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Liberal Forum, Jewish Centers Association, St. Louis, MO, December 13, 1970
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Liberal Forum, Jewish Centers Association, St. Louis, MO, December 13, 1970
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
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The original documents are located in Box D30, folder "Liberal Forum, Jewish Centers
Association, St. Louis, MO, December 13, 1970" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press
Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D30 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
LIBERAL FORUM, JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS
ASSOCIATION,
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, 8. 30 P.M., SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 13, 1970.
chemical 1/13/19
SAL NATO/
IT IS ESPECIALLY FITTING THAT
TWE REVIEW AMERICAN-ISRAELI RELATIONS
TODAY. NOT ONLY ARE WE APPROACHING A
WORLD
NEW YEAR, A CUSTOMARY TIME FOR EVALUATION
AND PROGNOSTICATION, BUT THE JEWISH
HOLIDAY OF CHANUKAH HAHN-EWE-CAH) IS BUT
A FEW DAYS OFF.
THIS HOLIDAY, AS YOU KNOW, IS
A HISTORIC FESTIVAL OF LIBERATION. SMALL
BUT DEDICATED BANDS OF JEWISH FREEDOM-
FIGHTERS FOUGHT TO PREVENT RELIGIOUS AND
CULTURAL GENOCIDE. THEY FOUGHT TO
PERPETUATE THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND THE
FORD if LIBRARY GERALD
JEWISH NATION. THE STRUGGLE AGAINST THE
-2-
OPPRESSORS WAS FOR MORE THAN PHYSICAL
SURVIVAL. IT INVOLVED THE SURVIVAL OF
JEWISH IDENTITY AND THE RIGHT OF THE
INDIVIDUAL TO DECIDE HOW HE WORSHIPS HIS
GOD/AND THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE INVOLVED.
IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THE
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENS OF
ALL FAITHS IDENTIFY WITH THE COMING
HEBREW OBSERVANCE. THERE IS DEEP CONCERN
IN THIS COUNTRY ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS AND
CULTURAL GENOCIDE CONFRONTING THE JEWISH
INHABITANTS OF THE SOVIET UNION. THERE IS
ALSO A VERY WARM AND REAL ADMIRATION FOR
THE STATE AND PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. THE
ISRAELIS ARE PURSUING THE TRADITION OF
THE JEWISH FIGHTERS OF OLD, THE
MACCABEES
MACK - A - BEES
THEY ARE
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
WAGING A GALLANT STRUGGLE AGAINST THE
PRESSURES OF TOTALITARIANISM AND AGGRESSION.
-3-
THERE HAS BEEN MUCH SPECULATION
IN THE PRESS ABOUT EGYPT'S DETERMINATION
TO REJECT A THIRD EXTENSION OF THE SUEZ
CANAL CEASE-FIRE ON FEBRUARY 5 IF THERE
IS NO AGREEMENT BY THEN / BY ISRAEL TO
WITHDRAW FROM OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORY.
A HIGH-RANKING EGYPTIAN
DELEGATION, INCLUDING THE VICE-PRESIDENT
OF THAT COUNTRY AND THE MINISTERS OF WAR,
FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND INDUSTRY WILL BE IN
according ti the Times, a sovet delegation is alsoin Carra
MOSCOW THIS WEEK. EGYPT IS SEEKING
ADDITIONAL SOVIET SUPPORT TO MAKE THE
ISRAELIS ROLL BACK WITHOUT A REAL PEACE
SETTLEMENT. EGYPT IS ALSO SEEKING MORE
MILITARY AND ECONOMIC AID FROM THE RUSSIANS.
GEN. MOSHE DAYAN, THE DEFENSE
MINISTER OF ISRAEL, HAS JUST MET IN
WASHINGTON WITH THE LEADERS OF OUR OWN
GOVERNMENT. OUR TALKS WITH GEN. DAYAN
LIBRARY
-4-
TOOK PLACE AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF VERY
SERIOUS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
THE
There 10
A
SOVIET MILITARY HEADQUARTERS, STAFFED
BY DOZENS OF FIRST-LINE RUSSIAN GENERALS
AND COLONELS, HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN
EGYPT. A SENIOR MILITARY STAFF IS
FUNCTIONING. AN ESTIMATED 13,000 RUSSIAN
TROOPS ARE REPORTED IN EGYPT WITH AN
ADDITIONAL 3,000 IN MISSILE BATTALIONS ON
ACTION STATIONS IN THE SUEZ CANAL ZONE.
THERE IS SOME REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE
RUSSIANS MAY BE ESTABLISHING CADRE AND
SKELETAL STRUCTURES FOR POSSIBLE MASS
REINFORCEMENT
I SEE THIS IN THE CONTEXT OF
A GERA FORD LIBRARY
CONTINUING INFILTRATION PROCESS WHICH
PARALLELS THE BOLSTERING OF THE SOVIET
have
MILITARY PRESENCE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
The
OUR GOVERNMENT IS DISCUSSING
mils
ME!
-5-
WITH ISRAEL THE COMPLEXITIES INVOLVING
POSSIBLE RESUMPTION OF THE JARRING TALKS.
