Israel’s Chief of Staff Arrives in France; Receives Decoration

General Moshe Dayan, chief of staff of the Israel Army, was formally received today by General Guillaume, chief of staff of the French Army, and decorated as a Commander of the Legion of Honor. Senior officers of the French armed services, as well as representatives of Israel led by Ambassador Jacob Tsur, witnessed the ceremonies.

“France proved her friendship and sympathy for Israel well before the establishment of our State,” said Gen. Dayan in thanking Gen. Guillaume for the honors. “This friendship was established during our darkest hours. During the six years since the creation of our State, the bonds of true friendship have been cemented between the Great State which is France and our small State–so new, yet so old. It is notable that, on the military side, France contributed to the instruction of our Army, opened its schools to our students, and sent to Israel, at our request, Gen. Berchoux to lecture to bur officers.”