Israeli Foreign Minister Yigal Allon met with Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger for more than three hours during a working luncheon at the State Department today. Both indicated afterwards that the gap remains open between Israel and the U.S. on how to proceed toward a Middle East settlement.
Meeting reporters in the State Department lobby, Allon and Kissinger made brief statements displaying cordiality and spoke in the future tense of studies to be made by both countries of the situation, Allon said “Each party will study possibilities toward peace” and “all options are open.” He expressed the hope that they will “coordinate the views and steps in the future” because “I truly believe that there are Joint basic interests in the Middle East between the U.S. and Israel.”
Allon denied that “a crisis” existed between the two countries but conceded that there are “some misunderstandings which can be straightened out and should be done,” He said he was travelling across America for the United Jewish Appeal and “gladly accepted a suggestion from my old friend, Dr. Kissinger” for an “opportunity” to discuss views.
Kissinger described his talks with Allon as “constructive” and said that each country would study “how to revive the momentum toward peace.” Neither diplomat answered questions as Kissinger escorted the Israeli Foreign Minister to his waiting car. Kissinger said later that he did not know when Israeli Premier Yitzhak Rabin might visit Washington, There had been reports that Rabin would come to Washington In June to see President Ford.
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