Israel’s Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, who is paying a 12-day visit to France, has found a “most friendly attitude” on the part of President Charles de Gaulle, as the two statesmen discussed a variety of subjects of common interest to both governments, it was revealed here today. Mr. Eshkol met for a full hour yesterday with President de Gaulle, who, according to most reliable sources here, showed “great understanding for Israel’s problems–economic, political and military.”
In spite of the fact that Mr. Eshkol’s visit was nominally private, the Israeli Premier was received by General de Gaulle with great “eclat.” As the car carrying Mr. Eshkol, who was accompanied by Walter Eytan, Israel’s Ambassador to France, arrived in the courtyard of the Presidential palace, 10 Presidential guards costumed in full uniform formed an arch. A platoon of infantry presented arms as Mr. Eshkol was greeted by President de Gaulle’s political secretary, Pierre Gallichon. The latter escorted Mr. Eshkol and Mr. Eytan to the President’s study for a conference which was attended only by Mr. Eshkol and Mr. Eytan, President de Gaulle, and two interpreters.
Throughout the conference, it was reported, Gen. de Gaulle referred to Israel as “our friend and ally.” The Israeli Premier beought up in his talk with Gen, de Gaulle the possibility of Franco-Israeli cooperation in various scientific fields, especially in the science of oceanography. The same topic had been discussed earlier in a separate conference between Mr. Eshkol and French Prime Minister Georges Pompidon.
ARAB BOYCOTT DISCUSSED; DE GAULLE LAUDS ISRAEL’S WORK IN AFRICA
Although no formal communique was issued after the de Gaulle-Eshkol conference, it was understood that, in addition to scientific cooperation, they talked also about the international situation in general, the Middle East situation, relations with West Germany and with Communist China, and Israel’s relations with the Common Market. On all these subjects, it was stated authoritatively, the two leaders found themselves “in complete agreement.”
Reliable sources described the Franco-Israeli situation, after the meeting, as “unchanged in all fields,” declaring that “the same close ties between Israel and France continue to exist.” Both President de Gaulle and Premier Pompidou showed keen interest in a Franco-Israeli scientific agreement.
Mr. Eshkol had also raised, in his talk with Premier Pompidou, the issue of the Arab boycott against Israel. The Israeli leader called M. Pompidou’s attention to the fact that, if private firms were to give in to Arab threats in the demands for a boycott of Israel, the economy of the Jewish State would be harmed seriously.
General de Gaulle had expressed to Mr. Eshkol “admiration” for Israel’s work in Africa, and voiced a favorable reaction toward Israel’s aid to underdeveloped countries.
FRANCE FAVORS MAINTAINING A BALANCE OF POWER IN MIDDLE EAST
Earlier yesterday, during a luncheon tendered by Premier Pompidou in honor of the Israeli Prime Minister, M. Pompidou had said: “We know that no Government aspires toward peace as keenly as does the Israeli Government. That is why we are in favor of maintaining a balance of power in the Middle East.” The French Premier further stressed Franco-Israeli friendship.
In response to M. Pompidou’s toast, Mr. Eshkol mentioned Israel’s “deep gratitude to France,” expressing his certitude that “the second half of our mutual friendship will be even closer and more productive, if possible, than the first.”
In the opinion of all qualified observers here, Mr. Eshkol and Shimon Peres, Israel’s Deputy Minister of Defense, who is escorting the Israeli Premier, have scored a resounding victory and have helped to draw closer than ever the relations between France and Israel. Once again, it is felt here, the friendship between France and Israel has been reaffirmed by the topmost officials of the two governments.
Mr. Eshkol visited the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization here today, being received as a guest of honor by Rene Maheu, director-general of UNESCO. The Israeli flag was flown from a masthead in front of the building as the Israeli Government leader arrived for his visit, and M. Maheu met him on the steps at the entrance, introducing him later to other leading officials of the world organization.
M. Maheu presented Mrs. Eshkol with a book published by UNESCO, devoted to Israel’s art treasures. After the inspection of the UNESCO headquarters, Mr. and Mrs. Eshkol and members of their party were guests of honor at a luncheon tendered for them by M. Maheu. The event was attended by most of UNESCO’s leading officials.
Tomorrow, Premier Eshkol will be received by the French National Assembly. Thursday he will be honored by the French Defense Minister who is giving a banquet in honor of the Israeli Premier. Friday he will attend a reception given by the Franco-Israeli Friendship Society. Following this he will leave Paris for the country home of Baron Edmond de Rothschild where he will spend the weekend.
Premier Eshkol and his party will return to Paris on Monday at which time he will begin a three-day tour of French military, agricultural and industrial establishments, Following a press conference to be held on Thursday, July 9, the Israeli Prime Minister will leave for Israel on Friday morning, July 10.
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.
