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American-Israel Public Affairs Committee Luncheon, Washington, DC, May 11, 1970
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American-Israel Public Affairs Committee Luncheon, Washington, DC, May 11, 1970
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The original documents are located in Box D29, folder "American-Israel Public Affairs
Committee Luncheon, Washington, DC, May 11, 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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 D29 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
AMERICAN-ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
LUNCHEON, ROOM B-339, R.H.O.B.
12.15 P.M. MAY 11, 1970.
LAST YEAR I HAD THE HONOR OF
STANDING BEFORE A SIMILAR LUNCHEON OF THIS
COMMITTEE HERE AT THE U.S. CAPITOL. WE
THEN COMMEMORATED THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF
ISRAEL'S INDEPENDENCE. A YEAR HAS PASSED.
MANY CHANGES HAVE TRANSPIRED.
WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME OF ANXIETY, TENSION,
AND TRANSITION. BUT THERE ARE SOME FACTORS
THAT REMAIN CONSTANT. THE MAIN FACTOR THAT
I WOULD LIKE TO REAFFIRM TODAY IS THE
CONTINUING SINCERITY OF AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP
FOR THE STATE OF ISRAEL. LAST YEAR I TOLD
THIS GROUP THAT "I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE
FATE OF ISRAEL IS LINKED TO THE NATIONAL
SECURITY INTERESTS OF THE UNITED STATES."
TODAY I REITERATE THAT CONVICTION.
--2--
LAST YEAR I SAID THAT I COULD
NOT CONCEIVE OF A SITUATION "IN WHICH THE
U.S. ADMINISTRATION WILL SELL ISRAEL DOWN
THE NILE." THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN -- NOW OR
IN THE FUTURE.
WE ARE WELL AWARE OF THE
DEDICATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO WITHDRAWAL
FROM INDO-CHINA UNDER CONDITIONS OF PEACE
WITH HONOR. WE HAVE ALSO CAREFULLY NOTED
THAT OUR RECENT PRE-OCCUPATION WITH THE
"PRIVILEGED SANCTUARIES" IN CAMBODIA IS
BEING EXPLOITED BY THE SOVIET UNION. MOSCOW
IS CYNICALLY ESCALATING TENSIONS IN THE
MIDDLE EAST. THE RUSSIANS HAVE COMMITTED
THE SOVIET AIR FORCE TO AN ACTIVE ROLE IN
X
EGYPT ALONG WITH MISSILE TROOPS SAM-3
MISSILES, AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF MILITARY
POWER
THE RUSSIANS APPEAR DETERMINED TO
SCREEN THE NASSER REGIME WITH A PROTECTIVE
UMBRELLA, CREATING A PRIVILEGED SANCTUARY
--3--
FROM WHICH EGYPT MIGHT SALLY FORTH WITH
CONTINUED VIOLATIONS OF THE UNITED NATIONS
CEASE-FIRE.
I NOTED THAT ISRAELI DEFENSE
MINISTER
MOSHE
DAYAN A FEW DAYS AGO
ANNOUNCED THAT ISRAEL HAS HALTED DEEP
PENETRATION RAIDS INTO EGYPT TO AVOID
POSSIBLE CLASHES WITH SOVIET AIR AND
ANTI-AIRCRAFT FORCES. HE ASSERTED READINESS
TO RE-ESTABLISH AN UNCONDITIONAL AND
UNLIMITED CEASE-FIRE.
THE ONLY RESPONSE THE ARABS HAVE
MADE IS AN INCREASE OF ARTILLERY BARRAGES
AND GUERRILLA ATTACKS. SOVIET PREMIER
KOSYGIN HAS NOW CONFIRMED SOVIET MILITARY
INVOLVEMENT IN EGYPT. THE COMMITMENT OF
RUSSIAN MILITARY FORCES IS A NEGATION OF
THE SOVIET PRETENSIONS TO PURSUIT OF PEACE
IN THE REGION. THE COMMITMENT OF WEAPONS
AND TROOPS IS NO WAY TO REDUCE TENSIONS.
--4--
OUR GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED ON
MARCH 23 THAT ADDITIONAL JET SALES TO
ISRAEL WOULD BE TEMPORARILY WITHHELD.
