Statement Following Discussions with Israeli PM Eshkol
(January 8, 1968)
PRESIDENT JOHNSON invited Prime Minister Eshkol to
be his guest at the Texas White House on January 7 and 8, during the
Prime Minister's visit to the United States.
The President and the Prime Minister held several meetings
during which they discussed recent developments in the Middle East as
well as a number of questions of mutual interest in the bilateral relations
between their two countries.
The President and the Prime Minister considered the
implications of the pace of rearmament in the Middle East and the ways
and means of coping with this situation. The President agreed to keep
Israel's military defense capability under active and sympathetic examination
and review in the light of all relevant factors, including the shipment
of military equipment by others to the area.
The President and the Prime Minister restated their
dedication to the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle
East in accordance with the spirit of the Security Council resolution
of November 22, 1967. They also noted that the principles set forth
by President Johnson on June 19 constituted an equitable basis for such
a settlement.
The President and the Prime Minister noted that under
that Security Council resolution the Secretary General of the United
Nations has designated Ambassador Jarring as his Special Representative.
They also noted with satisfaction that Ambassador Jarring is already
engaged in discussions with the governments concerned and affirmed their
full support of his mission.
The President and the Prime Minister reviewed with
satisfaction developments in the relations between the United States
and Israel since their last meeting in 1964 and expressed their firm
intention to continue the traditionally close, friendly and cooperative
ties which link the peoples of Israel and the United States.
Noting the mutual dedication of their governments and
people to the value of peace, resistance to aggression wherever it occurs,
individual freedom, human dignity and the advancement of man through
the elimination of poverty, ignorance, and disease, the President and
the Prime Minister declared their firm determination to make every effort
to increase the broad area of understanding which already exists between
Israel and the United States and agreed that the Prime Minister's visit
advanced this objective.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |