Speech #870214001

I had the honor to present to the House of Representatives a statement on Israel. This significant statement so met with approval that 232 Members of the House of Representatives joined with me. more than a majority. in endorsing the statement. I want you to hear it because it is of the utmost significance in the pursuit of our U.S. foreign policy that you and the members of our administration. responsible for the conduct of foreign affairs. understand it and absorb it: "Israels 14th anniversary will be hailed by the American people who favored the reestablishment of an independent Jewish Commonwealth and who have rejoiced at the progress the people of Israel have made to utilize their independence for human advancement: to rehabilitate their land. to provide sanctuary for more than a million refugees and immigrants. to develop their [DIX June 20 economy. to cultivate their arts and sciences. to revive their civilization and culture. to cooperate constructively in the international community. "The interest and support which America has extended in these inspiring developments will continue. even as America extends its help to the Independence and freedom of all countries in the Middle East and elsewhere. "On this occasion. however. we are mindful that the people of Israel are still denied the blessings of peace and that they must continue to adjust themselves to a state of belligerence on the part of their neighbors. This Arab war against Israel is unique. The United Nations Charter outlaws war. Yet here in the Middle East. in unprecedented defiance of the charter. belligerence is carried on without challenge. intervention or rebuke by the international community. "The continuation of this hostile policy. resulting in heavy armaments. boycott. blockade. threat of destruction and border incidents. is a costly burden for all the people of the Middle East and an obstruction to their economic progress and development and to regional cooperation. "And it spells danger. not only to the Arabs and Israelis. but to world peace. because In our world today any local conflict may spread into general and widespread hostility. "We believe that the Issues which divide Israel and the Arab States must be resolved in the spirit and the service of peace. This can only be done if the leaders of Israel and the Arab nations agree to meet honorably in recognition of their -mutual right to free existence in peace. There is no effective alternative. "Progress on border disputes. on economio development. on refugee resettlement. on disarmament. can best be promoted within the broad context of mutual acceptance of peace as an overriding duty and purpose. "An ArabIsrael peace has too long been delayed and denied. As the leader of the free world. the United States should be in the vanguard of world opinion in pressing for an ArabIsrael peace. We have a duty to protest against the maintenance of belligerence. hostility. and threat as national policies and attitudes. "We trust that the administration will pursue a policy. both within and without the United Nations. which firmly rejects all forms of aggression and which will make it clear to all governments in the Middle East that we do not condone war and that we persist in the search for peace as the major goal of American policy in the region." You will note that this statement is in low key.