IT WAS INDICATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
THAT THIS POLICY OF RESTRAINT WAS REALLY
A SIGNAL TO MOSCOW THAT THE UNITED STATES
WANTED TO COOL DOWN THE ARMS RACE. WE WERE
TAKING THE FIRST STEP SO THAT THE RUSSIANS
WOULD KNOW OUR PEACEFUL INTENTIONS AND
SIMILARLY EXERCISE RESTRAINT. INSTEAD,
THE RUSSIANS IGNORED OUR EXAMPLE. AN
ENTIRELY NEW AND DANGEROUS ROLE WAS
UNDERTAKEN BY RUSSIAN MILITARY FORCES IN
EGYPT.
THE SOVIET AIM IS EXPLOITATION
OF THE ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT IN A BID FOR
COMMUNIST PENETRATION AND PREDOMINANCE IN
THE MIDDLE EAST. MOSCOW HAS ARROGANTLY
AND FLAGRANTLY EMBARKED ON A DRIVE TO
DOMINATE THE MEDITERRANEAN, UNDERMINE THE
--5--
SOUTHERN FLANK OF NATO, AND EXPAND RUSSIAN
INFLUENCE ACROSS AFRICA FROM THE INDIAN
OCEAN TO THE SOUTH ATLANTIC. MOSCOW'S
MOVES COINCIDE WITH AMERICAN PREOCCUPATION
IN INDO-CHINA. WE ARE TRYING TO END ONE
WAR. THEY ARE CYNICALLY ESCALATING ANOTHER
WAR AND INTRODUCING NEW ELEMENTS, BRINGING
DANGEROUS RISKS OF EXPANSION OF AN ALREADY
TRAGIC CONFLICT
LET ME STATE MY OWN OPINION.
WE CANNOT PERMIT A SITUATION IN WHICH
RUSSIA WOULD COVER BY ITS OWN MILITARY
FORCES THE UNRELENTING WAR OF ATTRITION BY
ARAB MILITARY AND GUERRILLA FORCES, THE
WAR OF LIQUIDATION AGAINST ISRAEL. THE
RUSSIAN MILITARY POWER PLAY IS A MATTER
OF GRAVE CONCERN. WE ARE TAKING STEPS AT
THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO DEAL
WITH IT. IT IS VITAL THAT MOSCOW AVOID A
FATAL MISCALCULATION.
--6--
I USE THE WORDS "GRAVE CONCERN"
WITH CAREFUL DELIBERATION. PRESIDENT
NIXON STATED ON FEBRUARY 18 THAT "THE
UNITED STATES WOULD VIEW ANY EFFORT BY
THE SOVIET UNION TO SEEK PREDOMINANCE IN
THE MIDDLE EAST AS A MATTER OF GRAVE
CONCERN." HE WARNED AGAINST THE
EXPLOITATION OF LOCAL CONFLICT BY AN
OUTSIDE POWER FOR ITS OWN ADVANTAGE. HE
PLEDGED ARMS TO FRIENDLY STATES AS THE
NEED ARISES.
IT IS NOW APPARENT TO ME THAT THE
SOVIET ESCALATION HAS CHANGED THE BALANCE
OF POWER. NEED NOW EXISTS FOR THE
IMMEDIATE SALE OF ADDITIONAL PHANTOM JETS
AND OTHER ARMS TO ISRAEL. THIS IS ONE
ACTION THAT WILL NOTIFY THE RUSSIANS THAT
WE ARE NEITHER COPPING-OUT ON OUR FRIENDS
NOR SURRENDERING THE REGION TO THE FORCES
OF AGGRESSION.
--7--
SRAEL MUST NOT BECOME ANOTHER
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
OR ANOTHER HUNGARY
OUR PROMPT ACTION TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL JETS
WOULD HELP RESTORE A DETERIORATING
SITUATION, AVERT THE SPREADING OF THE WAR,
AND SERVE NOTICE TO THE KREMLIN THAT WE
WILL CONFRONT COMMUNIST AGGRESSION IN THE
MIDDLE EAST AS WELL AS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
WE HAVE WITNESSED DANGEROUS
BRINKMANSHIP BY THE SOVIET UNION IN EGYPT.
I WOULD URGE THE RUSSIANS TO HEED WITH
SPECIAL CARE A CERTAIN PORTION OF PRESIDENT
NIXON'S REMARKS OF APRIL 30.
