon this decision, events fol.
lowed swiftly. On Sunday tn,