1
There
EGYPT AND RUSSIA VIOLATED THEIR SOLEMN
COMMITMENT BY EXPLOITING THE CEASE-FIRE
TO GAIN MILITARY ADVANTAGE. I CAN
UNDERSTAND ISRAEL'S CONCERN LEST THE TALKS
RESUME AND THEN COLLAPSE THROUGH NO FAULT
OF THE ISRAELIS. THE INTRANSIGENT NATURE
OF ARAB WAR AIMS AND THE FRAGILE CHARACTER
OF THE INDIRECT NEGOTIATING PROCESS
INDICATE POSSIBLE DEADLOCK.
WHAT HAPPENS THEN? WHAT DO WE
DO IF THE TALKS BREAK DOWN AND RUSSIAN
SHELLS AND RUSSIAN MISSILES AND RUSSIAN
JETS ARE ONCE MORE UNLEASHED? THE CONFLICT
WOULD BE THROWN BACK INTO THE LAP OF THE
SUPERPOWERS. THE AMERICAN ATTITUDE WOULD
BE CRUCIAL. WOULD WE BE PREPARED TO USE
OUR VETO POWER AT THE UNITED NATIONS, IF
FORD
ALD
NECESSARY, TO BLOCK ANY SOVIET BID FOR AN
LIBRARY
-6-
IMPOSED SETTLEMENT? WHAT WOULD WE DO TO
STOP THE RUSSIANS AND THE ARABS FROM
MANIPULATING A REINTERPRETATION OF THE
NOVEMBER 1967 U.N. RESOLUTION IN SUCH
MANNER AS TO REQUIRE UNCONDITIONAL
WITHDRAWAL BY ISRAEL FROM "ALL THE
TERRITORIES" OCCUPIED?
I WISH TO STATE MY OWN POSITION
CLEARLY AND SIMPLY / IF ISRAEL IS TO
NEGOTIATE AT OUR URGING AND BEHEST, THE
UNITED STATES HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE
THE RUSSIANS UNDERSTAND THAT THEY CANNOT
APPLY NAKED FORCE.
ISRAEL SHOULD NOT WITHDRAW FROM
A SINGLE INCH OF OCCUPIED TERRITORY UNLESS
THERE IS A REAL PEACE TREATY AND CREDIBLE
EVIDENCE THAT THE ARABS WILL NORMALIZE
RELATIONS. THE ARABS HAVE REFUSED TO ENTER
INTO SUCH A PEACEFUL UNDERTAKING. EGYPT
-7-
AND OTHER RADICAL ARAB STATES HAVE OPENED
THE REGION TO COMMUNIST INVOLVEMENT. THEY
HAVE INTRODUCED NEW AND MORE VICIOUS
WEAPONS AND TACTICS.
I SEE NO LOGIC IN ANY AMERICAN
ROLE AT THE UNITED NATIONS OR IN CONCERT
WITH THE SOVIET UNION, FRANCE, OR BRITAIN
TO IMPOSE A DUBIOUS "PEACE" AT ISRAEL'S
EXPENSE.
IT CAME AS NO SURPRISE THAT THE
RUSSIANS AND EGYPTIANS VIOLATED TERMS OF
THE 90-DAY CEASE-FIRE LAST SUMMER BY MOVING
MISSILE SYSTEMS FORWARD. WE VIGOROUSLY
PROTESTED / BUT IN VAIN. INSTEAD OF
REMOVING NEWLY-INSTALLED MISSILES FROM THE
STANDSTILL ZONE, SOVIET TECHNICIANS
CONTINUED INSTALLATION WORK. NEW AND MORE
SOPHI STICATED AND DANGEROUS SOVIET WEAPONS
AND INVASION EQUIPMENT WERE SHIPPED.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-8-
THE SO-CALLED "LIBERATION"
FORCES OF THE ARABS MEANWHILE EMBARKED ON
A NEW CAMPAIGN OF AIRLINE HIJACKING. THE
ARAB EXTREMISTS EMERGED AS FLAGRANTLY
ANTI-AMERICAN. TWO U.S. AIRLINERS WERE
BLOWN UP. AMERICAN CITIZENS WERE HELD
HOSTAGE AND TREATED AS "PRISONERS OF WAR."
THERE WERE ATTEMPTS TO
DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN AMERICAN HOSTAGES OF
THE JEWISH FAITH AND NON-JEWS. I AM VERY
PLEASED AND PROUD THAT PRESIDENT NIXON,
WITH THE BACKING OF THE CONGRESS AND THE
PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES, VIGOROUSLY
REJECTED THIS VICIOUS TACTIC.
PRO-COMMUNIST ARAB GUERRILLAS
THEN SOUGHT TO OVERTHROW THE KINGDOM OF
JORDAN. THE GUERRILLAS WERE STRIKING NOT
ONLY AGAINST ISRAEL BUT AT EVERY NON-RADICAL
ARAB GOVERNMENT THAT DARES TO RETAIN
GERALD R.FORD LIBRARY
-9-
RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES. THE
ARAB "REVOLUTION" MAKES ISRAEL ITS
PROPAGANDA SCAPEGOAT. THE REAL TARGET IS
THE NON-COMMUNIST AND ANTI-COMMUNIST ARAB
"ESTABLISHMENT." IF ARAB EXTREMISTS WERE
TO SUCCEED IN THEIR OBJECTIVES, THEY WOULD
REPLACE PRESENT STRUCTURES WITH A PRO-
COMMUNIST ESTABLISHMENT.
mecant
PRESIDENT NIXON'S TRIP TO THE
MEDITERRANEAN WAS INTENDED TO IMPRESS
MOSCOW AND ITS ARAB CLIENTS WITH THE
+ our continuing dedication to NATO.