[
WOULD ALSO
URGE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO PAY HEED
I
REFER TO THE PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT THAT
"SMALL NATIONS ALL OVER THE WORLD FIND
THEMSELVES UNDER ATTACK FROM WITHIN AND
FROM WITHOUT. IF WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN
THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL NATION -- THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- ACTS LIKE A
--8--
PITIFUL, HELPLESS GIANT, THE FORCES OF
TOTALITARIANISM AND ANARCHY WILL THREATEN
FREE NATIONS AND FREE INSTITUTIONS
THROUGHOUT THE WORLD." THIS STRONG
ST.ATEMENT I WOULD INTERPRET AS HAVING
WORLD-WIDE APPLICATION.
I PLACE GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE
NEED FOR EARLY ACTION TO PROVIDE THE
ADDITIONAL PHANTOM JETS REQUIRED BY ISRAEL.
IT WOULD ALLOW ISRAEL TO MAINTAIN A STRONG
DEFENSIVE CAPABILITY WITHOUT THE NEED FOR
INVOLVEMENT OF AMERICAN PERSONNEL. I DO NOT
THINK THE RUSSIANS WILL BE TOO READY TO
TACKLE AN ARMED, AND DETERMINED, AND
COURAGEOUS NATION -- ESPECIALLY IF THAT
NATION IS THE STATE OF ISRAEL, A SYMBOL
OF MAN'S HOPE FOR FREEDOM AND REDEMPTION.
IF WE WERE TO ALLOW THE SOVIET
UNION, THROUGH BRUTAL APPLICATION OF ITS
OWN MILITARY FORCE, TO CRUSH ISRAEL, THIS
--9--
WOULD MEAN THE END OF HOPE FOR ALL FREE
NATIONS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND EVEN
WESTERN EUROPE
RUSSIA HAS INVOLVED ITSELF WITH
NO INTENTION TO PRESERVE THE CEASE-FIRE.
IT IS MORE THAN A THREAT TO ISRAEL. I HAVE
NO PATIENCE WITH THOSE WHO SAY THAT WE
MUST APPEASE RUSSIA BY ABANDONING ISRAEL.
ISRAEL IS AN ASSET TO AMERICA, NOT A
LIABILITY. THE RUSSIAN TARGET TODAY MAY
BE THE AIRCRAFT OF ISRAEL. TOMORROW THE
TARGET OF THE NEW SOVIET EGYPTIAN AIR BASES
IS OBVIOUSLY THE UNITED STATES 6TH FLEET.
MOSCOW IS CONVERTING EGYPT INTO AN
UNSINKABLE AIRCRAFT CARRIER.
THERE IS A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME
IN THE MIDDLE EAST. IT IS A VERY GRIM
KIND OF GAME. HUMAN LIVES AND HUMAN
FREEDOM ARE INVOLVED. THE BALANCE OF POWER
HAS BEEN ALTERED IN A DRASTIC MANNER.
--10--
A WIDER WAR IS THREATENED. THE BEST WAY
TO AVERT SUCH A CATASTROPHE IS TO
IMMEDIATELY REDRESS THE BALANCE OF POWER.
WE MUST DRAMATIZE THE CREDIBILITY
OF AMERICAN INTENTIONS. I BELIEVE THAT OUR
NAVAL VESSELS SHOULD, FROM TIME TO TIME,
PAY COURTESY CALLS AT THE PORTS OF
FRIENDLY FOREIGN NATIONS. I WOULD BE
DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT A POWERFUL SHIP OF
THE U.S. 6TH FLEET MADE SUCH A CALL ON AN
ISRAELI SEAPORT. IT WOULD REASSURE OUR
FRIENDS AND MIGHT PREVENT OUR ENEMIES FROM
MISCALCULATING.
WE BELIEVE IN PEACE AND ARE
DEDICATED TO PROMOTING PEACE IN THE MIDDLE
EAST AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. WE REMEMBER
THE HORRORS OF WORLD WAR TWO AND -- WHEN
WE THINK OF THE WARSAW GHETTO AND THE
CONCENTRATION CAMPS -- WE RECALL THE PRICE
PAID FOR APPEASEMENT AND VACILLATION.
--11-- --
I SAY TO YOU TODAY. ISRAEL MUST NOT BECOME
ANOTHER WARSAW GHETTO.
