Israel’s Parliament adopted last night a unanimous resolution demanding that the West German Government take urgent measures for the immediate halting of the “criminal activity” of West German scientists working in Egypt on “weapons of destruction endangering Israel’s security and the region’s peace.”
The Knesset reiterated its resolution on March 20, 1963 which denounced those activities and expressed displeasure that no effective measures had been taken on the problem since by West Germany. The resolution also called on world public opinion to exert its influence to bring about an end to the work in Egypt of the scientists.
The debate was opened by Mrs. Golda Meir, Israel’s Foreign Minister. She declared that the West German Government could not remain indifferent to the fact that, 19 years after the fall of the Hitler regime, which had caused the destruction of millions of Jews, members of the same people were again engaged in actions aimed at helping President Nasser of Egypt to attack Israel where the survivors of the Nazi holocaust lived. Her statement followed motions on the issue by Herut and Mapam.
Mrs. Meir recalled the 1963 Knesset resolution and asserted that the explanations for continued delay in Bonn in adopting appropriate legislation were unacceptable to Israel. “We cannot accept the view that the choice facing the West German Government is one between assuring the freedom of the individual and refraining from action to prevent its citizens in Egypt from aiding in preparations for Israel’s liquidation,” she said. “In a democratic regime, freedom of the individual also does not mean freedom to commit crimes.”
“We expect the German Government to undertake without delay measures necessary to stop the scientists’ work in Egypt,” she added. “Any other course will not be understood or accepted by the people of Israel and of the world.” After Mrs. Meir’s statement, speakers of various parties voiced indignation over the inaction of the West German Government. They urged the Israel Government to arouse world opinion on the issue.
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.