RESOLVE OF U.S. POWER. MOSCOW WAS WARNED
AGAINST MISINTERPRETING THE NIXON
ADMINISTRATION'S PEACE-SEEKING POLICIES AS
A SIGN OF WEAKNESS. Moseon + its allies should
know by now The Present will stand from + will move appromaturely
WE ARE NOT WITHDRAWING FROM THE for Peace
whether
WORLD. NOR ARE WE ABIDCATING SOLEMN
in Venture
RESPONSIBILITIES. to freedom world-wide.
Cambradia
on the
muddle East
-10-
THE AMERICAN FLAG CONTINUES TO
FLY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. WE WILL NOT
PERMIT THE MEDITERRANEAN TO BECOME A SOVIET
SEA.
I CONCUR, ALONG WITH THE
REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP OF THE CONGRESS, WITH
THE POSITION EXPRESSED BY PRESIDENT NIXON.
THE PRESIDENT TOLD NATO COMMANDERS OF
"THE PRIMARY INDISPENSABLE PRINCIPLE OF
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY " / "AND THAT
PRINCIPLE," HE SAID, "IS TO MAINTAIN THE
NECESSARY STRENGTH IN THE MEDITERRANEAN TO
PRESERVE THE PEACE AGAINST THOSE WHO MIGHT
THREATEN THE PEACE." PRESIDENT NIXON ADDED
THAT "THE MEDITERRANEAN IS THE CRADLE OF
MANY GREAT CIVILIZATIONS OF THE PAST, AND
WE ARE DETERMINED THAT IT SHALL NOT BE
THE STARTING PLACE OF GREAT WARS IN THE
FUTURE."
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-11-
In
WE HAVE NOW MOVED INTO AN
ENTIRELY NEW AND IMPROVED RELATIONSHIP
WITH ISRAEL.
THE ISRAELIS RISKED THEIR LIVES
BY TRUSTING AMERICAN ASSURANCES THAT EGYPT
AND RUSSIA WOULD NOT EXPLOIT THE SUEZ
CEASE-FIRE. SOVIET MISSILES WERE MOVED
FORWARD IN THE MOST CYNICAL MANNER.
REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE TRUCE TOOK PLACE
ON THE EGYPTIAN SIDE OF THE CANAL.
TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE CONGRESS
IS RESPONDING TO NEW ADMINISTRATION
INITIATIVES WHICH REDRESS THE MILITARY
BALANCE WE ARE ACTING NOW ON A
SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO COVER
$500 MILLION IN MILITARY EQUIPMENT FOR
ISRAEL. THE MEASURE INCLUDES PHANTOM JETS
septected
ANTI-MISSILE DEVICES, AND OTHER WEAPONS.
FORD
^
THIS LEGISLATION GIVES ME A SENSE
LIBRARY
-12-
OF RELIEF. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL'S
MILITARY NEEDS. IT IS MY CONVICTION THAT
STRONG AMERICAN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL IS
ESSENTIAL TO DETER COMMUNIST AND ARAB
BELLIGERENCY.
I WISH TO PAY PARTICULAR TRIBUTE
TO THE ISRAELI AIR FORCE. THE PERFORMANCE
OF THE ISRAELI PILOTS REMINDS ME OF THE
WORK DONE BY THE BRITISH ROYAL AIR FORCE
DURING THE YEAR 1940 WHEN BRITAIN STOOD
ALONE, OUTNUMBERED AND BESIEGED. NOW,
THIRTY YEARS LATER, WE FIND ISRAELI YOUNG
MEN DOING WHAT THE BRITISH pilots BOYS THEN DID
IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM. Heroic then/heroic NOW.
BUT WE MUST DO MORE
THAN PRAISE THE BRAVE ISRAELIS. WE MUST
and we are unless The U.S. Ainate fouls
TAKE MEANINGFUL ACTIONS, THE TIME FOR up the
ONE-SHOT ARMS TRANSACTIONS HAS PASSED. assustance program
SRAEL MUST BE ASSURED OF CONTINUITY IN THE
-13-
SUPPLY OF JETS AND OTHER MILITARY NEEDS.
I LOOK WITH FAVOR ON package A LEND-LEASE CONCEPT
OF ALD TO ISRAEL with easy terms of credit become at
dols mean emmediate
hdp & continuity of
AMERICA HAS A MORAL OBLIGATION
shippit TO SRAEL' S SECURITY / WE ALSO HAVE A
MORE DIRECT COMMITMENT TO OUR OWN SECURITY.
THE DEFENSE OF ISRAEL IS LINKED WITH THE
NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE UNITED STATES.
IT IS CONSISTENT WITH QUR DESIRE TO PRESERVE
whether Europe, are on The middle East
FREEDOM. IT INVOLVES THE FATE OF NATO AND
THE FUTURE OF CIVILIZATION. Freedom is not dweable.
I REJECT THE LINE NOW EMERGING
THAT WE SHOULD FORGET THE REST OF THE
WORLD AND DEVELOP SOME KIND OF "NEW
or give -up
CONSCIOUSNESS" AT HOME IN WHICH WE RENOUNCE
OUR LEADERSHIP ROLE IN THE SEARCH FOR
in The decade fos the
WORLD PEACE. ISOLATIONISM BY ANY NAME, IS
CONTRARY TO THE SACRIFICE OF ALL THE
AMERICAN SOLDIERS AND SAILORS WHO FOUGHT
FORD is LIBRARY
-14-
AND DIED IN THIS CENTURY.