PRESIDENT NIXON IS WELL AWARE OF
THE NEED TO PRESERVE FREEDOM IN THE MIDDLE
EAST. HE POINTED OUT THAT ISRAEL'S
ENEMIES CAN AFFORD TO FIGHT A WAR AND LOSE.
THEY CAN COME BACK TO FIGHT AGAIN. BUT
ISRAEL CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE EVEN ONCE.
PRESIDENT NIXON SAID, "AMERICA KNOWS THAT,
AND AMERICA IS DETERMINED THAT ISRAEL IS
HERE IN THE FAMILY OF NATIONS TO STAY." "
THE REAL INTERESTS OF ARABS AND
ISRAELIS, OF RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS,
REQUIRE PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE. THE UNITED
STATES IS COMMITTED TO PEACEFUL AND
HONORABLE DEALINGS WITH ALL MEN, AT HOME
AND ABROAD. WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE
CAN, AS MEN OF CONSCIENCE AND INTEGRITY, TO
PROMOTE PEACE.
AND IN ISRAEL, THAT LAND WHERE
--12--
THE PROPHETS DREAMED THAT NATION SHOULD
NOT LIFT UP SWORD AGAINST NATION, LET THERE
BE PEACE.
FOR ISRAEL, A NATION OF PEOPLE
WHOSE SUFFERING MERITS A LIFE MORE CREATIVE
THAN PERPETUAL SERVICE IN AN ARMED CAMP,
LET THERE BE PEACE. FOR THE ARABS, WHOSE
POVERTY AND FRUSTRATION REQUIRE SCHOOLS
AND HOSPITALS AND A DECENT LIFE RATHER THAN
THE ENDLESS PURCHASE OF JETS AND GUNS, LET
THERE BE PEACE.
ISRAEL COULD BE A LIGHT UNTO THE
NATIONS OF THAT REGION IF THE ARABS WOULD
ACCEPT FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS OF THE JEWISH
FAITH AS ENTITLED TO NATIONHOOD AS ANY
OTHER PEOPLE. THE GENIUS AND PRODUCTIVITY
OF THE ISRAELIS COULD HELP OTHERS MAKE
THEIR DESERTS BLOSSOM.
INSTEAD OF THE CRADLE OF
CIVILIZATION BECOMING ITS GRAVE, LET THE
--13--
CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION GIVE RISE TO TWO
PEOPLES, ARAB AND JEWISH, EACH IN THEIR
OWN COUNTRIES, WITH COMMERCE AND TRAVEL
FLOWING ACROSS PEACEFUL BORDERS, AND WITH
A NEW SENSE OF MUTUAL RESPECT IN KEEPING
WITH OUR DREAM OF THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN
UNDER THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD.
I WANT TO ADD A SPECIAL AND VERY
PERSONAL WORD TO THIS AUDIENCE. MANY OF
YOU HAVE DEVOTED YOUR LIVES TO THE ISRAELI
CAUSE. YOU HAVE SEEN IN ISRAEL A REDEMPTION
OF FREEDOM AND HUMAN DIGNITY, THE REBIRTH
OF A PEOPLE. BUT WE ARE NOW WITNESSING
PAINFUL DAYS, TRAGIC DAYS, IN WHICH THE
POWERS AND POLITICAL TRENDS AND PRESSURES
OF THE WORLD APPEAR TO BE CONVERGING ON
THE MIDDLE EAST.
ISRAEL WAS REBORN IN BLOOD AND
FIRE. ISRAEL IS TODAY STRUGGLING IN AN
ORDEAL OF BLOOD AND FIRE. BUT THIS TIME
--14--
IT IS DIFFERENT. THE STATE OF ISRAEL HAS
PROVED ITS METTLE. ISRAEL IS A NATION
AMONG THE NATIONS.
YOU CAN TAKE PRIDE, AS DEDICATED
SUPPORTERS OF ISRAEL, IN THE NATION YOU HAVE
HELPED BUILD. BUT THE WATCHMAN OF ISRAEL
DOES NOT SLEEP.
TRYING DAYS LIE AHEAD. YET, IN
YOUR HEART OF HEARTS, YOU CAN DRAW FAITH
AND SUSTENANCE AND REASSURANCE FROM ONE
FACT. THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA. THIS IS OUR COUNTRY AND WE, JEWS
AND NON-JEWS, PEOPLES OF ALL PARTS OF
THIS COUNTRY, THE SILENT AMERICANS AND
THE ARTICULATE AMERICANS, WILL NOT LET
ISRAEL DOWN.
