Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion’s desert retreat at Sde Boker had a large number of visitors today bringing good wishes to the Premier on his 75th birthday.
An elaborate program to celebrate the occasion had been prepared but it was shelved when the Prime Minister said he wanted any festivities restricted to his family and a few close friends. Sde Boker members scheduled a small party tonight in the communal dining hall at which Mrs. Ben-Gurion will serve cookies.
The numerous cables included one from Sir Winston Churchill, Burma’s Premier U Nu wrote: “Your many friends and admirers in Burma join me in prayers on the occasion of your birthday blessing you with long life, good health and much happiness. We whole heartedly hope you will enjoy many years so our turbulent world will continue to benefit from your wisdom and experience.”
(Numerous Jewish organizations and leading personalities in the United States today cabled congratulations to Premier Ben-Gurion on his 75th birthday. The Yiddish-language daily newspapers carried editorials emphasizing Mr. Ben-Gurion’s importance not only to Israel but also to the entire Jewish people. The New York Herald Tribune, one of the country’s leading newspapers, stressed editorially Mr. Ben-Gurion’s wish for a world reconciliation and peace.)
The Socialist International Bureau sent today a message of “warmest greetings” to Mr. Ben-Gurion stating: “We pay tribute to your distinguished services to the cause of Israel and world democratic socialism. Good wishes for your continued good health and vigor.”
(In Brazil, Mr. Ben-Gurion’s birthday was officially observed today in two distinct moves. Prime Minister Tancredo Neves cabled greetings to Mr. Ben-Gurion, congratulating the Israeli leader warmly on his birthday. At the same time. Governor Carlos Lacerda announced that a street in this Brazilian metropolis would be named after Mr. Ben-Gurion.)
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