Better Atmosphere Expected for Talks Between Begin and Carter

Premier Menachem Begin left for the United States today for a tour of American Jewish communities and talks with President Carter that many observers felt will be conducted in a better atmosphere than prevailed at their earlier meeting in March. The improved climate was seen as a result of the Administration’s shift over the weekend away from its all-or-nothing position on the proposed package sale of aircraft to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Begin said on his departure that he welcomed the change. (See related story P. 3.)

Begin will be Carter’s guest at a White House reception tomorrow honoring the 30th anniversary of Israel’s independence. He told reporters at Ben Gurion Airport that American intervention may be necessary for the resumption of peace talks between Israel and Egypt. He blamed the Egyptians for breaking off the talks last January because Israel found unacceptable their demands for its return to the 1967 borders and self-determination for the Palestinians. Begin insisted that this would be tantamount to creating a Palestinian state.

He said in reply to questions that contacts with the Egyptians have not been discontinued but conceded that Israel has no new proposals to offer. He expressed the view that it was still possible to resume the meetings of the joint Israeli-Egyptian political and military committees. Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan had seven hours of discussion with Secretary of State Cyrus Vance in Washington last week devoted in large measure to finding a way to resume the Israeli-Egyptian negotiations. Begin said that Dayan proposed that the talks focus on substantive points rather than on a declaration of principles.

PURPOSE OF BEGIN’S TRIP

The official purpose of Begin’s trip to the U.S. is to participate in celebrations of Israel’s 30th anniversary in Jewish communities from coast to coast. The visit was arranged some time ago but it was only last week that Carter invited Begin to come to the White House. The Premier said he appreciated Carter’s initiative and was convinced that the timing of his trip was appropriate although some of his advisors thought otherwise.

Some observers here suggested that the primary target of Begin’s visit is American Jewry. They noted that a number of prominent American Jewish leaders have publicly expressed misgivings over Begin’s policies, particularly his interpretation of Security Council Resolution 242 and the settlements issue. The U.S. Administration proved it could make use of the doubts that have surfaced among American Jews and the Premier’s task is to explain his policies clearly and close the gap, these observers said.

(Begin arrived in New York this afternoon. He said only that his meetings with Carter and Vance will be more than ceremonial.)