-- END --
Distributions
Full
Halleries Mail HOGE ONEY 11:45
moffice Capy
REMARKS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE AMERICAN-ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE LUNCHEON
IN ROOM B-339, RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C.
12:15 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 11, 1970
FOR RELEASE AT 12:15 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 11, 1970
Last year I had the honor of standing before a similar luncheon of
this committee here at the U.S. Capitol. We then commemorated the 21st anni-
versary of Israel's independence. A year has passed.
Many changes have transpired. We are living in a time of anxiety,
tension, and transition. But there are some factors that remain constant. The
main factor that I would like to reaffirm today is the continuing sincerity of
American friendship for the State of Israel. Last year I told this group that
"I firmly beliewe that the fate of Israel is linked with the national security
interests of the United States." Today I reiterate that conviction.
Last year I said that I could not concevie of a situation "in which the
U.S. Administration will sell Israel down the Nile. That will not happen--now or
in the future.
We are well aware of the dedication of the Administration to withdrawal
from Indo-China under conditions of peace with honor. We have also carefully
noted that our recent pre-occupation with the "privileged sanctuaries" in Cam-
bodia is being exploited by the Soviet Union. Moscow is cynically escalating
tensions in the Middle East. The Russians have committed the Soviet Air Force
to an active role in Egypt along with missile troops, SAM-3 missiles, and other
elements of military power. The Russians appear determined to screen the Nasser
regime with a protective umbrella, creating a privileged sanctuary from which
Egypt might sally forth with continued violations of the United Nations cease-fire.
I noted that Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan a few days ago announced
that Israel has halted deep penetration raids into Egypt to avoid possible
clashes with Soviet air and anti-aircraft forces. He asserted readiness to
re-establish an unconditional and unlimited cease-fire.
The only response the Arabs have made is an increase in artillery
barrages and guerrilla attacks. Soviet Premier Kosygin has now confirmed Soviet
military involvement in Egypt. The commitment of Russian military forces is a
negation of the Soviet pretensions to pursuit of peace in the region. The commit-
ment of weapons and troops is no way to reduce tensions.
Our government announced on March 23 that additional jet sales to Israel
would be temporarily withheld. It was indicated by the Department of State that
(More)
-2-
this policy of restraint was really a signal to Moscow that the United States
wanted to cool down the arms race; we were taking the first step so that the
Russians would know our peaceful intentions and similarly exercise restraint.
Instead, the Russians ignored our example. An entirely new and dangerous role was
undertaken by Russian military forces in Egypt.
The Soviet aim is exploitation of the Arab-Israeli conflict in a bid for
Communist penetration and predominance in the Middle East. Moscow has arrogantly
and flagrantly embarked on a drive to dominate the Mediterranean, undermine the
southern flank of NATO, and expand Russian influence across Africa from the
Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic. Moscow's moves coincide with American pre-
occupation in Indo-China. We are trying to end one war. They are cynically
escalating another war and introducing new elements, bringing dangerous risks of
expansion of an already tragic conflict.
Let me state my own opinion. We cannot permit a situation in which the
Russians would cover by its own military forces the unrelenting war of attrition
by Arab military and guerrilla forces, the war of liquidation against Israel.
The Russian military power play is a matter of grave concern. It is vital that
Moscow avoid a fatal miscalculation.
I use the words "grave concern" with careful deliberation. President
Nixon stated on February 18 that "the United States would view any effort by
the Soviet Union to seek predominance in the Middle East as a matter of grave
concern." He warned against the exploitation of local conflict by an outside
power for its own advantage. He pledged arms to friendly states as the need
arises.
It is now apparent to me that the Soviet escalation has changed the
balance of power. Need now exists for the immediate sale of additional Phantom
jets and other arms to Israel. This is one action that will notify the Russians
that we are neither copping out on our friends nor surrendering the region to
the forces of aggression.
Israel must not become another Czechoslovakia or another Hungary.
Our
prompt action to provide additional jets would help restore a deteriorating
situation, avert the spreading of the war, and serve notice to the Kremlin that
we will confront Communist aggression in the Middle East as well as in Southeast
Asia.
We have witnessed dangerous brinkmanship by the Soviet Union in Egypt.