SOME HAVE BEEN MISGUIDED,
TERRIBLY MISGUIDED, IN ASSUMING THAT WE CAN
MEET OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE
MEDITERRANEAN BY OPPOSING DEFENSE
DEPARTMENT BUDGETS FOR RESEARCH AND
modern
DEVELOPMENT FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT. THE
ARMS WE ARE NOW PROVIDING TO ISRAEL WERE
in recent Means some radical
DEVELOPED DESPITE STUDENT ATTEMPTS TO SHUT
DOWN RESEARCH LABORATORIES WORKING ON A
DEFENSE AGAINST KNOWN SOVIET WEAPONS
DEVELOPMENTS.
THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE
RUSSIANS ARE TESTING WEAPONS IN THE MIDDLE
EAST AS THE GERMANS DID IN SPAIN DURING
THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR OF THE 1930'S. YET
THE NEW LEFT PUBLISHES POSTERS OF GUERNICA,
THE TOWN BOMBED BY THE NAZIS, AND SUGGESTS,
IN EFFECT, THAT WE DO NOTHING WHILE THE
GERALD LIBRARY
-15-
COMMUNISTS PREPARE WHAT MIGHT BE A NEW
GUERNICA FOR ISRAEL.
IT IS VITAL THAT ISRAEL RECEIVE
THE BEST AVAILABLE AMERICAN ARMS. AS
EXPENSIVE AS WEAPONS ARE, THEY ARE FAR
CHEAPER THAN HUMAN LIFE.
WE MUST RESIST THE BLANDISHMENTS
OF NEO-ISOLATIONISM. WHEN WE CEASE MISSILE
RESEARCH AND VOTE AGAINST DEVELOPMENT OF
military avent
NEWER AND BETTER JETS, WE LESSEN OUR
CAPACITY TO AID ISRAEL AND OTHER NATIONS
SEEKING TO SURVIVE THE ONSLAUGHTS OF
AGGRESSORS.
IN ADDITION TO FURNISHING ARMS
TO ISRAEL, WE MUST FIND A WAY TO REDUCE
THE TIME LAG BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL REQUEST
OF ISRAEL FOR WEAPONS AND FINAL DELIVERY.
THERE MUST BE CONTINUITY AND CREDIBILITY
FORD
OUR FRIENDS ARE WAITING.
OUR ENEMIES ARE
LIBRARY
-16-
WATCHING.
WE ARE NOW MOVING IN THE PROPER
DIRECTION. WE ARE LMPROVING THE READINESS
OF THE U.S. 6TH FLEET. THIS IS IN
RESPONSE TO THE AGGRESSIVE AND DANGEROUS
NEW RUSSIAN ROLE. OUR FLEET MUST OPERATE
UNITS IN ALL SECTIONS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN,
INCLUDING THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN. THE
NAVY'S MOVES TOWARDS MODERNIZATION CANNOT
BE ACHIEVED WITH ILL-ADVISED BUDGET CUTBACKS.
dont
has
most
know s'h mind
THE PRETENSIONS OF THE ARAB
EXTREMISTS ARE THAT ISRAEL SHOULD MAKE
UNILATERAL CONCESSIONS TO GAIN TOLERATION
AS A JEWISH MINORITY GROUP IN SOME KIND
OF ARAB PALESTINIAN STATE. THIS IS
ADVOCATED BY PERSONS INVOLVED IN CRUELTY
AND BLOODLETTING AGAINST FELLOW ARABS IN
JORDAN, IN HIJACKINGS, IN BRUTAL RESORT TO
TERRORISM, AND IN COLLABORATION WITH THE
GENALO R.FORD VIBRARY
-17-
COMMUNIST BLOC OF NATIONS. SRAEL MUST
STAND READY FOR PEACE, BUT PREPARED FOR
WAR, UNTIL THE ARABS ACCEPT THE BASIS FOR
PERMANENT PEACE.
ISRAEL AND AMERICA HAVE GROWN
CLOSER TOGETHER IN RECENT MONTHS. I AM
SINCERELY ENCOURAGED BY THE RESPONSE OF
OUR GOVERNMENT TO THE CRISIS THAT
CONFRONTS US.
I violize KNOW THAT I HAVE SPOKEN IN A
RATHER GRIM AND SERIOUS VEIN. I RESPECT
YOUR INTELLIGENCE AND WILL NOT EVADE THE
ISSUE BY EUPHORIC METAPHORS.
I HAVE GREAT FAITH IN THE
AMERICAN PEOPLE ALSO, I HAVE GROWN IO
2 have Tremendors admination for
ADMIRE THE FORTITUDE AND COURAGE OF THE
I SRAELIS. THE RUSSIANS ARE CHALLENGING THE
UNITED STATES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. MAKE
NO MISTAKE ABOUT THAT. WE CANNOT AND MUST
NOT LET MOSCOW CONCLUDE THAT THEY HAVE A
-18-
FREE HAND IN ANY HEAVY-HANDED DEALINGS
WITH ISRAEL THAT THEY MAY CONTEMPLATE.
HAVING PREPARED FOR DEFENSE, WE
HAVE DONE OUR BEST TO ASSURE PEACE. THAT
IS THE RIGHT PATH FOR A PEACE-LOVING
NATION.
