SIR, — Your thoughtful and thought-provoking edi- torial on 'Israel : The
Testing Point' is both timely and welcome. By speaking plainly on British policy in the Middle East you have done a service to the cause of truth and justice.
The recent attitude of Britain towards the Arab- Israeli dispute has saddened those like myself who believe that the only true friend this country has in the Middle East is the democratic Jewish State. Britain, as you rightly point out, should have voted with France against the United Nations resolution demanding the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces. By voting as she did this country not only helped to place Israel's very future in jeopardy but at the same time helped to undermine the founda- tions of the United Nations.
Can it be that after all that has happened British leaders are still prepared to take the word of the Egyptian dictator?
Is not freedom of navigation through the Gulf of Aqaba a vital British interest?
Would the return of Gaza to Nasser be to this country's advantage?
The answer to all these question must surely be 'No.'
Let us hope that the Government will have second thoughts, adopt a more realistic Middle East policy and stop once and for all appeasing the Arab feudal overlords and military dictators who have nothing in common with Britain's democratic tradition. Unless it does so the remaining vestiges of Britain's influence in the area will disappear as surely as day follows night and the door will be wide open to Russian Communism.—Yours faithfully,
H. PINNER
4 Kennyland Court, Hendon Way, NW4
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