I would urge the Russians to heed with special care a certain portion of Presi-
(More)
-3-
dent Nixon's remarks of April 30. I would also urge the American people to pay
heed. I refer to the President's statement that "small nations all over the world
find themselves under attack from within and without. If when the chips are down
the world's most powerful nation the United States of America--acts like a
pitiful, helpless giant, the forces of totalitarianism and anarchy will threaten
free nations and free institutions throughout the world." This strong statement
I would interpret as having worldwide application.
I place great emphasis on the need for early action to provide the
additional Phantom jets required by Israel. It would allow Israel to maintain
a strong defensive capability without the need for involvement of American person-
nel. I do not think the Russians will be too ready to tackle an armed, and
determined, and courageous ation-especially if that nation is the State of
Israel, a symbol of man's hope and redemption.
If we were to allow the Soviet Union, through brutal application of its
own military force, to crush Israel, this would mean the end of hope for all free
nations of the Mediterranean and even Western Europe.
Russia has involved herself with no intention to preserve the cease-fire.
This is more than a threat to Israel. I have no patience with those who say that
we must appease Russia by abandoning Israel. Israel is an asset to !merica, not
a liability. The Russian target today may be the aircraft of Israel. Tomorrow
the target of the new Soviet Egyptian air bases is obviously the United Shates
6th Fleet. Moscow is converting Egypt into an unsinkable aircraft carrier.
Therems a whole new ball game in the Middle East. It is a very grim kind
of game. Human lives and human freedom are involved. The balance of power has
been altered in a drastic manner. A wider war is threatened. The best way to
avert such a catastrophe is to immediately redress the balance of power.
We must dramatize the credibility of American intentions. I believe that
our naval vessels should, from time to time, pay courtesy calls at the ports of
friendly foreign nations. I would be delighted to hear that a powerful ship of
the U.S. 6th Fleet made such acoall on an Israeli seaport. It would reassure
our friends and might prevent our enemies from miscalculating.
We believe in peace and are dedicated to promoting peace in the Middle
East and throughout the world. We remember the horrors of World War II and--when
we think of the Warsaw Ghetto and the concentration camps--we recall the price paid
for appeasement and vacillation. I say to you today: Israel must not become
another Warsaw Ghetto!
(More)
-4-
President Nixon is well aware of the need to preserve freedom in the Middle
East. He pointed out that Israel's enemies can afford to fight a war and lose.
They can come back to fight again. But Israel cannot afford to lose even once.
President Nixon said, "America knows that, and America is determined that Israel
is here in the family of nations to stay."
The real interests of Arabs and Israelis, of Russians and Americans, require
peaceful coexistence. The United States is committed to peaceful and honorable
dealings with all men, at home and abroad. We are doing everything we can as
men of conscience and integrity, to promote peace.
And in Israel, that land where the prophets dreamed that nation should not
lift up sword against nation, let there be peace.
For Israel, a nation of people whose suffering merits a life more creative
than perpetual service in an armed camp, let there be peace. For the Arabs,
whose poverty and frustration require schools and hospitals and a decent life
rather than the endless purchase of jets and guns, let there be peace.
Israel could be a light unto the nations of that region if the Arabs would
accept fellow human beings of the Jewish faith as entitled to nationhood as any
other people. The genius and productivity of the Israelis could help others make
their deserts blossom.
Instead of the cradle of civilization becoming its grave, let the cradle of
civilization give rise to two peoples, Arab and Jewish, each in their own countries,
with commerce and travel flowing across peaceful borders, and with a new sense of
mutual respect in keeping with our dream of the brotherhood of man under the
fatherhood of God.
I want to add a special and very personal word to this audience. Many of
you have devoted your lives to the Israeli cause. You have seen in Israel a
redemption of freedom and human dignity, the rebirth of a people. But we are now
witnessing painful days, tragic days, in which the powers and political trends
and pressures of the world appear to be converging on the Middle East.
Israel was reborn in blood and fire. Israel is today struggling in an ordeal
of blood and fire. But this time it is different. The State of Israel has proved
its mettle. Israel is a nation among the nations.
You can take pride, as dedicated supporters of Israel, in the nation you
have helped build. But the watchman of Israel does not sleep.
(more)
-5-
Trying days lie ahead. Yet, in your heart of hearts, you can draw faith
and sustenance and reassurance from one fact: this is the United States of
America. This is our country and we, Jews and non-Jews, peoples of all parts of
this country, the silent Americans and the articulate Americans, will not let
Israel down.