THE MORAL OF THE JEWISH HOLIDAY
OF CHANUKAH HAHN - EWE - CAH IS THAT NO
POWER ON EARTH IS ABLE TO CRUSH THE FAITH
OF MAN THIS VIEW WAS VOICED BY THE
PROPHET, ZACHARIAH, WHEN HE SAID, "NOT BY
MIGHT NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT, SAITH
THE LORD OF HOSTS."
IT IS THAT SPIRIT WHICH GUIDES
AMERICA AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN
THERE IS TRUE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN UNDER THE
FATHERHOOD OF GOD. WE WANT PEACE IN VIETNAM.
WE WANT PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST. OUR
SPIRIT IS A PEACEFUL SPIRIT. OUR PRAYER
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
-19-
IS THAT ALL PEOPLES COME TO THE REALIZATION
THAT THEY ARE PART OF THE HUMANITY ADDRESSED
BY ZACHARIAH.
I THANK YOU.
-- END --
FORD & LIBRARY 076839
strictribution Full
House Balleries 10:15a.m. 12/14/70
maffice Copy
mail a.m. 12/14/70
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE LIBERAL FORUM
OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS ASSOCIATION
SHAARE EMETH TEMPLE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
8:15 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1970
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
It is especially fitting that we review American-Israeli relations today.
Not only are we approaching a new year, a customary time for evaluation and
prognostication, but the Jewish holiday of Chanukah is but a few days off.
This holiday, as you know, is a historic festival of liberation. Small but
dedicated bands of Jewish freedom-fighters fought to prevent religious and cultural
genocide. They fought to perpetuate the Jewish people and the Jewish nation. The
struggle against the oppressors was for more than physical survival. It involved
the survival of Jewish identity and the right of the human individual to decide how
he worships his God and the freedom of choice involved.
It is appropriate that the United States Government and citizens of all faiths
identify with the coming Hebrew observance. There is deep concern in this country
about the religious and cultural genocide confronting the Jewish inhabitants of the
Soviet Union. There is also a very warm and real admiration for the State and people
of Israel. The Israelis are pursuing the tradition of the Jewish fighters of old,
the Maccabees. They are waging a gallant struggle against the pressures of
totalitarianism and aggression.
There has been much speculation in the press about Egypt's determination to
reject a third extension of the Suez Canal cease-fire on February 5 if there is no
agreement by then by Israel to withdraw from occupied Arab territory.
A high-ranking Egyptian delegation, including the vice-president of that
country and the ministers of war, foreign affairs, and industry, will be in Moscow
this week. Egypt is seeking additional Soviet support to make the Israelis roll back
without a real peace settlement. Egypt is also seeking more military and economic
aid from the Russians.
Gen. Moshe Dayan, the defense minister of Israel, has just met in Washington
with the leaders of our own government. Our talks with Gen. Dayan took place against
the background of very serious developments in the Middle East. A Soviet military
(more)
-2-
headquarters, staffed by dozens of first-line Russian generals and colonels, has been
established in Egypt. A senior military staff is functioning. An estimated 13,000
Russian troops are reported in Egypt with an additional 3,000 in missile battalions
on action stations in the Suez Canal zone. There is some reason to believe that the
Russians may be establishing cadre and skeletal structures for possible mass
reinforcement.
I see this in the context of a continuing infiltration process which
parallels the bolstering of the Soviet military presence in the Mediterranean.
Our Government is discussing with Israel the complexities involving possible
resumption of the Jarring talks. Egypt and Russia violated their solemn commitment
by exploiting the ceasefire to gain military advantage. I can understand Israel's
concern lest the talks resume and then collapse through no fault of the Israelis.
The intransigent nature of Arab war aims and the fragile character of the indirect
negotiating process indicate possible deadlock.
What happens then? What do we do if the talks break down and the Russian
shells and Russian missiles and Russian jets are once more unleashed? The conflict
would be thrown back into the lap of the superpowers. The American attitude would
be crucial. Would we be prepared to use our veto power at the United Nations, if
necessary, to block any Soviet bid for an imposed settlement? What would we do to
stop the Russians and the Arabs from manipulating a reinterpretation of the November
1967 U.N. Resolution in such manner as to require unconditional withdrawal by
Israel from "all the territories" occupied?
I wish to state my own position clearly and simply. If Israel is to negotiate
at our urging and behest, the United States has a responsibility to make the Russians
understand that they cannot apply naked force.
Israel should not withdraw from a single inch of occupied territory unless
there is a real peace treaty and credible evidence that the Arabs will normalize
relations. The Arabs have refused to enter into such a peaceful undertaking. Egypt
and other radical Arab states have opened the region to Communist involvement. They
have introduced new and more vicious weapons and tactics.
I see no logic in any American role at the United Nations or in concert with
the Soviet Union, France, or Britain to impose a dubious "peace" at Israel's expense.
It came as no surprise that the Russians and Egyptians violated terms of the
90-day cease-fire last summer by moving missile systems forward. We vigorously
protested, but in vain. Instead of removing newly-installed missiles from the
(more)
-3-
standstill zone, Soviet technicians continued installation work. New and more
sophisticated and dangerous Soviet weapons and invasion equipment were shipped.
The so-called "liberation" forces of the Arabs meanwhile embarked on a new
campaign of airline hijacking. The Arab extremists emerged as flagrantly anti-
American. Two U.S. airliners were blown up. American citizens were held hostage
and treated as "prisoners of war." There were attempts to discriminate between
American hostages of the Jewish faith and non-Jews. I am very pleased and proud
that President Nixon, with the backing of the Congress and the people of the United
States, vigorously rejected this vicious tactic.
