Eshkol, in London, Begins Round of Talks with British Government Leaders

Prime Minister Eshkol lunched with British political leaders today in what was described as “an excellent atmosphere.” The Israeli leader was relaxed and “in very cordial spirits” as he exchanged views with Foreign Secretary George Brown and others. Mr. Brown was the last to leave.

This afternoon, Mr. Eshkol met with leaders of Britain’s Jewish community in his hotel suite where he reiterated his desire for face-to-face talks with Arab leaders, if necessary with the U. N.’s Middle East envoy Ambassador Gunnar Jarring acting as “shadchan” (matchmaker). Mr. Eshkol said that he was not in Britain to buy any military equipment, adding that “the British do not have the kind of military hardware Israel needs.” He spoke of the dangers in the mounting Arab acts of terrorism and sabotage against Israel which “could lead us to the brink” but stressed that it was peace talks, not fighting, that Israel desired.

Mr. Eshkol arrived here last evening from New York and was greeted at the airport by Minister of State Goronwy Roberts, representing the British Government; Michael Fiedler, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews; Ambassador Aharon Remez and senior members of the Israel Embassy staff and leaders of the British Zionist Organization and the Joint Palestine Appeal.

In a press conference at the airport, Mr. Eshkol said he was prepared to meet the Arabs face to face. Ambassador Jarring, he said, might preside at the first meeting and then leave the two sides to carry on by themselves. A face-to-face meeting such as this, he commented, would imply recognition by each side of the other’s existence.

The prime minister said he would not exclude the holy places from the agenda of the meeting. He said that in his quest for peace, he was prepared to “go as far as Cairo if invited by President Nasser.” He confirmed reports of an American agreement for the supply of additional A-4 Skyhawk fighter bombers.