###
REMARKS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE AMERICAN-ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE LUNCHEON
IN ROOM B-339, RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING, WASHINGTON, D.C.
12:15 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 11, 1970
FOR RELEASE AT 12:15 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 11, 1970
Last year I had the honor of standing before a similar luncheon of
this committee here at the U.S. Capitol. We then commemorated the 21st anni-
versary of Israel's independence. A year has passed.
Many changes have transpired. We are living in a time of anxiety,
tension, and transition. But there are some factors that remain constant. The
main factor that I would like to reaffirm today is the continuing sincerity of
American friendship for the State of Israel. Last year I told this group that
"I firmly beliewe that the fate of Israel is linked with the national security
interests of the United States." Today I reiterate that conviction.
Last year I said that I could not concevie of a situation "in which the
U.S. Administration will sell Israel down the Nile. That will not happen--now or
in the future.
We are well aware of the dedication of the Administration to withdrawal
from Indo-China under conditions of peace with honor. We have also carefully
noted that our recent pre-occupation with the "privileged sanctuaries" in Cam-
bodia is being exploited by the Soviet Union. Moscow is cynically escalating
tensions in the Middle East. The Russians have committed the Soviet Air Force
to an active role in Egypt along with missile troops, SAM-3 missiles, and other
elements of military power. The Russians appear determined to screen the Nasser
regime with a protective umbrella, creating a privileged sanctuary from which
Egypt might sally forth with continued violations of the United Nations cease-fire.
I noted that Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Dayan a few days ago announced
that Israel has halted deep penetration raids into Egypt to avoid possible
clashes with Soviet air and anti-aircraft forces. He asserted readiness to
re-establish an unconditional and unlimited cease-fire.
The only response the Arabs have made is an increase in artillery
barrages and guerrilla attacks. Soviet Premier Kosygin has now confirmed Soviet
military involvement in Egypt. The commitment of Russian military forces is a
negation of the Soviet pretensions to pursuit of peace in the region. The commit-
ment of weapons and troops is no way to reduce tensions.
Our government announced on March 23 that additional jet sales to Israel
would be temporarily withheld. It was indicated by the Department of State that
(More)
-2-
this policy of restraint was really a signal to Moscow that the United States
wanted to cool down the arms race; we were taking the first step SO that the
Russians would know our peaceful intentions and similarly exercise restraint.
Instead, the Russians ignored our example. An entirely new and dangerous role was
undertaken by Russian military forces in Egypt.
The Soviet aim is exploitation of the Arab-Israeli conflict in a bid for
Communist penetration and predominance in the Middle East. Moscow has arrogantly
and flagrantly embarked on a drive to dominate the Mediterranean, undermine the
southern flank of NATO, and expand Russian influence across Africa from the
Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic. Moscow's moves coincide with American pre-
occupation in Indo-China. We are trying to end one war. They are cynically
escalating another war and introducing new elements, bringing dangerous risks of
expansion of an already tragic conflict.
Let me state my own opinion. We cannot permit a situation in which the
Russians would cover by its own military forces the unrelenting war of attrition
by Arab military and guerrilla forces, the war of liquidation against Israel.
The Russian military power play is a matter of grave concern. It is vital that
Moscow avoid a fatal miscalculation.
I use the words "grave concern" with careful deliberation. President
Nixon stated on February 18 that !thetUnited States would view any effort by
the Soviet Union to seek predominance in the Middle East as a matter of grave
concern." He warned against the exploitation of local conflict by an outside
power for its own advantage. He pledged arms to friendly states as the need
arises.
It is now apparent to me that the Soviet escalation has changed the
balance of power. Need now exists for the immediate sale of additional Phantom
jets and other arms to Israel. This is one action that will notify the Russians
that we are neither copping out on our friends nor surrendering the region to
the forces of aggression.
Israel must not become another Czechoslovakia
or another Hungary.
Our
prompt action to provide additional jets would help restore a deteriorating
situation, avert the spreading of the war, and serve notice to the Kremlin that
we will confront Communist aggression in the Middle East as well as in Southeast
Asia.
We have witnessed dangerous brinkmanship by the Soviet Union in Egypt.