Pro-Communist Arab guerrillas then sought to overthrow the Kingdom of Jordan.
The guerrillas were striking not only against Israel but at every non-radical Arab
Government that dares to retain relations with the United States. The Arab
"revolution" makes Israel its propaganda scapegoat. The real target is the
non-Communist and anti-Communist "establishment." If Arab extremists were to
succeed in their objectives, they would replace present structures with a
pro-Communist establishment.
President Nixon's trip to the Mediterranean was intended to impress Moscow and
its Arab clients with the resolve of U.S. power. Moscow was warned against
misinterpreting the Nixon Administration's peace-seeking policies as a sign of
weakness.
We are not withdrawing from the world. Nor are we abdicating solemn
responsibilities.
The American flag continues to fly in the Mediterranean. We will not permit
the Mediterranean to become a Soviet sea.
I concur, along with the Republican leadership of the Congress, with the
position expressed by President Nixon. The President told NATO commanders of "the
primary indispensable principles of American foreign policy." "And that principle,"
he said, "is to maintain the necessary strength in the Mediterranean to preserve
the peace against those who might threaten the peace." President Nixon added that
"the Mediterranean is the cradle of many great civilizations of the past, and we
are determined that it shall not be the starting place of great wars in the future."
We have now moved into an entirely new and improved relationship with Israel.
The Israelis risked their lives by trusting American assurances that Egypt
and Russia would not exploit the Suez cease-fire. Soviet missiles were moved
forward in the most cynical manner. Repeated violations of the truce took place on
the Egyptian side of the canal.
(more)
-4-
To meet this challenge Congress is responding to new Administration
initiatives which redress the military balance. We are acting now on a supplementary
appropriations bill to cover $500 million in military equipment for Israel. The
measure includes Phantom jets, anti-missile devices, and other weapons.
This legislation gives me a sense of relief. I am concerned about Israel's
military needs. It is my conviction that strong American support of Israel is
essential to deter Communist and Arab belligerency.
I wish to pay particular tribute to the Israeli Air Force. The performance
of the Israeli pilots reminds me of the work done by the British Royal Air Force
during the year 1940 when Britain stood alone, outnumbered and besieged. Now,
thirty years later, we find Israeli young men doing what the British boys then did
in defense of freedom.
But we must do more than praise the brave Israelis. We must take meaningful
actions. The time for one-shot arms transactions has passed. Israel must be assured
of continuity in the supply of jets and other military needs. I look with favor on
a lend-lease concept of aid to Israel.
America has a moral obligation to Israel's security. We also have a more
direct commitment to our own security. The defense of Israel is linked with the
national security of the United States. It is consistent with our desire to preserve
freedom. It involves the fate of NATO and the future of civilization.
I reject the line now emerging that we should forget the rest of the world
and develop some kind of "new consciousness" at home in which we renounce our
leadership role in the search for world peace. Isolationism by any name is contrary
to the sacrifice of all the American soldiers and sailors who fought and died in
this century. Some have been misguided, terribly misguided, in assuming that we can
meet our responsibilities in the Mediterranean by opposing Defense Department budgets
for research and development for military equipment. The arms we are now providing
to Israel were developed despite student attempts to shut down research laboratories
working on a defense against known Soviet weapons developments.
There is evidence that the Russians are testing weapons in the Middle East
as the Germans did in Spain during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930's. Yet the
New Left publishes posters of Guernica, the town bombed by the Nazis, and suggests,
in effect, that we do nothing while the Communists prepare what might be a new
Guernica for Israel.
It is vital that Israel receive the best available American arms. As
expensive as weapons are, they are far cheaper than human life.
(more)
-5-
We must resist the blandishments of neo-isolationism. When we cease missile
research and vote against development of newer and better jets, we lessen our
capacity to aid Israel and other nations seeking to survive the onslaughts of
aggressors.
In addition to furnishing arms to Israel, we must find a way to reduce the
time lag between the original request of Israel for weapons and final delivery.
There must be continuity and credibility. Our friends are waiting. Our enemies
are watching.
We are now moving in the proper direction. We are improving the readiness
of the U.S. 6th Fleet. This is in response to the aggressive and dangerous new
Russian role. Our fleet must operate units in all sections of the Mediterranean,
including the Eastern Mediterranean. The Navy's moves towards
cannot be achieved with ill-advised budget cutbacks.
The pretensions of the Arab extremists are that Israel should make unilateral
concessions to gain toleration as a Jewish minority group in some kind of Arab
Palestinian state. This is advocated by persons involved in cruelty and bloodletting
against fellow Arabs in Jordan, in hijackings, in brutal resort to terrorism, and
in collaboration with the Communist bloc of nations. Israel must stand ready for
peace, but prepared for war, until the Arabs accept the basis for permanent peace.
Israel and America have grown closer together in recent months. I am
sincerely encouraged by the response of our Government to the crisis that confronts
us.
I know that I have spoken in a rather grim and serious vein. I respect your
intelligence and will not evade the issue by euphoric metaphors.
I have great faith in the American people. Also, I have grown to admire the
fortitude and courage of the Israelis. The Russians are challenging the United
States in the Mediterranean. Make no mistake about that. We cannot and must not
let Moscow conclude that they have a free hand in any heavy-handed dealings with
Israel that they may contemplate.
Having prepared for defense, we have done our best to assure peace. That is
the right path for a peace-loving nation.
