Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-01-13


nent in that branch is shaping
up.
In the testimony made public
yesterday Mr.. Dulles said there
is no officially recognized defini-
ton of what constitutes the
Middle East. When the American
Government thinks in terms of
Middle East defense, he said. it
is thinking of the area between
Libya on the west, PakiStan on
the east, Turkey on the north
and the Arabian Peninsula, in
Guiding Ethiopia and the Sudan
on the south.
But he added it would be un-
desirable to have a definition by
countries in the law.
In streSsing the Importance of
coupling economic aid with the
authority to use the armed forces
, in defense OF the Middle East,
the Secretary gave a detailed
account of the financial diff
culties confronting each country
in that area as a result of de-
velopments last fall.
Bad Economic Shape
He said the economic condition
in Egypt is very bad and the
question of Egypt's future role
will depend upon the ability
and willingness of someone to
help out Egypt on the asSump-
ton, SO far as We are concerned.
at least, that Egypt's interna-
tional conduct will be such as to
justify such help"
He said Jordan is in somewhat
the same position that existed in
Greece and Turkey when the
British government found itself
unable to continue its financial
support, and the United States
adopted the Greek Turkish aid
plan.
The closing of the Suez Canal
has cut the total revenues of
Saudi Arabia about 80 per cent
from oil shipments. The Secre-
tary said no government can
stand a cut of that size without
serious repercusSions.
He said the cut in the revenues
of Iraq has been even greater
because of the complete stoppage
of the pipeline which goes
through Syria.
The Secretary said Israel has
also been affected not by the oil
situation so much as by the
general stoppage of trade in the
area. and the expense due to
the recent military operation.
Faces Grave Situation
AS a result, he summed up.
the area faces a grave economic
situation. He said the full effect
has not yet been felt. because
some of the oil royalties are paid
in advance.
Now I say, as a result Of these
developments, that unless there
is a program here both OF a
military and economic character,
it is our definite belief that this
area is very likely to be lost, ="
said Mr.. Dulles. land if it is lost
it will be the greatest victory
that the Soviet Communists
could ever have gained because
if they get this area they in
effect will have gotten Western
Europe without war"
Mr.. Dulles said events are
moving rapidly, with the Soviets
stepping up their activities in
the area. He said the time
within which this country can
act effectively is not of very
great duration.
The Secretary emphasized that
to get American aid these coun-
tries will have to be dedicated
to fighting against international
Communism He said intelligence
reports during the past few days
indicate the reaction of these
countries is more and more
favorable.
Real Trouble Spots
Representative Morgan. Demo-
crat of Pennsylvania, said Egypt,
Jordan and Syria are the real
trouble spots and he understood
all three have indicated OPPOSE
ton to this program. Mr.. Dulles
disagreed with that statement.
He said the conduct Of Egypt is
not quite as bad as seems TO
be portrayed often times in the
press.v He added that Dag Ham
marskjold, encouragement Of
the U. NJ. felt a week ago there
was no reason to despair about
the future conduct of Egypt.
The Administration plan
would authorize the President
In transfer lin IN conn ,,oillio,,