A series of long-range predictions involving Israel’s relations with various world powers was presented by Premier David Ben Gurion today to a closed meeting of Mapai leaders in Tel Aviv. The discussion of the realities of Israel’s foreign policy took place in a Mapai “ideological circle” where one of the participants was recently retired Army Chief of Staff Brig. Moshe Dayan. Mr. Ben Gurion reportedly made the following points:
1. There is no likelihood in the foreseeable future of any basic change in Soviet policy toward Israel.
2. There is little chance that Communist China will revise its attitude toward Israel.
3. The United States is extending Israel important, multifaceted aid, but it will not supply arms.
4. There is no sign of India’s entering into diplomatic relations with Israel. despite promises to do so.
5. The attitude in Britain toward Israel is changing in a favorable direction, but the British Government’s Middle East policy is still determined by its oil interests.
6. The unification of Western Europe increases the importance of that area — particularly Germany–for Israel. In that connection, Israel’s close ties with France are of utmost importance and will remain so in the future.
7. Europe is a source of arms for Israel, but should also become a source of a “political deterrent” to Arab aggression against Israel.
Dr. Giora Josephthal, the Mapai’s general secretary, who participated in the foreign policy review, proposed that Israel establish a technical aid program for underdeveloped Asian and African countries.
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