The moral of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah is that no power on earth is able
to crush the faith of man. This view was voiced by the prophet, Zachariah, when he
said, "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
It is that spirit which guides America as we look forward to the day when
(more)
-6-
there is true brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. We want peace in
Vietnam. We want peace in the Middle East. Our spirit is a peaceful spirit. Our
prayer is that all peoples come to the realization that they are part of the
humanity addressed by Zachariah.
I thank you.
###
Full Distribution
office Copy
AN ADDRESS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE LIBERAL FORUM
OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS ASSOCIATION
SHAARE EMETH TEMPLE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
8:15 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1970
FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
It is especially fitting that we review American-Israeli relations today.
Not only are we approaching a new year, a customary time for evaluation and
prognostication, but the Jewish holiday of Chanukah is but a few days off.
This holiday, as you know, is a historic festival of liberation. Small but
dedicated bands of Jewish freedom-fighters fought to prevent religious and cultural
genocide. They fought to perpetuate the Jewish people and the Jewish nation. The
struggle against the oppressors was for more than physical survival. It involved
the survival of Jewish identity and the right of the human individual to decide how
he worships his God and the freedom of choice involved.
It is appropriate that the United States Government and citizens of all faiths
identify with the coming Hebrew observance. There is deep concern in this country
about the religious and cultural genocide confronting the Jewish inhabitants of the
Soviet Union. There is also a very warm and real admiration for the State and people
of Israel. The Israelis are pursuing the tradition of the Jewish fighters of old,
the Maccabees. They are waging a gallant struggle against the pressures of
totalitarianism and aggression.
There has been much speculation in the press about Egypt's determination to
reject a third extension of the Suez Canal cease-fire on February 5 if there is no
agreement by then by Israel to withdraw from occupied Arab territory.
A high-ranking Egyptian delegation, including the vice-president of that
country and the ministers of war, foreign affairs, and industry, will be in Moscow
this week. Egypt is seeking additional Soviet support to make the Israelis roll back
without a real peace settlement. Egypt is also seeking more military and economic
aid from the Russians.
Gen. Moshe Dayan, the defense minister of Israel, has just met in Washington
with the leaders of our own government. Our talks with Gen. Dayan took place against
the background of very serious developments in the Middle East. A Soviet military
(more)
-2-
headquarters, staffed by dozens of first-line Russian generals and colonels, has been
established in Egypt. A senior military staff is functioning. An estimated 13,000
Russian troops are reported in Egypt with an additional 3,000 in missile battalions
on action stations in the Suez Canal zone. There is some reason to believe that the
Russians may be establishing cadre and skeletal structures for possible mass
reinforcement.
I see this in the context of a continuing infiltration process which
parallels the bolstering of the Soviet military presence in the Mediterranean.
Our Government is discussing with Israel the complexities involving possible
resumption of the Jarring talks. Egypt and Russia violated their solemn commitment
by exploiting the ceasefire to gain military advantage. I can understand Israel's
concern lest the talks resume and then collapse through no fault of the Israelis.
The intransigent nature of Arab war aims and the fragile character of the indirect
negotiating process indicate possible deadlock.
What happens then? What do we do if the talks break down and the Russian
shells and Russian missiles and Russian jets are once more unleashed? The conflict
would be thrown back into the lap of the superpowers. The American attitude would
be crucial. Would we be prepared to use our veto power at the United Nations, if
necessary, to block any Soviet bid for an imposed settlement? What would we do to
stop the Russians and the Arabs from manipulating a reinterpretation of the November
1967 U.N. Resolution in such manner as to require unconditional withdrawal by
Israel from "all the territories" occupied?
I wish to state my own position clearly and simply. If Israel is to negotiate
at our urging and behest, the United States has a responsibility to make the Russians
understand that they cannot apply naked force.
Israel should not withdraw from a single inch of occupied territory unless
there is a real peace treaty and credible evidence that the Arabs will normalize
relations. The Arabs have refused to enter into such a peaceful undertaking. Egypt
and other radical Arab states have opened the region to Communist involvement. They
have introduced new and more vicious weapons and tactics.
I see no logic in any American role at the United Nations or in concert with
the Soviet Union, France, or Britain to impose a dubious "peace" at Israel's expense.
It came as no surprise that the Russians and Egyptians violated terms of the
90-day cease-fire last summer by moving missile systems forward. We vigorously
protested, but in vain. Instead of removing newly-installed missiles from the
(more)
-3-
standstill zone, Soviet technicians continued installation work. New and more
sophisticated and dangerous Soviet weapons and invasion equipment were shipped.
The so-called "liberation" forces of the Arabs meanwhile embarked on a new
campaign of airline hijacking. The Arab extremists emerged as flagrantly anti-
American. Two U.S. airliners were blown up. American citizens were held hostage
and treated as "prisoners of war." There were attempts to discriminate between
American hostages of the Jewish faith and non-Jews. I am very pleased and proud
that President Nixon, with the backing of the Congress and the people of the United
States, vigorously rejected this vicious tactic.
Pro-Communist Arab guerrillas then sought to overthrow the Kingdom of Jordan.
The guerrillas were striking not only against Israel but at every non-radical Arab
Government that dares to retain relations with the United States. The Arab
"revolution" makes Israel its propaganda scapegoat. The real target is the
non-Communist and anti-Communist "establishment." If Arab extremists were to
succeed in their objectives, they would replace present structures with a
pro-Communist establishment.
