Michael Arnon, Israel’s Consul-General here, in answer to an inquiry on the Bul magazine editors’ case by The New York Times; stated as follows: “The stories published in the Bul magazine represent a completely groundless fabrication. Bul is well-known in Israel as a sensational publication. It is relevant to note that one of the editors concerned has a previous conviction for espionage.
“In view of sustained Arab hostility and belligerence, a limited censorship exists in Israel on matters affecting the country’s threatened security.
“The two editors were put on trial, in which they admitted they had published stories which directly or by inference affect security matters. They also admitted that they had published fabricated and groundless rumors, including unfounded allusions to the Ben Barka affair. The accused asked for clemency and were sentenced to one year each.” Mr. Arnon said he did not know which of the editors had been previously convicted of espionage.
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