I would urge the Russians to heed with special care a certain portion of Presi-
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dent Nixon's remarks of April 30. I would also urge the Imerican people to pay
heed. I refer to the President's statement that "small nations all over the world
find themselves under attack from within and without. If when the chips are down
the world's most powerful nation-the United States of America--acts like a
pitiful, helpless giant, the forces of totalitarianism and anarchy will threaten
free nations and free institutions throughout the world." This strong statement
I would interpret as having worldwide application.
I place great emphasis on the need for early action to provide the
additional Phantom jets required by Israel. It would allow Israel to maintain
a strong defensive capability without the need for involvement of American person-
nel. I do not think the Russians will be too ready to tackle an armed, and
determined, and courageous nation--especially if that nation is the State of
Israel, a symbol of man's hope and redemption.
If we were to allow the Soviet Union, through brutal application of its
own military force, to crush Israel, this would mean the end of hope for all free
nations of the Mediterranean and even Western Europe.
Russia has involved herself with no intention to preserve the cease-fire.
This is more than a threat to Israel. I have no patience with those who say that
we must appease Russia by abandoning Israel. Israel is an asset to !merica, not
a liability. The Russian target today may be the aircraft of Israel. Tomorrow
the target of the new Soviet Egyptian air bases is obviously the United States
6th Fleet. Moscow is converting Egypt into an unsinkable aircraft carrier.
Theremis a whole new ball game in the Middle East. It is a very grim kind
of game. Human lives and human freedom are involved. The balance of power has
been altered in a drastic manner. A wider war is threatened. The best way to
avert such a catastrophe is to immediately redress the balance of power.
We must dramatize the credibility of American intentions. I believe that
our naval vessels should, from time to time, pay courtesy calls at the ports of
friendly foreign nations. I would be delighted to hear that a powerful ship of
the U.S. 6th Fleet made such accall on an Israeli seaport. It would reassure
our friends and might prevent our enemies from miscalculating.
We believe in peace and are dedicated to promoting peace in the Middle
East and throughout the world. We remember the horrors of World War II and--when
we think of the Warsaw Ghetto and the concentration camps--we recall the price paid
for appeasement and vacillation. I say to you today: Israel must not become
another Warsaw Ghetto!
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President Nixon is well aware of the need to preserve freedom in the Middle
East. He pointed out that Israel's enemies can afford to fight a war and lose.
They can come back to fight again. But Israel cannot afford to lose even once.
President Nixon said, "America knows that, and America is determined that Israel
is here in the family of nations to stay."
The real interests of Arabs and Israelis, of Russians and Americans, require
peaceful coexistence. The United States is committed to peaceful and honorable
dealings with all men, at home and abroad. We are doing everything we can as
men of conscience and integrity, to promote peace.
And in Israel, that land where the prophets dreamed that nation should not
lift up sword against nation, let there be peace.
For Israel, a nation of people whose suffering merits a life more creative
than perpetual service in an armed camp, let there be peace. For the Arabs,
whose poverty and frustration require schools and hospitals and a decent life
rather than the endless purchase of jets and guns, let there be peace.
Israel could be a light unto the nations of that region if the Arabs would
accept fellow human beings of the Jewish faith as entitled to nationhood as any
other people. The genius and productivity of the Israelis could help others make
their deserts blossom.
Instead of the cradle of civilization becoming its grave, let the cradle of
civilization give rise to two peoples, Arab and Jewish, each in their own countries,
with commerce and travel flowing across peaceful borders, and with a new sense of
mutual respect in keeping with our dream of the brotherhood of man under the
fatherhood of God.
I want to add a special and very personal word to this audience. Many of
you have devoted your lives to the Israeli cause. You have seen in Israel a
redemption of freedom and human dignity, the rebirth of a people. But we are now
witnessing painful days, tragic days, in which the powers and political trends
and pressures of the world appear to be converging on the Middle East.
Israel was reborn in blood and fire. Israel is today struggling in an ordeal
of blood and fire. But this time it is different. The State of Israel has proved
its mettle. Israel is a nation among the nations.
You can take pride, as dedicated supporters of Israel, in the nation you
have helped build. But the watchman of Israel does not sleep.
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Trying days lie ahead. Yet, in your heart of hearts, you can draw faith
and sustenance and reassurance from one fact: this is the United States of
America. This is our country and we, Jews and non-Jews, peoples of all parts of
this country, the silent Americans and the articulate Americans, will not let
Israel down.
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