PROTEST BY AMERICA NATO Weapons In Egypt

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28128, 17 November 1956, Page 11

PROTEST BY AMERICA NATO Weapons In Egypt

(Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.

The United States Defence Depart ment today accused Britain and France of violating their international agreements with the United States by using American military aid equipment in the Suez campaign. The department said the United States had made representations to the British and French “concerning their violation of bilateral agreements concerning military equipment destined for the defence of the North Atlantic Treaty area.’’ The bilateral agreements with Britain and France specify that United States military aid is to be used “to promote the integrated defence of the North Atlantic Treaty area.’’ The department noted that the Slate Department on November 3 had cautioned Britain and France against such use of arms supplied to them as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. However, the Defence Department said that the cease fire in Suez might make further representations unnecessary. The Defence Department’s state ment said the United States “nas been aware . . . that Uni tea States equipment has been diverted to the support of operations in the Suez area.” The department said this knowledge was based on two sources: (1) Information from British and French authorities. «2) Reports from United States military assistance advisory groups in Britain and France who maintain a check on the use of United States furnished military equipment.