‘BALANCED’ ATTITUDE ON MIDEAST
(Diplomatic circles in Vienna said today that Waldheim tried to maintain the “balanced” attitude on the Middle East that he believes fits best with Austria’s post-war role. They noted that as Foreign Minister he maintained equally cordial relationships with the Arab and Israeli Ambassadors but pointedly refused to accept invitations to visit either Israel or the Arab countries.)
(The circles described Waldheim as “a typical diplomat” who has scrupulously avoided involving either himself or his country in any international quarrels. During the presidential campaign last April, which he lost by a narrow vote, he avoided involvement in the quarrels and accusations stemming from the Nazi era in spite of the rival Social Damocratic candidate Franz Jonas’ attempts to draw him into the controversy. He did not come out in favor of former Austrian Nazis nor did he attack them any more than is “normal” in post-war Austria, the circles said.)
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