President Nixon's trip to the Mediterranean was intended to impress Moscow and
its Arab clients with the resolve of U.S. power. Moscow was warned against
misinterpreting the Nixon Administration's peace-seeking policies as a sign of
weakness.
We are not withdrawing from the world. Nor are we abdicating solemn
responsibilities.
The American flag continues to fly in the Mediterranean. We will not permit
the Mediterranean to become a Soviet sea.
I concur, along with the Republican leadership of the Congress, with the
position expressed by President Nixon. The President told NATO commanders of "the
primary indispensable principles of American foreign policy." "And that principle,"
he said, "is to maintain the necessary strength in the Mediterranean to preserve
the peace against those who might threaten the peace." President Nixon added that
"the Mediterranean is the cradle of many great civilizations of the past, and we
are determined that it shall not be the starting place of great wars in the future."
We have now moved into an entirely new and improved relationship with Israel.
The Israelis risked their lives by trusting American assurances that Egypt
and Russia would not exploit the Suez cease-fire. Soviet missiles were moved
forward in the most cynical manner. Repeated violations of the truce took place on
the Egyptian side of the canal.
(more)
-4-
To meet this challenge Congress is responding to new Administration
initiatives which redress the military balance. We are acting now on a supplementary
appropriations bill to cover $500 million in military equipment for Israel. The
measure includes Phantom jets, anti-missile devices, and other weapons.
This legislation gives me a sense of relief. I am concerned about Israel's
military needs. It is my conviction that strong American support of Israel is
essential to deter Communist and Arab belligerency.
I wish to pay particular tribute to the Israeli Air Force. The performance
of the Israeli pilots reminds me of the work done by the British Royal Air Force
during the year 1940 when Britain stood alone, outnumbered and besieged. Now,
thirty years later, we find Israeli young men doing what the British boys then did
in defense of freedom.
But we must do more than praise the brave Israelis. We must take meaningful
actions. The time for one-shot arms transactions has passed. Israel must be assured
of continuity in the supply of jets and other military needs. I look with favor on
a lend-lease concept of aid to Israel.
America has a moral obligation to Israel's security. We also have a more
direct commitment to our own security. The defense of Israel is linked with the
national security of the United States. It is consistent with our desire to preserve
freedom. It involves the fate of NATO and the future of civilization.
I reject the line now emerging that we should forget the rest of the world
and develop some kind of "new consciousness" at home in which we renounce our
leadership role in the search for world peace. Isolationism by any name is contrary
to the sacrifice of all the American soldiers and sailors who fought and died in
this century. Some have been misguided, terribly misguided, in assuming that we can
meet our responsibilities in the Mediterranean by opposing Defense Department budgets
for research and development for military equipment. The arms we are now providing
to Israel were developed despite student attempts to shut down research laboratories
working on a defense against known Soviet weapons developments.
There is evidence that the Russians are testing weapons in the Middle East
as the Germans did in Spain during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930's. Yet the
New Left publishes posters of Guernica, the town bombed by the Nazis, and suggests,
in effect, that we do nothing while the Communists prepare what might be a new
Guernica for Israel.
It is vital that Israel receive the best available American arms. As
expensive as weapons are, they are far cheaper than human life.
(more)
-5-
We must resist the blandishments of neo-isolationism. When we cease missile
research and vote against development of newer and better jets, we lessen our
capacity to aid Israel and other nations seeking to survive the onslaughts of
aggressors.
In addition to furnishing arms to Israel, we must find a way to reduce the
time lag between the original request of Israel for weapons and final delivery.
There must be continuity and credibility. Our friends are waiting. Our enemies
are watching.
We are now moving in the proper direction. We are improving the readiness
of the U.S. 6th Fleet. This is in response to the aggressive and dangerous new
Russian role. Our fleet must operate units in all sections of the Mediterranean,
including the Eastern Mediterranean. The Navy's moves towards
cannot be achieved with ill-advised budget cutbacks.
The pretensions of the Arab extremists are that Israel should make unilateral
concessions to gain toleration as a Jewish minority group in some kind of Arab
Palestinian state. This is advocated by persons involved in cruelty and bloodletting
against fellow Arabs in Jordan, in hijackings, in brutal resort to terrorism, and
in collaboration with the Communist bloc of nations. Israel must stand ready for
peace, but prepared for war, until the Arabs accept the basis for permanent peace.
Israel and America have grown closer together in recent months. I am
sincerely encouraged by the response of our Government to the crisis that confronts
us.
I know that I have spoken in a rather grim and serious vein. I respect your
intelligence and will not evade the issue by euphoric metaphors.
I have great faith in the American people. Also, I have grown to admire the
fortitude and courage of the Israelis. The Russians are challenging the United
States in the Mediterranean. Make no mistake about that. We cannot and must not
let Moscow conclude that they have a free hand in any heavy-handed dealings with
Israel that they may contemplate.
Having prepared for defense, we have done our best to assure peace. That is
the right path for a peace-loving nation.
The moral of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah is that no power on earth is able
to crush the faith of man. This view was voiced by the prophet, Zachariah, when he
said, "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
It is that spirit which guides America as we look forward to the day when
(more)
-6-
there is true brotherhood of man under the Fatherhood of God. We want peace in
Vietnam. We want peace in the Middle East. Our spirit is a peaceful spirit. Our
prayer is that all peoples come to the realization that they are part of the
humanity addressed by Zachariah.
I thank you.
###