Statement by President Eisenhower on the Middle East &
the Israeli Mobilization
(October 28, 1956)
DURING THE LAST several days I have received disturbing
reports from the Middle East. These included information that Israel
was making a heavy mobilization of its armed forces. These reports became
so well authenticated that yesterday morning, after a meeting with the
Secretary of State, I sent a personal message to the Prime Minister
of Israel expressing my grave concern and. renewing a previous recommendation
that no forcible initiative be taken which would endanger the peace.
I have just received additional reports which indicate
that the Israeli mobilization has continued and has become almost complete
with consequent stoppage of many civil activities. The gravity of the
situation is such that I am dispatching a further urgent message to
Prime Minister Ben-Gurion.
I have given instructions that these developments be
discussed with the United Kingdom and France which joined with the United
States in the Tripartite Declaration of May 25, 1950 with respect to
the maintenance of peace in the Middle East.
While we have not heard of such large-scale mobilization
in countries neighboring Israel which would warrant such Israeli mobilization,
I have also directed that my concern over the present situation be communicated
to other Middle East states urgently requesting that they refrain from
any action which could lead to hostilities.
The Security Council of the United Nations now has
before it various aspects of the maintenance of peace in the Middle
East. I earnestly hope that none of the nations involved will take any
action that will hinder the Council in its efforts to achieve a peaceful
solution.
Sources: Public Papers of the President |