Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-02-17
Meets Ebun
Today; Israel
Holds Firm
By JOHN v. HoRNER

Diplomatic conversations be-
tween the United States and
Israel on the delicate Middle
East situation appear headed for
Ia critical turning point today.
Secretary Of State Dulles, who
flew to Georgia late Friday for
an urgent conference with Presi-
dent Eisenhower, held an un-
usual 70-minute talk with Israeli
Ambassador Abba Eban when he
returned here yesterday after
noon. Immediately afterwards, he
arranged to receive the envoy
again at 3 pm. today.
This will be the third meet
ing Of the Secretary and the
Ambassador within 48 hours. It
not only reflects the urgency Of
the Middle East problem but is
evidence Of United States pres
sure upon Israel to withdraw its
troops promptly from Egyptian
soil.
No Hint Of Trend
AS matters stood last night.
there was little to indicate how
the conversations are progress
ing.
Both Secretary Dulles and AM
bassador Eban said they sought
Qualification" of each others
views during the Saturday after
noon conference at the Dulles
home.
The United States is urging
Israel to withdraw its forces
from Egypt without insisting
upon certain conditions which it
feels would protect its interests
IN the Gulf of Aoaba and the
GAIA strip.
Mr.. Eban told reporters the
conversations yesterday were in
ian interim" stage. He said he
had not received fun instrnc-
tions from his governmer, but
Expected to have them BY today,
The Ambassador said. however
he and Mrs. Golda Meier. the
Israeli Foreign Minister, con-
ferred on the matter in New
York Friday night.
Want Shipping Guarantees
So far. Israel has insisted On
some sort Of assurance that its
shipping in the Gulf Of Aqaba
win be urlmolested and that ii
win not be subjected to Egyptian
raids across the GAIA Strip, II
Its troops are pulled back.
Ambassador Eban declined to
tell newsmen whether he is OPP
itimistic or gloomy about his talks
with Mr.. Dulles. He emphasized
that what his people seek Is
security.
I'VE are looking for security
security for our homes, for our
shipping in international water
ways. for freedom to trade and
live in peace without being shot
at across our frontiers" he de-
lclared.
This is all We are seeking.
We believe this is Just cause.
which we will pursue to the limits
of our ability"
1--WE Shall Fight
He was asked what steps Israel
would take If the matter goes
back to the United Nations.
where Arab countries are de.
manding that sanctions be APP
piled against his country.
I'VE shall fight for our Just
cause there, just as everywhere
else" he replied.
/ Earlier. Secretary Dulles had
limited that the issue would get
back to the United Nations IL
Israel does not yield in its stand.
Before leaving Townsville,
Ca, where he and U. N. AM
baSsador Henry Cabot Lodge. ir..
discussed the Middle East crisis
with President Eisenhower, Mr..
Dulles spoke Of Israel's failure
to respond" to U. N. resolutions
for withdrawal of troops from
Egypt. Then he mentioned the
probability Of further action in
the United Nations in regard to
this matter"
The Secretary said the Presi-
dent and he hoped to receive
prompt Qualification of the Is.
raeli government.
When he arrived in Washing.
ton early yesterday afternoon.
Mr.. Dulles said he had no en-
Continued on Page AS, Col. 4