Eban Says He and Jarring Did Not Discuss Resumption of Envoy’s Middle East Mission

Foreign Minister Abba Eban said that he did not discuss resumption of Dr. Gunnar V. Jarring’s Mideast mission in his recent talk with the United Nations envoy in Switzerland. “It was clear to both of us that as long as the Big Four are dealing with the matter, this makes Jarring’s mission impossible and temporarily paralyzes and peace initiative,” Mr. Eban declared. He said that it was important that Israel maintain contact with Dr. Jarring and keep him up to date on its position on the Middle East conflict.

Since Israel has no diplomatic foothold in Moscow–Russia severed relations after the Six-Day War–it is important that Dr. Jarring remain acquainted with Israel’s position while he is in Moscow “where doors are open for him,” Mr. Eban declared. Dr. Jarring, his mission temporarily suspended, has been back at his post as Sweden’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union. At the Eban-Jarring talks, they reviewed the last consultations they had before Dr. Jarring left the Mideast.