COMPROMISE IDEA TO OPEN GULF

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31383, 31 May 1967, Page 15

COMPROMISE IDEA TO OPEN GULF

(N.Z. Pr«« Association—Copyright)

WASHINGTON, May 30. The United States was reported today to be considering a possible compromise solution to the crisis in the Middle East under which the Gulf of Aqaba would be opened immediately to all ships except those flying the Israeli flag, the “New York Times” News Service reported. Under the proposal, President Gamal Abdel Nasser, of the United Arab Republic would relax his blockade so that all non-Israeli ships, including those carrying cargo for Israel, could pass through the Straits of Tiran.

Meanwhile, at the United Nations, Egyptian and Soviet positions on the Middle East crisis have dimmed hopes of swift action by the Security Council to relax tension, N.Z.P.A.-Reuter reported. In London, the Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, has called a Cabinet meeting for today to work out British policy in the Middle East Interim Step The Administration envisioned the proposal as an interim step leading toward an international convention regulating the movement of ships through the gulf. Under the convention, Egyptian territorial sovereignty over the Straits of Tiran would be recognised, but restrictions would be placed on Egypt’s rights to limit shipping movements through the narrow waterway controlling access to the gulf. Israel would be given freedom of passage through the waterway, though limits would be imposed on the movement of Israeli warships during a time of war. Administration officials, who are under strict orders of silence from the White House during the crisis, declined to comment on reports of the compromise proposal. Serious Study But Congressional sources In close consultation with high Administration officials said the proposal was being seriously studied as an alternative in case diplomatic efforts , through the United Nations to lift the Egyptian blockade of the gulf failed, as is expected. But there is considerable doubt that such a compromise , would be politically accept- . able to the Israeli Government The Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Levi Eshkol, re-empha-sised yesterday in Jerusalem, that Israel would not be content with any solution that did not open the gulf to Israeli shipping. He said he expected the United States, Britain and other countries to take action shortly to remove the Egyptian blockade on shipping in the Gulf of Aqaba. In a policy statement to the 1 Knesset (Parliament), he ■ said the United States, Bri- ‘ tain and other countries had ' undertaken to ensure freedom ' of shipping in the Straits of 1 Tiran which control entrance to the gulf and Israel’s key southern port of Eilat

“Such action is expected within a short period of time,” he told the crowded chamber.

The United States State Department said it had no confirmation of Cairo reports that Egyptian Navy units had fired warning shots across the bow of an American-owned tanker near the Straits of Tiran.

A department spokesman said the reports, by the Egyption newspaper “Al Ahram," had been checked as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. “We have no confirmation of press reports of firing on an American ship,” the special statement said. “There are no ships of

United States registry in that vicinity. “Neither, to the best of our knowledge, are there any United States-owned Liberianregistered tankers in the area, as has been alleged in these reports.” The 10 elected members of the United Nations Security Council have arranged private talks before another session to hammer out a resolution urging all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any move which might flare into war.

The United States, Britain, Argentina and Brazil were among delegates who endorsed such a proposal during yesterday’s four-hour council meeting, but doubt shrouding the Soviet attitude appeared

to rule out any worth-while action bn free passage through the Gulf of Aqaba. Egypt’s blockade of Israeli shipping through the gulf is regarded as potentially the most dangerous issue. U.A.R. Reply An appeal by Mr Arthur Goldberg of the United States for the UA.R. not to interfere with shipping through the Straits of Tiran brought a sharp rejoinder last night from Mr Mohammed Awad elKony, the Egyptian delegate. He said Israel had no right in the gulf as it was in Egyptian territorial waters. He also suggested a 15-day recess to allow the SecretaryGeneral, U Thant, to report on reviving the United Nations truce machinery. * This statement and one by Soviet delegate, Dr. Nikolai Federenko, blaming Israel for the current tension curbed hopes that the council could intervene effectively.