The French Government today granted do facto recognition to Israel, an official communique announced. The announcement declared that France made its decision following the satisfactory conclusion of an exchange of views between the two governments.
“This decision does not pro-judge the definite demarcation, with United Nations approval, of territory on which the Government of Israel will exercise its authority,” the announcement said.
Maurice Fischer, Israeli representative here, commenting on the French Government’s action, declared: “I am happy that France took the lead among Western European countries in the matter of recognition. The sympathy of the French people for Israel has been expressed often since the creation of the Jewish state and it is a great satisfaction that the government officially recognizes the object of this sympathy. Accepting, us despite friendship with the Arabs and the numerous Moslem citizens of France shows that the government thinks that the existence of Israel is a factor peace and progress in the Middle East.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
